Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Corgi vs Chihuahua: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Corgi vs Chihuahua

Chihuahuas and Corgis originate from opposite sides of the world, and their differences don’t end there. Tiny Chihuahuas hail from Mexico, where they have been human companions for hundreds of years. The two Corgi breeds—Pembroke and Cardigan—were developed in medieval Britain, where they’ve served as cattle herders for almost 1,000 years.

In size, skill, and origin story, these two breeds couldn’t be more different, but both make excellent pets for the right person or family. To help you decide which of these breeds is right for you, we’ve created this handy comparison guide.

Keep reading to learn whether you should choose a Corgi or Chihuahua as your next pet.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-01-TEST

Visual Differences

Dogster_Side by Side Comparison_ Corgi vs Chihuahua
You’re welcome to use our images, but we require you link directly to this site for credit (ex. Image from Dogster)

At a Glance

Corgi
  • Average height (adult): 10–12.5 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 25–38 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Exercise: 1+ hours a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Usually
  • Trainability: Smart, sensitive, eager to please, but with an independent streak
Chihuahua
  • Average height (adult): 5–8 inches
  • Average weight (adult): Under 6 pounds
  • Lifespan: 14–16 years
  • Exercise: 30 minutes a day
  • Grooming needs: Low-moderate
  • Family-friendly: Families with older kids only
  • Other pet-friendly: Sometimes
  • Trainability: Smart, strong-willed, and fairly eager to please

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

Corgi Overview

Personality ❤️

Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are affectionate, loyal, and social dogs. They are athletic and strong for their size. Pembrokes are more energetic and lively than Cardigans. While they enjoy exercise, they also don’t mind the occasional day on the couch.

Neither dog likes being left alone, and they tend to bark a lot. They are surprisingly good watchdogs, although they’re not particularly protective or wary of strangers.

two happy welsh corgi pembroke dogs at a beach
Image by: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock

Exercise

Corgis need at least 1 hour of exercise each day. Activities they enjoy include walking, jogging, hiking, and playing fetch. They also love sports like herding, agility, and flyball. However, Corgis are at higher risk of back injuries because of their body type.

Because of this, you should be careful about allowing them to perform activities that involve a lot of jumping and twisting.

Training

Since they’re bred to work with humans as herding dogs, both Corgis are smart and typically eager to please. Pembroke Welsh Corgis can sometimes be a bit more stubborn, although they generally respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques.

Corgis are sensitive dogs that won’t tolerate harsh treatment. Early socialization is vital for both Corgi breeds since they can become reactive and loud without it.

Health & Care

Because of their short legs and long bodies, both Corgi breeds are vulnerable to spinal injuries. They should avoid jumping on and off stairs or furniture to protect their backs.

Corgis are also prone to the following inherited medical issues:
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Heart issues

When choosing a Corgi breeder, ask whether their breeding dogs have received all recommended screening tests.

Welsh Corgi dog being punished for bad behavior
Image by: Vitalii Matokha, Shutterstock

Grooming ✂️

Corgis have a double coat and shed year-round, with seasonally heavy hair loss. Daily brushing is recommended to keep the shedding under control. Corgis should also have regular nail trims, which you’ll need to teach your dog to accept from a young age.

In addition, they should have their ears checked and cleaned as needed. Brush their teeth several times per week or use other dental care products recommended by your veterinarian.

Suitability

Both Corgis are suitable for a wide variety of families and living situations as long as they can receive plenty of attention and physical and mental stimulation. They are small enough to live in an apartment, but you’ll need to be aware of their tendency to bark.

Corgis don’t necessarily need a yard to play in as long as they can receive at least an hour of exercise each day. When properly socialized, they typically do well with kids and other pets.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Chihuahua Overview

Personality ❤️

Chihuahuas are the definition of the phrase “big dog in a small body.” These tiny dogs pack a lot of attitude and often don’t seem to know their own size. If not given boundaries, socialization, and training, Chihuahuas can be sassy and will try to dominate the household.

Playful and charming with their families, Chihuahuas are typically suspicious of strangers and won’t hesitate to bark at them. They might be the smallest watchdogs in the canine world, but they’ll take their duties as seriously as a German Shepherd.

Cute purebred Chihuahua puppy resting on green meadow
Image by: Rafael Guajardo, Pexels

Exercise

Chihuahuas are energetic, but because of their size, it doesn’t take much exercise to wear them out. The breed only needs about 30 minutes of exercise a day, and they often don’t even need to leave the house to get it.

However, a daily walk where they encounter other pets and people is an excellent option to help socialize a Chihuahua.

Training

Most Chihuahuas are smart, but they’re also prone to be strong-willed. Once bonded with their owners, they generally want to please, but it may take some patience to get there. Because of their size, many Chihuahua owners don’t bother giving them the training and socialization they would with a larger dog.

Unfortunately, this lack of training often results in Chihuahuas with severe behavioral issues. They may be sweet to their owners, but their attitude towards the staff at the veterinarian’s office is anything but!

Health & Care

Standard Chihuahuas are a reasonably healthy breed overall, but “Teacup” Chihuahuas are a different story.

Some of the inherited conditions you’ll find in Chihuahuas include:
  • Luxating patellas (loose kneecaps)
  • Heart issues
  • Epilepsy
  • Eye disorders

Teacup Chihuahuas are produced by deliberately breeding already abnormally small dogs together. Often, these dogs are tiny due to health problems, and the resulting puppies are prone to multiple health conditions, such as liver shunts, low blood sugar, and a brain condition called hydrocephalus.

Portrait of a cute chihuahua puppy
Image Credit: kei907, Shutterstock

Grooming ✂️

Chihuahuas come in long and short-haired varieties, so their grooming needs will vary. Neither coat type sheds heavily, and short-haired Chihuahuas don’t need to be brushed often. Long-haired Chihuahuas should be brushed at least once a week to keep their coats tangle-free.

Like many small and toy dog breeds, Chihuahuas are prone to dental disease. Brushing their teeth effectively can be tricky because of their tiny mouths, so ask your vet for recommendations for at-home dental care. Chihuahuas rarely get enough wear on their nails to keep them short, and they may need more frequent nail trims.

Suitability

Chihuahuas are especially well-suited for small space living and people unable to meet a bigger dog’s exercise needs. This breed is the perfect lap dog. Unfortunately, their size makes them a poor choice for families with young children.

While Chihuahuas can learn to get along with other pets, you’ll need to be careful about letting them interact with bigger dogs or cats. Chihuahuas are notorious for starting trouble and being the ones who end up hurt.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Frequently Asked Questions

Who’s Bigger?

Corgis and Chihuahuas have a significant size difference, which impacts many aspects of what it’s like to live with one. You’ll need to be much more cautious of a Chihuahua getting dropped, stepped on, or falling than you would a Corgi.

Smaller dogs typically have lower overall costs for necessities like food and veterinary care. Plus, Chihuahuas are much more portable, given their reputation as “purse dogs.” Both dogs can live in small spaces, but you’ll need to devote more time to exercising a Corgi than you would a Chihuahua in the same situation.

Young woman taking a selfie with a cute chihuahua dog toned with a retro vintage instagram filter effect
Image by: Annette Shaff, Shutterstock

Who’s More Kid-friendly?

If you have kids, especially those younger than 7 years old, a Corgi is a better pick. Young children who don’t know better can easily injure a tiny Chihuahua. Chihuahuas aren’t fans of the noise and fast movements of young kids.

Well-socialized Corgis usually love kids, and their playful nature makes them an excellent fit to serve as companions for children.

Who’s Easier to Train?

Although both breeds can be stubborn, Corgis tend to be more willing to learn than Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas weren’t bred to have a specific job other than being companions, and their personalities resemble that of many terriers, who are among the most independent and tough-to-train breeds.

Corgis were bred as working dogs, so they are more interested in following directions from humans.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Corgi vs Chihuahua
Image Credit: Left: (Vera Reva, Shutterstock); Right: (Lesia Kapinosova, Shutterstock)

Chihuahuas and Corgis are pretty different in most respects and were bred for distinctly different purposes. As we mentioned, Chihuahuas are probably not the right breed for you if your family includes young children. If not, your choice may come down to what you’re looking for in a pet.

Do you want a dog who’ll join you on hikes? The Corgi is probably a better option unless you’re okay with carrying your Chihuahua most of the way and keeping a sharp eye out for hawks. The Chihuahua is small enough to fly in the cabin of a plane and fit under every hotel’s weight restriction.

Whichever breed you select, consider adopting your new pet from a rescue group or shelter. If you opt to buy, choose your breeder carefully, especially if you’re getting a Chihuahua. Toy breeds like Chihuahuas are popular choices for puppy mills and other irresponsible breeding operations. A little research ahead of time can save you from a lot of heartache and potentially expensive medical bills in the future.


Featured Image Credit: Top – fatty corgi, Unsplash | Bottom – Africa Studio, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

21 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mixes (With Pictures)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are incredibly loving and loyal dogs, but they can be a bit yappy. So, it’s no wonder that people...

8 Best Blacklights for Dog Urine Detection – 2025 Reviews & Top Picks

If you are a dog owner, odds are your canine pal has had an accident in the house at one point or another....

How Many Dogs Are There in Canada in 2025? Statistics & More

Approximately 60% of Canadian households own at least one pet. But how many of these are dogs? The number of dogs in Canada...

When Do Golden Retrievers Start to Calm Down? Useful Facts

Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States and the United Kingdom. They always rank at the top...

More related

Is a Corgi More Aggressive Than the Average Dog Breed? The Surprising Answer!

Corgis are not known to be overly aggressive dogs, but their breeding as heelers, which are herding dogs that nip at the heels...

Maltese Pregnancy: A Guide From Conception to Delivery (Vet Answer)

The Maltese is a popular toy breed known for their signature long, silky coat. Ever since their acceptance as a breed by the...

Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (July, 24 2025)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

How Big Does an Airedale Terrier Get? With Growth & Weight Chart

You’ve just welcomed an Airedale Terrier into your life—congratulations! Now, you’re probably wondering, “How big will this little ball of fur get?” Worry...

Keep reading

9 Best Dog Foods for Toy Poodles in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Toy Poodle is a small dog breed popular for its boisterous personality and fluffy, curly coat. These Poodles, like other toy breeds, are susceptible to digestive upset and require a diet that’s ideal for their sensitive stomachs. In addition,...

poodle dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Lunch Meats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Dogs enjoy eating meats and meat-flavored snacks. However, not all meat is safe for dogs to eat, including lunch meats. While it’s not likely for your dog to get sick if they eat a small piece of lunch meat, continuously...

Can Dogs Eat_lunch meats

Can Dogs Drink Pool Water? Dangers Of Chlorine & Saltwater

Some dogs are born natural swimmers,1 such as the Labrador Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog, and Otterhound. Freshwater water bodies can be hazardous since giardia can harm dogs and people.2 When you’re talking about pool water, it’s another story. The chemicals...

Can Dogs Drink Pool Water

10 Best Vet-Recommended Puppy Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

We spend a lot of time thinking about feeding ourselves and our families, and it’s easy—find a recipe, order takeout, or sign up for home delivery, and mostly, eat what tastes good! But how do you pick an all-important food...

Cocker Spaniel puppy eating

11 Best Dry Dog Foods for Small Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re the proud owner of a tiny dog, you know that they have specific food requirements. They have faster metabolisms, grow faster, and have smaller stomachs and mouths than larger breeds. All of this means that not only are...

Purebred Dachshund Breed Dog Eating Fresh Dry Food Kibbles

9 Best Dog Foods in Australia in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” As a pet owner, it is important to provide your furry friend with the best diet possible to ensure they live a long and healthy life. Check out our list of the best...

dog eating dog food

Merrick Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo 2025 Comparison: Pros & Cons

If there’s one goal you should strive toward as a dog owner, it’s providing your pooch with the best life possible. You can do this by showering him with love, snuggles, and toys, but an even better way to ensure...

Dogster_Dog Food Merrick VS Blue Buffalo

pawTree Dog Food & Treats Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

Review Summary *Use Code INTRO4U20 On Your First Order When You Spend Over $100 pawTree is a company that produces and sells dog and cat foods, treats, supplements, toys, supplies, and more. They offer a wide range of products, and...

pawTree Dog Food - Featured Image