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Corgis are fun-loving dogs that make great pets, especially for active households that are full of engagement. They were bred as working dogs, so they enjoy exploring, playing, or adventuring rather than simply lounging around. That said, they have no problem snuggling up while the family watches a movie. Corgis usually don’t weigh more than 30–38 pounds when fully grown.
Whether you’ve just adopted a puppy or are considering getting one in the future, you may be wondering how big a Corgi might get. We have all the information that you need right here!
Facts About Corgis
The name Corgi is translated from the Welsh phrase for “dwarf dog,” which seems to be a fitting name due to their short, stout legs and elongated bodies. Here are a few other interesting facts about the Corgi that you may not know.
They Have a Lifespan of Between 12 and 15 Years
The Corgi’s expected lifespan is somewhere between 12 and 15 years, but this is not a fixed rule.1 Some may not live as long due to health problems, while others might surprise everyone around them and live a couple of years longer than expected.
They Are Good at Troubleshooting
Corgis were bred partly to herd livestock such as sheep, which requires exceptional troubleshooting skills to excel at. So, Corgis today tend to excel in activities that require problem-solving and decision-making, and they get great satisfaction out of being able to put those skills to good use.
The Queen Owned Royal Corgis
Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 Pembroke Welsh Corgis during her lifetime, which has contributed to the breed’s popularity in many places around the world.2 She even oversaw a breeding program at Windsor Castle.
Corgi Size and Growth Chart
There are two types of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Corgi. These two breeds do not share the same ancestry and come from different parts of Wales, where they both originated. Cardigans lived on rough, rocky terrain, whereas Pembrokes lived on flat, even terrain.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis tend to be bigger and heavier than Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Both breeds look alike but their tails are different. While the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a long tail, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a tail that is docked and close to their backend.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
| Age | Weight Range | Height Range |
| 3 months | 9–14 pounds | 4–6 inches |
| 6 months | 17–23 pounds | 7–9 inches |
| 9 months | 20–28 pounds | 10–12 inches |
| 12 months | 22–30 pounds | 10– 12 inches |
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
| Age | Weight Range | Height Range |
| 3 months | 12–16 pounds | 5–7 inches |
| 6 months | 24–26 pounds | 8–10 inches |
| 9 months | 32–36 pounds | 10.5–12.5 inches |
| 12 months | 35–38 pounds | 10.5–12.5 inches |
These size and growth charts are estimates and should only be used to get a general idea of the height and weight of your Corgi at different ages as there will be variation in growth rates between different puppies. If your Corgi is not growing as expected or is significantly behind the weights in these growth charts then consult with your veterinarian to make sure they are developing and growing appropriately.
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When Does a Corgi Stop Growing?
The typical Corgi grows rapidly during puppyhood but starts to slow down in the growth department around 9 months of age. Most Corgis are done growing by the time they are about 1 year old, though they may continue to fill out for a year or two more.
By 2 to 3 years of age, your Corgi should have reached their full height and weight potential. From there, they may gain weight only if they are overeating and/or not getting enough exercise.
Factors Affecting the Weight and Size of a Corgi
Several factors can affect the final height and weight of an adult Corgi, here are the things that may play a role:
- Genes: A dog’s genes play a major role in how big they will get and how much they will weigh when fully grown. If the dog’s parents were on the short or light side, they will probably end up being on the lighter and shorter side themselves. Another example is that a Corgi might have shorter or longer legs than the average Corgi due to their genetics, though the difference would be slight.
- Sex: Female Corgis tend to be naturally slightly smaller and lighter than males when they are adults. This is true for most dog breeds.
- Nutrition: What a Corgi eats, especially during the first year of their life, can affect their growth and development and therefore ultimate size and weight. Puppies need higher amounts of nutrients to support growth and maintain their body condition. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to stunted growth, but excess calories and calcium can also cause serious issues.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Corgis are small dogs but they are athletic and active. A balanced, high-quality diet is essential to keep them happy and healthy. Look for foods that are “complete” meaning they contain all the nutrients your dogs need and ensure you are feeding a food that is appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Wet or dry food is acceptable, but either way, look for food designed just for puppies until your Corgi is about 1 year old. Then, they can switch to high-quality dog food made specifically for adults. Try to avoid artificial colorings and preservatives, as these could be harmful and don’t offer nutritional value.
How to Measure Your Corgi
The best way to measure your Corgi’s height and length is to use a fabric measuring tape. Start by holding one end of the measuring tape to the ground, and then hold the other end up to where your dog’s shoulder blades and neck meet, the highest point of the body. Then, record the measurement. Measure length by holding the measuring tape from the base of your dog’s tail to the base of their neck.
Conclusion
Corgis are cute little dogs that usually don’t weigh more than 30–38 pounds when fully grown. This size and weight chart provides a general idea of how much you can expect your Corgi to weigh and how tall you can expect them to get as they age into adulthood.
Featured Image Credit: ElfinFox, Pixabay
