Corgis are fun-loving dogs with a sweet nature and are becoming very popular family pets. They have a rich history that dates back to the 10th century and the Queen of England (Elizabeth II) is a huge fan of this breed having owned corgis her whole life. The breed is renowned for being alert, smart, and affectionate and originates from a herding background.
The popularity of Corgis is on the rise and although it is fair to say that Labradors are still the nation’s favorite dog breed corgis are most definitely finding themselves near the top spot.
According to AKC (American Kennel Club), the Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgis rank at a very reputable 13 out of 196 breeds whilst the not quite so popular Cardigan Welsh Corgi ranks in at a not so terrible 68.
Although there is a wealth of information out there already about corgis one of the most common questions asked by potential new owners is in relation to their size. Do they stop growing and when? How big will they get? Are they small dogs? These are all very good questions and it is important you are fully prepped on this breed before making any purchasing decisions.
So, when do Corgi’s stop growing? Corgis will usually be at full size by the time they reach 1 year old, similar to many other dog breeds. They do, however, have a tendency to continue filling out between the ages of 2-3 years old. You should expect your corgi to weigh between 25-34lbs depending on the breeding type.
Keep reading to learn everything we think you should know about corgis!
Types of Corgis
There are two types of corgi breeds and surprising the two have many differences.
The most popular type is the Pembrokeshire Welsh corgi. They are bright, sensitive dogs that absolutely love human interaction. They are known to make great family dogs and respond very well to training. They come from a herding background and are known for being vigilant watchdogs.
Physically the Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi is built long and low. They have short muscular legs and a deep chest. They also display very pointed ears and a docked tail which are two of their distinguishing features.
They usually grow to a height of around 10-12 inches with males weighing approx. 30lbs and females around 28lbs once fully grown.
The less popular type is the Cardigan Welsh corgi which physically look quite different from the Pembrokeshire. They can be identified by their rounded ear tips and full tail. This type of corgi are popular family dogs and are known for their deceptive speed and grace thanks to their unique herding ability.
You should expect males and females to weigh around 25lbs–34lbs (males being at the higher end of the scale) and to reach a height of 10.5-12.5 inches (slightly taller than the Pembrokeshire’s).
As you can see there are many differences to these breed types, in particular, their appearance however they are both classed as small to medium dogs and have very similar growth rates.
How Big Do Corgis Get?
Corgis are generally classed as short, stocky dogs. It is fair to say that they do not reach great heights, however, they are known to bulk out quite a bit during the growth phase.
Between the ages of 1-3 years, you will notice corgis fill out and become much more muscular. Although they are likely to reach full height at around 1 year old, they will continue to expand and build strength in their muscles thereafter.
It is a common misconception these days that corgis should look pudgy and round which is not true at all. Corgis should have visible waistlines and abdominal tuck just below the ribcage.
Corgis are unfortunately prone to obesity and will quite happily eat themselves to death given the chance. This is why it is important to monitor their food intake carefully to avoid overeating and weight problems.
Corgis are also prone to hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and joint complications thanks to their natural body structure. Unnecessary weight causes massive strain on their bones, muscles, and joints which can lead to these health problems.
Corgis must have a strict feeding and exercise regime to keep them happy and healthy. Here is a list of things you should avoid when trying to keep your corgi’s weight down:
- Resist feeding table scraps
- Avoid high-calorie foods and unnecessary treats
- Do not overfeed on their main meal (no matter how much they beg you!)
- Take your corgi out for plenty of exercise. Don’t allow them to become couch potatoes (which they will happily do if you allow them to)
Corgis should ideally not weigh any more than 34lbs, however, if you’re at all worried about the size of your corgi it is always best to seek help from your qualified veterinarian who can fully assess your canine friend before leading them down the dieting route.
How Much Should A Corgi Weigh At 6 Months?
At 6 months old you should expect your corgi to weigh roughly 17lbs. You may find that male corgis weigh slightly more than this at the 6 months mark as they tend generally to be a bit bigger than females.
From 3 months to 6 months it is likely that your corgi will have grown at an astonishing rate. During this time the growth rate is around 5lbs on average.
In terms of development by month you should expect to see growth rates of the following whilst your corgi is in the early stages of life:
| Milestone | Weight average |
| 3 months | 12bs |
| 6 months | 17lbs |
| 8 months | 20lbs |
| 10 months | 22lbs |
| 12 months | 26lbs |
| 14 months | 30lbs |
As you can see there is a significant growth spurt from the 3-month mark that continues to increase right up until 14 months.
After this time and leading into the next few years, you will notice your corgi fill out and bulk up. They are not likely to increase in height much after this, but will certainly expand width ways.
What Age Is A Corgi Full Grown?
Corgis are technically classed as fully grown at the age of 1 year old. This is true for a wide variety of dog breeds however there is usually a continuation of growth over the following few years. This is the time when a corgi will really fill out. They will become more muscular and defined during this period which is when you will notice a growth spurt.
There is nothing to worry about here and you will most certainly not end up with a large canine on your hands providing your dog is not the offspring of mixed breeding. Even when fully grown, corgis will stay at a comfortable small to medium height and weight.
Corgis are quite often mixed with various other breed of dogs and this can become very confusing particularly if they have inherited the height and size of maybe a much larger dog, but still have all the main characteristics of a corgi.
It is often the case that they are seen as corgis which has many of us believing this breed is much bigger than they really are. A couple of the most popular mixes are with Australian Shepherds and Huskies which are clearly much bigger breeds of dog.
Is A Corgi A Small Or Medium Dog?
Both Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Welsh corgis are classed as a small to medium breed. As an example, they are not as small as Chihuahua’s or Yorkshire Terriers, however, are smaller than breeds such as Springer Spaniels or American Foxhounds.
Corgi’s fall somewhere in the middle of the two making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a decent-sized dog that isn’t too much of a handful or overbearing.
Corgis can sometimes be very deceiving through the first few years of their life and initially, you may think that you have a very small dog on your hands, however, they generally reach full height at 1 year old and continue to bulk out thereafter into an ideal sized small to medium dog.
Small to medium dogs of this kind can make such great pets. They are generally much easier to manage day to day than larger dogs and can make wonderful companions for the whole family.
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