How Big Do Corgi Puppies Get? A Corgi Size And Weight Guide

Corgis are one of those breeds that surprise people with their size. They look small because of their short legs, but they are actually sturdy, medium sized dogs that carry a lot of weight on a compact frame. If you are bringing home a Corgi puppy, it helps to know exactly how big they will get so you can plan for the right food, crate, and collar sizes as they grow.

A fully grown Corgi will stand about 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 23 and 30 pounds. There are two types of Corgis, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and they differ slightly in size and build.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs. Cardigan Welsh Corgi Size

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the more popular of the two varieties and is the one most people picture when they think of a Corgi. Pembrokes typically stand 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds for males and 23 to 28 pounds for females. They have a slightly more compact build and are known for their fox like face and naturally short or docked tail.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a bit larger overall. Cardigans stand about 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall and can weigh between 25 and 38 pounds. They have a longer body, bigger ears, and a full length tail. Cardigans also tend to have a slightly heavier bone structure compared to Pembrokes, which accounts for some of that extra weight.

Both types share the same low to the ground body shape that makes Corgis so recognizable, but if you are expecting a dainty little dog, you might be surprised. Corgis are solid and muscular, and they are heavier than they look.

Corgi Puppy Growth Timeline

Understanding how your Corgi puppy will grow can help you track whether they are developing at a healthy rate. Here is a general timeline of what to expect during the first year.

At 8 weeks old, most Corgi puppies weigh between 7 and 10 pounds. They are small, round, and adorable at this stage. By 3 months old, they will have jumped to around 10 to 14 pounds as they go through their first major growth spurt.

Between 4 and 6 months, your Corgi puppy will be growing quickly and will weigh somewhere between 14 and 20 pounds. This is the awkward teenage phase where their body is filling out but their legs are already at their full (short) height. They may look a little disproportionate during this time, but that is completely normal.

By 9 months old, most Corgis have reached close to their full height and weigh between 20 and 26 pounds. They are not done growing yet though. Corgis continue to fill out and add muscle until they are about 12 to 14 months old, when they reach their adult weight.

Some Corgis, especially Cardigans, may continue to fill out slightly until they are about 2 years old. This is normal and does not mean your dog is overweight, as long as they maintain a healthy body condition.

Is My Corgi the Right Weight?

Because Corgis are so food motivated and have short legs, they are very prone to becoming overweight. Extra weight on a Corgi is a serious health concern because it puts enormous strain on their long spine and can lead to back problems, joint issues, and a shorter lifespan.

A healthy Corgi should have a visible waist when viewed from above. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, but they should not be sticking out visibly. If your Corgi looks like a loaf of bread from above with no waist definition, they are probably carrying too much weight.

Your vet is the best resource for determining whether your Corgi is at a healthy weight. Regular weigh ins at vet appointments can help you catch weight gain early before it becomes a bigger problem. If your Corgi is a picky eater, that actually works in your favor when it comes to weight management, but most Corgis will eat anything and everything you put in front of them.

Factors That Affect How Big Your Corgi Gets

While breed standards give you a good general range, several factors can influence your individual Corgi’s final size.

Genetics

The size of your Corgi’s parents is the biggest predictor of how big they will get. If both parents were on the larger end of the breed standard, your puppy is likely to be bigger too. A reputable breeder can give you information about the parents’ sizes to help you set expectations.

Diet and Nutrition

What you feed your Corgi puppy during their growth phase plays an important role in how they develop. A high quality puppy food with the right balance of protein, fat, and calcium supports healthy bone and muscle growth. Overfeeding during the puppy stage can cause them to grow too fast, which puts stress on developing joints. Underfeeding can stunt their growth and lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Spaying and Neutering Timing

The age at which your Corgi is spayed or neutered can have a slight effect on their final size. Dogs that are fixed before they finish growing may end up slightly taller because the hormones that signal the growth plates to close are altered. However, the difference is usually small and is just one of many factors to consider when deciding on the right timing for your dog.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps your Corgi build muscle and maintain a healthy weight. Corgis are active dogs that were bred to herd cattle all day, so they have more energy than their short legs might suggest. Daily walks and play sessions help ensure that your Corgi’s weight comes from muscle rather than fat, which is much better for their overall health and body structure.

When Do Corgis Stop Growing?

Most Corgis reach their full height by about 9 to 10 months of age. Their legs stop growing first since they are already one of the shortest legged breeds around. However, they continue to fill out in the chest, body, and hindquarters until about 12 to 14 months old.

Mentally and emotionally, Corgis take a bit longer to mature. Many Corgi owners report that their dog did not fully calm down and settle into their adult personality until around 2 years of age. So while their body may be done growing at one year, you might still be dealing with puppy energy and behavior for a while longer.

Choosing the Right Gear as Your Corgi Grows

Because Corgis grow so quickly in the first year, you will need to adjust their gear as they get bigger. Collars and harnesses need to be checked regularly to make sure they still fit properly. A collar that was perfect at 8 weeks will be way too tight by 4 months.

For crates, it is often worth investing in an adult sized crate with a divider panel rather than buying multiple crates as your puppy grows. This way you can adjust the crate space as your Corgi gets bigger without having to replace the whole thing. An adult Corgi typically needs a 30 to 36 inch crate, depending on their individual size.

When it comes to beds, keep in mind that Corgis prefer beds with low sides or no sides at all because of their short legs. A bed that is too high off the ground or has tall bolsters can be difficult for them to climb in and out of, especially as they age and joint issues become more common.