Why Is My Corgi So Small? Find Out The Reason

Your corgi is no longer a puppy and now you’re wondering… why is my corgi so small?

If your corgi is smaller than normal and you got them from a reputable breeder, don’t panic. Some corgis are naturally smaller than others. However, if you adopted your corgi or got them from a puppy farm, they may be small because they’ve been deliberately bred that way.

Let’s take a closer look at how big corgis should be and some of the reasons why yours might not be.

How big should your corgi be?

The average corgi weighs between 11-16kg and is 10-12 inchs tall.

To be more specific, let’s look at Pembrokes and Cardigans in turn.

Pembroke Welsh corgi

• A male Pembroke Welsh corgi should weigh between 10-12kg.
• A female Pembroke Welsh corgi should weigh between 9-11kg.

Cardigan corgi

• A male Cardigan corgi should weigh between 15-18kg.
• A female Cardigan corgi should weigh between 14-17kg.

My corgi Winston is a lot smaller than almost every other corgi we come across.

He’s around 12kg and a little shorter and leaner than other chonkier corgis.

This is why we get stopped so often and asked whether he is 100% corgi or a mix.

I can confirm he’s 100% Pembroke corgi… he’s just a small one!

3 reasons why your corgi is so small

Here are 3 reasons why your corgi might be smaller than average.

1. Genetics

Corgis vary slightly in size from dog to dog, so don’t panic if your corgi is smaller than average.

Like humans, this is totally normal!

Many people comment on how small Winston is and compared to the other corgis we come across in London, they’re right!

This is mainly because his parents were smaller, leaner Pembroke corgis and so, thanks to genetics, he is a similar size.

2. Diet

Your corgi’s diet will play a role in how big (or not) they are.

Ensure you’re feeding them a balanced, nutritious diet and if you’re concerned that they’re not getting all the nutrients they need, speak to your vet.

Just remember, corgis are prone to over-eating.

The last thing you want to do is overfeed them and increase their chances of becoming obese.

3. Irresponsible breeding

If your corgi is unusually small, it might be because they were bred irresponsibly.

Some breeders will deliberately breed the smallest corgis they can find in order to create petite or ‘teacup’ corgis.

Breeding for aesthetic purposes is highly unethical and can lead to long-term health issues for the litter.

Watch out for any corgi breeders that are marketing their puppies on the basis of their size.

Is there such a thing as a miniature corgi?

No, a ‘miniature corgi’ is not an American Kennel Club registered breed and responsible corgi breeders will not sell them.

If you come across miniature corgis for sale, they are being unethically bred to be smaller than usual.

These are what are known as ‘designer dogs’. Irresponsible breeders capitalise on people’s preference for ‘cuter’, smaller dogs by breeding together the smallest corgis they can find.

They do this without any concern for the health of the litter or the long-term effects of prioritising aesthetics above everything else.

If you decide to adopt or purchase a miniature corgi, you are taking a big risk.

Related FAQs

Are there corgis that stay small?

While corgis vary slighty in size, there are not corgis that stay small as adults. Any corgis that stay small (similar to the size of a normal corgi puppy) have been unethically bred this way.

How long do corgis stay small?

A corgi stays small until it finishes growing and reaches adulthood. A corgi is considered fully grown at 12 months old. However, some corgis will continue to grow until they’re 18-24 months old.

Are corgis dwarf dogs?

Yes, corgis have a form of canine dwarfism, which is why they have such short legs and long backs.