Whether you are looking into adopting a Corgi or have already adopted a Corgi, you will need to understand how Corgis grow in order to make sure that your puppy is growing properly.
One tool to help with this is to use a Corgi size chart for guidance on your puppy’s growth. Of course, there is more to know about Corgi puppies, beyond their growth chart.
You also should understand when they stop growing, what affects their growth, and how their genes factor into their final size.
Here is everything you should know about a Corgi puppy’s growth and development.
When Do Corgis Stop Growing?
If we are being honest, Corgi puppies are so incredibly adorable, it may sometimes seem like we want them to stay little forever, but eventually they need to grow up. So, the question is: when do Corgis stop growing?
Considering that Corgis are a smaller breed of dog, they finish growing much sooner than large breeds do.
You can expect them to be at their adult weight between 10 and 12 months of age, but their height may stop increasing before that as well.
Most of a Corgi’s growth happens before he reaches 6 months old, but you should see a little more growth after that.
Corgi Weight Chart
Using a Corgi weight chart can help you get a good idea about how your puppy is growing and can also provide you with insight into how large your Corgi will be when he is done growing.
As the breed is not very large to begin with, you can generally expect that your Corgi will not be a large dog; however a weight chart can still help you determine whether your puppy is the right weight.
For example, looking at the chart, if your Corgi puppy is on the lower end of average, weighing 9 pounds at his 8-week check-up, you can anticipate that he will be about 20 pounds by 10 months, reaching a final weight of about 22 pounds when fully grown.
If your puppy was on the larger side but has fallen off his growth curve and is outside of the averages, you will know to check in with your vet to make sure he’s growing well.
So, if he was 12 pounds at 8 weeks and is only 14 pounds by 5 months, you will know to call and make sure he’s ok.
Do remember that puppy’s weights can fluctuate depending on growth spurts, but checking in is always best.
Corgi Size Chart
Age | Weight lbs | Weight kg |
---|---|---|
3 months | 9 - 14 lbs | 4 - 6 kg |
4 months | 11 - 17 lbs | 5 - 7.5 kg |
5 months | 14 - 20 lbs | 6 - 9 kg |
6 months | 17 - 23 lbs | 7.5 - 10.5 kg |
7 months | 18 - 25 lbs | 8 - 11.5 kg |
8 months | 19 - 27 lbs | 8.5 - 12 kg |
9 months | 20 - 28 lbs | 9 - 12.5 kg |
10 months | 21 - 29 lbs | 9.5 - 13 kg |
11 months | 22 - 29 lbs | 10 - 13 kg |
12 months | 22 - 30 lbs | 10 - 13.5 kg |
Corgi Puppy Development Stages
Birth – 2 Weeks
On average a Corgi puppy will weigh about 10 ounces at birth. A litter of Corgis is generally between 2 and 8 puppies.
Even though the puppies are tiny at birth, they should double their weight within the first 2 weeks, reaching about 2 pounds.
They will be completely reliant on their mother’s milk for food and water and are not likely to be able to walk or move anywhere away from her yet.
3 Weeks – 12 Weeks
There are some major developmental changes between 3 weeks and 12 weeks old. At 3 weeks, your Corgi will still only be about 3 pounds in size and should be completely reliant on his mother’s milk, but changes happen quickly.
When a puppy is 8 weeks old, he will be completely weaned off of his mother’s milk and should be ready to be rehomed. By 12 weeks, your puppy should have a lot energy and will weigh between 9 and 14 pounds.
4 Months – 9 Months
Despite their short legs and small frame, Corgis can move very fast and you will find that between 4 and 9 months, your puppy is likely to be up to some mischief.
At 4 months, your Corgi puppy should weigh between 11 and 16 pounds, while by the time that he is 9 months old, he should be between 20 and 28 pounds, depending on his growth curve.
10 Months – 18 Months
A Corgi’s growth will slow down quite a bit by the time that he is 10 months old, but he can continue to grow until about 12 months.
At 10 months, your Corgi should weigh between 20 and 28 pounds, before reaching his final weight between 22 pounds and 30 pounds.
While your puppy should not be growing at 18 months, it will take up until then to see a slowdown of the destruction that puppies like to get into.
Adult
Your Corgi will not grow anymore after adulthood, but he could still gain weight. Make sure that your Corgi’s weight stays healthy as he ages, keeping him active and feeding him healthy foods.
Corgis can be mischievous by nature, but considering they are only 10-12 inches tall; the mischief can remain relatively small if they are given the attention and training that they need.
Once out of puppyhood, you will find your Corgi to be smart, fun, and playful.
How Big Do Corgi Get?
Considering how small a Corgi is, especially as a puppy, you might be wondering how you can work out ahead of time how big your Corgi will be when he is an adult.
There are a few different methods that you can use to get a good idea.
One of the easiest things that you can do is look at the size of the puppy’s parents, if you know them. A puppy is unlikely to be much smaller or larger than his parents.
If you don’t know the puppy’s parents, you could get a DNA test to see what type of Corgi your puppy is and see what the average size is. Looking at a puppy’s paws can also tell you if he has more growing to do to fill them out.
The best method is to use a Corgi size chart to get a better idea of how big your puppy will be.
As long as your puppy stays on his growth curve, you can follow a growth chart’s averages and see where he will end up when he stops growing.
Male vs Female Corgi Size Chart
As is the case with many mammals, the female Corgis are naturally more petite than the male Corgis are. When they are born, both male and female Corgis are the same size.
The size difference will become apparent when they are about 8 weeks old. At this point, males generally weigh between 8 and 10 pounds, while females weigh between 7 and 9 pounds.
The weight differences will continue to increase over time, up to the point when a male will weigh between 22 and 31 pounds and a female will weigh between 22 and 28 pounds as fully-grown adults.
Height-wise, males are also a little bit taller than females, as you will see on a Corgi growth chart, but the difference is small.
The difference in height will not really appear until around 12 months, when males may measure between 10 and 12 inches in height, while females measure between 9 and 11 inches.
To measure a Corgi’s height, have your dog stand on all-four legs and use a tape measure from the dog’s shoulder blade, down to the ground.
Will Neutering/Spaying My Corgi Affect His Growth?
Traditional wisdom guided us toward neutering and spaying our puppies before they reached full maturity. This would mean before a female could go into heat and males become fertile. This would happen at the 6-month mark of age.
While this was the traditional method, the issue comes up that a puppy is not a fully-grown adult at 6 months old.
New studies have come out showing that some breeds develop joint problems when being spayed or neutered before full maturity. This does apply to large breeds, however, so Corgis are not likely to be affected. Consult with your vet for guidance.
Shiba vs Corgi Size
Shibas and Corgis share a similar coloring so while they are not the same dog breed, it can be easy to think that they are in the same family.
When it comes to comparing the two breeds, they are both on the smaller side, but they are not the same size.
Starting with their heights, Shibas are generally taller than Corgis. Corgis are known for their little legs and while Shibas are small, they are not as short.
Where a Corgi is between 10 and 12 inches when fully grown, Shibas are between 13 and 16 inches in height.
Weight-wise, Corgis, despite being shorter, are heavier. Shibas weigh between 17 and 23 pounds while Corgis are more robust, reaching between 22 and 35 pounds.
Factors That Affect Corgi Growth
Genetics & Gender
The biggest factor that affects a Corgi’s growth is genetics. If a Corgi has larger parents, he is going to be a larger Corgi. You can look at his parents and get an idea of how large he will be as an adult.
Additionally, males are slightly larger than females, though the difference is not substantial. You can expect your female Corgi to be a little bit shorter than a male Corgi.
Nutrition
Any growing animal needs to have proper nutrition to grow into a healthy adult. That said, poor nutrition is not likely to stunt your puppy’s growth.
It can still affect him internally or harm his bones and joints as they develop, but issues will not surface until your Corgi is older. Some signs of poor nutrition can be bad teeth, which will affect his ability to eat well in addition to joint issues.
Physical Activity & Health
The final considerations that come into play with your Corgi’s growth are physical activity and health.
While a lazy Corgi may be just as tall as an active one, the extra weight that an inactive Corgi may carry can put undue pressure on his joints, which may result in him seeming smaller when he ages.
Likewise, keeping your Corgi healthy will ensure that he does not develop weight-related illness that could affect growth.
How Big Is A Corgi Puppy When He Is Born?
Corgi pups, normally weigh between 8 and 12 ounces when they are born (0.5 to 0.75 pounds). Their eyes and ears are still closed during birth, and they are tiny and vulnerable.
Corgi pups will spend the first few weeks of their lives largely eating and sleeping as they grow and develop. By the time they are 6 to 8 weeks old, they will begin to explore, play, and consume solid food.
Throughout life, they will continue to develop and attain their full weight, which for males and females normally varies from 22 to 30 pounds.
How Big Should A 6-Month-Old Corgi Be?
A six-month-old Corgi puppy should weigh between 17 and 23 pounds, with males weighing somewhat more than females. They will continue to grow and develop until they reach full adult size between the ages of one and two years.
At this period, it is essential to provide your Corgi puppy with a nutritious diet, frequent exercise, and enough of mental stimulation to facilitate their growth and development.
Is Corgi A Small Or Medium Dog Breed?
In general, the Corgi, commonly known as the Welsh Corgi, is regarded as a small to medium-sized dog breed.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), male Corgis stand between 10 and 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 25 and 31 pounds, while females are somewhat smaller, standing between 9 and 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 22 and 28 pounds.
They have short legs and a long torso, and were previously bred to herd cattle and sheep. Corgis are lively, intelligent dogs who need frequent exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness.
Corgi Body Condition Score (BCS)
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a technique used to measure the health and body condition of a dog based on their weight and body composition.
The optimum BCS score for a healthy Corgi is 4 or 5, which indicates that the dog should have a waist that is apparent when seen from above and ribs that are readily palpable but not visible.
A Corgi with a BCS of less than 4 may be underweight and in need of more food and/or veterinary care. In contrast, a Corgi with a BCS more than 5 may be overweight or obese, which may result in joint problems and diabetes.
It is essential to evaluate your Corgi’s BCS on a regular basis and change their food and exercise regimen as required to maintain their ideal weight and health.
How Much To Feed A Growing Corgi Puppy?
Making sure that you are feeding your Corgi puppy is incredibly important to his overall health and well-being.
Puppies will need to be on mother’s milk until about 4 to 6 weeks of age, after which they will need to switch to food that is formulated for puppies.
To be sure that you are feeding your growing Corgi the right amount, you can consult with a food calculator or use a feeding chart to get a good idea.
As adults, Corgis should have about 1.5 cups of food a day, split into 2 to 3 meals. As puppies, the amount depends on where they are-wise and weight-wise.
If you are concerned your puppy is too large or too thin, there are signs you can look for. You should not be able to see your puppy’s ribs, but they should be able to be felt under the fur.
Even though they are small, Corgis should still have a waist. Always check with your vet if you are concerned.
What Are The Most Common Conditions To Be Aware Of In Growing Corgi Puppies?
It is always good to be aware of any conditions that your Corgi might experience as he is growing. While a Corgi can be more prone to certain health conditions than others, the only one that you should worry about in a developing Corgi is the back condition called degenerative myelopathy.
Vets can detect this condition early-on in your dog’s life, so you can monitor it and treat it as well as possible.
Corgis are also prone to hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease, but these conditions will not show up until your Corgi is older. You will not know whether your puppy has these conditions ahead of time.
Do Corgis Experience Growing Pains?
Growing pains, also known as panosteitis, can affect any dog. Generally, large breed or large boned dogs are more prone to experiencing this discomfort, because their bones are stretching and growing more rapidly, but even Corgis can experience it.
Panosteitis is an inflammation around the long bones in a dog’s legs. It is the swelling and pressure that causes the pain.
You might notice that your growing puppy is acting like his legs are too stiff to walk and that might be a sign he is suffering growing pains.
What To Do If My Corgi Is Not The Right Weight?
If you have been consulting with a Corgi weight chart and monitoring his weight every two weeks, only to discover that he is not staying on his growth chart, you might be alarmed. So what do you do if your Corgi is not the right weight?
The first thing is to see if he has lost weight and if he is far off of his growth curve. By growth curve, we mean that the Corgi is going consistently according to a Corgi growth chart.
If there is only a small deviation, there is no cause for concern.
It is also important to know that puppies do ebb and flow with their weights, depending on where they are in a growth cycle, so consistent checking should help you to be sure whether he is gaining too little or too much weight.
If it seems like his weight is alarmingly off, the best thing to do is take your data to your vet. Your vet should be able to check your pup over and make sure he is healthy.
How To Properly Weight And Measure My Corgi?
Weighing and measuring your Corgi puppy can help you determine whether the puppy is staying on his own growth curve and growing as well as he should.
You should weigh your puppy every two weeks in order to monitor his weight effectively.
Since Corgis are small, you can weigh your Corgi by holding the dog and stepping on a regular bathroom scale. Then weigh yourself without the dog.
The weight difference will be the weight of your Corgi.
Height can be measured when your pup is standing on all-four legs. Measure the dog from the high point on his shoulder, down to the ground.
Corgi Genetics And Common Health Problems
All dogs have some kind of genetic health problem that they are more susceptible to than others. Corgis are no exception.
Remember that a Corgi might be prone to these conditions, but there is no guarantee that your Corgi will get them.
The most common Corgi health issues are heart disease, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, eye problems, and bleeding disorders.
Degenerative myelopathy is a spine condition that will worsen with age, but it can be detected early on.
Many of the physical conditions a Corgi might develop can be attributed to the fact that they carry a dwarfism gene that has been integrated into their breed and is the prime reason they have such short legs.
The type of dwarfism is called Chondrodysplasia, which can affect the joints and back. Some Corgis never develop issues from it, but it is still good to be aware of the possibility.
Corgi Size Chart FAQs
What Is The Corgi Height Chart
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are often somewhat taller than Pembroke Welsh Corgis, according to the Corgi height chart, which varies slightly per breed. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), male Corgis are normally 10 to 12 inches height at the shoulder, while females are 9 to 11 inches tall.
What Are The Dangers Of Stunned Or Accelerated Growth?
Stunted or rapid growth in dogs may result in a variety of health issues, including joint and bone conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD).
It may also raise the chance of obesity, which can lead to a range of other health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
What Is My Corgi’s Neck Size?
A Corgi’s neck size might vary according on their age, gender, and overall size. To establish the size of your Corgi’s neck, measure its diameter right below the base of the ears. This might be useful when purchasing collars and other canine accessories.
Final Words
Corgis are without a doubt one of the sweetest and most adorable dog breeds out there. But, as is the case with adopting any animal, you will want to be sure that you are prepared to take care of a Corgi puppy as well as you can.
This means that you will need to know how to read and consult with a Corgi growth chart, in addition to checking in with your vet.
Understanding your Corgi’s needs up front will ensure that your puppy will have a long and healthy life ahead of him.