Male vs. Female Corgi Weight by Age 2026: Pembroke and Cardigan Size Charts

Quick note: these are averages based on breed standards and vet guidance. Your dog’s genetics, diet, and activity level will shift the numbers somewhat. If something feels off, a quick vet check is always worth it.

Pembroke vs. Cardigan: Two Breeds, Two Size Ranges

People often treat Corgi as a single breed, but there are actually two distinct ones: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (the one without a tail, usually associated with Queen Elizabeth) and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi (the larger one with a full, fox-like tail). They look similar but they’re not the same breed genetically.

Cardigans are noticeably heavier-boned and tend to run about 5-8 lbs heavier than Pembrokes at full maturity. So if your Cardigan weighs more than a Pembroke growth chart suggests, that’s totally expected. Make sure you’re using the right chart for your dog.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight by Age

Pembrokes are the more popular of the two breeds, and their size range is a bit tighter. Males cap out around 30 lbs and females around 28 lbs by AKC standards (last reviewed 2023). That said, plenty of perfectly healthy Pembrokes run slightly outside these numbers depending on their frame.

Male Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight and Height by Age

Female Pembroke Welsh Corgi Weight and Height by Age

Cardigan Welsh Corgi Weight by Age

Cardigans grow a bit slower than Pembrokes and tend to reach full size between 14-18 months. They’re also stockier through the chest. A male Cardigan at 35 lbs is within normal range. That same weight on a Pembroke would be overweight. Keep that in mind as you track your dog’s progress.

Male Cardigan Welsh Corgi Weight and Height by Age

Female Cardigan Welsh Corgi Weight and Height by Age

Corgi Growth Stages: What to Expect Month by Month

Corgi puppies go through fast changes in their first year. Here’s what’s actually happening at each stage:

Newborn to 2 months: Puppies are entirely dependent on their mother. They’re born with eyes and ears sealed. By 8 weeks they’re playful, exploring, and usually ready to go to new homes. At this stage they’re roughly 8-12 lbs depending on breed.

3 to 4 months: This is when the rapid growth phase kicks in. Your puppy might look a little gangly, with big ears that haven’t quite caught up to their body. Their appetite spikes too. You’ll notice their little back legs getting stronger as they start to run and zoom around the yard.

5 to 6 months: They’re starting to look like a real Corgi now. This is also when most puppies hit the beginning of their teething phase, which lasts until about 7 months. Good time to stock up on durable chew toys. Height growth is still happening, but it’s slowing down.

7 to 12 months: Most Corgis reach close to their adult height by 9-10 months. The last few months of the first year is more about filling out in the chest and gaining muscle. They’ll look less puppy-like and more like a small, solid adult dog.

12 to 18 months: This is when weight stabilizes for Pembrokes. Cardigans may continue adding a pound or two through 18 months. By this point, your dog should be eating adult food rather than puppy formula. Switching to one of the best puppy foods for Corgis during the first year gives them the right nutrition to support this growth.

How Much to Feed Your Corgi by Age

Corgis are notorious food hounds. They’ll eat anything you put in front of them and still stare at you like they haven’t eaten in days. So portion control matters from day one. These amounts assume a standard dry kibble at about 370-400 calories per cup:

One thing worth knowing: always check the specific feeding guidelines on your dog’s food bag, since calorie density varies quite a bit. A good puppy supplement can fill in any nutritional gaps during the first year, especially if you’re feeding a less premium kibble.

If your Corgi is already looking chunky by 6 months, scale back slightly rather than waiting. Overfeeding in puppyhood creates fat cells that stick around for life.

How to Tell If Your Corgi Is at a Healthy Weight

Numbers on a scale only tell part of the story. Body condition scoring is actually more useful day-to-day. Here’s what to check:

Run your hands along your dog’s ribs. You should be able to feel individual ribs without pressing hard, but they shouldn’t be visually obvious from across the room. If you can’t feel ribs at all, your dog is likely carrying too much weight. If they look like a xylophone, they might be underweight.

Look from above. A Corgi at a healthy weight will have a noticeable waist, a narrowing behind the rib cage when viewed from directly above. If the sides are completely straight or bulging outward, that’s a red flag.

Look from the side. The belly should tuck up slightly behind the rib cage, not hang down flat or droop. Corgis have longer torsos, so this tuck can be subtle, but it should be there.

For Corgis specifically, their long backs make obesity especially harmful. Extra weight puts pressure on the intervertebral discs and significantly raises the risk of disc disease. If you’re ever unsure, ask your vet to score your body condition score at the next checkup.

Supporting joint health from an early age is smart with this breed. Many owners start their Corgis on hip and joint supplements as early as 1-2 years, especially if the dog is active on hard surfaces. And if your dog is heading into their senior years, senior Corgi supplements can help maintain mobility and energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly do Corgi puppies grow?

Fast. Most Corgis hit about 80% of their adult weight by 6 months and reach adult height around 9-10 months. They continue filling out in muscle and body mass through 12-18 months, but the obvious height growth is mostly done before their first birthday.

When do Corgis reach their full size?

Height-wise, 9-12 months for most dogs. Weight and muscle mass continue developing until about 18 months, and Cardigans might take a bit longer than Pembrokes to fully fill out.

What’s the typical weight for an adult Pembroke Corgi?

Males usually land between 24-31 lbs. Females run 22-28 lbs. The AKC standard caps both sexes at 30 lbs, but plenty of healthy Pembrokes are a pound or two over that without any real issues. What matters more is body condition than a specific number.

How do I know if my Corgi is overweight?

Check the rib test and waist test above. If you can’t feel ribs under a light press and there’s no visible waist from above, your dog is probably carrying excess weight. Corgis are very prone to obesity, so it’s worth monitoring closely. Your vet can score body condition at each annual visit.

How much should I feed my Corgi puppy?

It depends on the food’s calorie density, but a general guide for a 2-4 month puppy is about 1 to 1.5 cups of puppy kibble per day, split into 3-4 meals. Reduce slightly as they approach 12 months and transition to adult food. Always check the bag’s feeding guidelines and adjust based on your dog’s actual weight and condition.

When should I switch my Corgi from puppy food to adult food?

Most vets recommend switching between 10-12 months for Pembrokes. Cardigans can benefit from staying on puppy food until about 12-14 months since they finish growing a little later. Transition gradually over 10-14 days to avoid stomach upset.

Are Corgis prone to health issues related to their size?

Yes, particularly intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) because of their long spines and short legs. Obesity makes this significantly worse, according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation (last reviewed 2022). Keeping your Corgi at a healthy weight, discouraging jumping from heights, and avoiding extreme exercise during the growth phase all help reduce risk. Regular training helps too. A trained Corgi that responds to “off” commands will jump on furniture less. Check out these online training courses for Corgis if you’re working on manners with your pup.

Does neutering affect my Corgi’s growth or weight?

Neutering before 12 months can slightly affect bone growth, since sex hormones play a role in closing growth plates, according to VCA Animal Hospitals (last reviewed 2023). Many vets now recommend waiting until 12-18 months for this reason. Post-surgery, neutered and spayed dogs often have slightly lower metabolic rates, so you may need to reduce food intake by 10-15% to prevent weight gain.

My Corgi puppy seems small for its age. Should I be worried?

Not necessarily. Genetics varies a lot between bloodlines. If your puppy is energetic, eating well, and meeting developmental milestones, being on the lighter end of the range usually isn’t a concern. If they’re lethargic, losing weight, or seem sick, those are reasons to call the vet.

How long do Corgis live?

Most Corgis live 12-15 years. Keeping them at a healthy weight throughout their life is one of the biggest factors in reaching that upper range. A supportive dog bed also makes a real difference for joint comfort as they age, especially for a breed prone to back problems.

Do male and female Corgis grow at different rates?

They follow similar timelines, but males tend to be heavier throughout puppyhood and into adulthood. By adulthood, males typically outweigh females by 2-6 lbs depending on the breed, consistent with the sex-specific ranges published by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America and Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America breed standards. The growth trajectory is similar; it’s the endpoints that differ, a pattern you’ll see in other breeds too, like our male vs. female Westie weight and height guide and our male vs. female Poodle weight and height guide.

What’s the difference in size between Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis?

Cardigans are noticeably larger, heavier-boned, longer in the body, and typically 5-10 lbs heavier than Pembrokes at maturity. They also have larger ears and that full tail. If you’re using a Pembroke growth chart for a Cardigan, the numbers will be off. Use the right table for your breed.

The Bottom Line

Tracking your Corgi’s weight by age isn’t about hitting exact numbers. It’s about knowing the range and making sure your dog stays inside it. Both Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are prone to weight gain, and their long backs pay the price when they carry too much. Use the charts above as a benchmark, do the rib and waist check every few weeks, and don’t ignore early signs of obesity.

Most Corgis hit their adult height by 12 months and full adult weight by 18 months, according to AKC growth guidelines (last reviewed 2024). Until then, good nutrition is everything. Start with a quality puppy food, feed measured portions rather than free-feeding, and don’t let those big brown eyes guilt you into extra treats. They’re good at that.

If you have concerns about your dog’s growth at any point, a quick vet visit will give you a body condition score and a personalized feeding recommendation. That’s worth more than any chart. For ongoing Corgi health, consider adding a solid flea and tick prevention routine to your care plan. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook until you’re dealing with a problem. If you’re also tracking growth in other breeds, our male vs. female American Staffordshire Terrier weight and height guide follows the same format.