What Age do Corgis Stop Growing [Full Explanation]
If you’re the proud owner of a Corgi or you’re considering getting one, you may be wondering: what age do Corgis stop growing?
It’s a great question and one that can affect everything from their exercise routine to the size of the crate you buy them.
Luckily, we’ve got the answers you need in this short and punchy blog post! So, let’s dive in and learn more about these adorable pups.
What Age do Corgis Stop Growing
Corgis typically stop growing in height by around 12 months of age, but they may continue to add weight until around 2–3 years of age.
By 3–4 years of age, a corgi should be at its full adult size in terms of both height and weight.
It’s important to note that there can be variations in growth rates among individual corgis, and Cardigan corgis may take longer to reach their full size compared to Pembroke corgis.
Corgi growth stages
Here are the major corgi growth stages, age range, food requirements, height, and weight:
1. Puppy Stage (0-6 months)
Ah, the puppy stage, where everything is new and exciting for our little corgi friends.
During this time, corgi puppies are bundles of energy, curiosity, and cuteness.
They’ll be growing rapidly, so their food requirements are crucial. A high-quality puppy food, rich in essential nutrients, is essential to support their development.
As for height and weight, corgi puppies typically stand around 10–12 inches tall and weigh between 10–15 pounds.
It’s important to note that these numbers can vary depending on genetics and other factors.
2. Adolescent Stage (6-12 months)
Ah, the teenage years! Just like human teenagers, corgis go through their own rebellious phase.
During this stage, corgi puppies start to look more like adult dogs, but they’re still growing.
Their food requirements remain important, as they need a balanced diet to support their bone and muscle development.
In terms of height and weight, corgis in this stage usually stand around 12–14 inches tall and weigh between 15–25 pounds.
Again, these numbers can vary, so don’t fret if your corgi falls outside of these ranges.
3. Young Adult Stage (1-3 years)
Ah, adulthood! By this point, your corgi have reached their full height, but they may still gain a bit of weight as they develop muscle.
It’s important to transition your corgi to adult dog food, specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs during this stage.
As for height, corgis typically stand around 10–12 inches tall, just like when they were puppies.
However, their weight can vary, with the average range falling between 25–30 pounds.
Remember, these numbers are just averages, and your corgi’s unique genetics may influence their size.
4. Mature Adult Stage (3-7 years)
Ah, the prime of a corgi’s life! By this stage, your corgi have settled into their adult size and weight.
It’s important to continue feeding them a balanced diet and monitoring their weight to ensure they stay healthy and active.
Generally, corgis stand around 10–12 inches tall and weigh between 25–30 pounds, but as always, individual differences exist.
5. Senior Stage (7+ years)
Ah, the golden years! As your corgi enters their senior stage, their nutritional needs may change.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure they are receiving the right diet for their age and any potential health conditions.
Their height and weight may remain relatively stable, but it’s always good practice to monitor their weight and make adjustments as necessary.
Factors affecting corgi growth rate
Here are some of the most common factors affecting corgi growth rate:
1. Genetics
Just like humans, genetics play a significant role in a Corgi’s growth rate.
The genes inherited from their parents can determine their potential size and growth patterns.
Some Corgis may have genes that predispose them to grow larger or smaller than average.
So, if you’re wondering why your Corgi is bigger or smaller than others, it could be due to their genetic makeup.
2. Nutrition and diet
Proper nutrition is crucial for any growing Corgi.
A well-balanced diet, tailored to their specific needs, is essential for healthy growth and development.
Puppies need a diet that is rich in essential nutrients, such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, to support their growing bodies.
It’s important to provide them with high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional requirements.
Overfeeding or underfeeding can have consequences on their growth rate, so it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure you’re feeding your Corgi the right amount.
3. Health issues
Health issues can sometimes impact a Corgi’s growth rate.
Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalances, can affect their metabolism and overall growth.
Additionally, orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia can hinder their growth and mobility.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify and address any health issues that may be affecting your Corgi’s growth.
4. Breed
The Corgi breed itself can have an influence on their growth rate.
Corgis are small to medium-sized dogs, and their growth rate can vary within the breed.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis, for example, tend to be slightly larger than Cardigan Welsh Corgis.
However, it’s important to note that individual differences within the breed can still occur, so not all Corgis will follow the same growth trajectory.
5. Neutering
Neutering is the process of removing the testes in male Corgis and the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in female Corgis.
It is important to note that reproductive hormones play a significant role in the growth and development of puppies.
Therefore, it is crucial to wait until your Corgi is sexually mature before considering spaying or neutering them, which is typically between the ages of 6 months to 1 year.
Delaying the procedure until sexual maturity helps ensure that the growth of your Corgi is not negatively affected.
Spaying and neutering have several benefits, including reducing aggressiveness, preventing pregnancy and breeding, and reducing the risks of ovarian and testicular cancer.
6. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also impact the growth rate of Corgis. Factors such as diet, exercise, and living conditions can play a role in their overall growth and development.
It is important to provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and follow diet portion recommendations to avoid growth disorders.
Additionally, providing regular physical activity and a stimulating environment can contribute to their overall well-being and growth.
7. Breeding Practices
Breeding practices can have an impact on the growth rate of Corgis. The two main types of Corgis are the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Breeders should have a comprehensive knowledge of the health issues commonly found in the breed and follow best breeding practices.
Responsible breeding practices help ensure the overall health and growth of Corgis.
8. Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for the growth and development of Corgis. Regular exercise helps maintain their overall health, muscle tone, and weight.
It is important to provide appropriate physical activity for Corgis at different stages of their growth.
As puppies, they should engage in age-appropriate exercise to avoid overexertion or injury.
As they grow older, they should continue to have regular workouts to maintain a healthy weight and overall fitness.
How to help corgi attend full growth potential
Here’s how to help corgi attend full growth potential:
1. Balanced Nutrition: Just like humans, corgis need a well-balanced diet to grow properly. Make sure to feed your furry friend high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. Consult with your vet to determine the right portion sizes and feeding schedule.
2. Regular Exercise: Corgis may be small, but they have big personalities and energy levels to match! Regular exercise is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. Take your corgi for daily walks, play fetch, or engage in other activities that get them moving. Be careful not to overexert them, though, as corgis can be prone to joint issues.
3. Socialization: Corgis are social butterflies by nature. To help them grow into well-rounded adults, it’s important to expose them to different people, animals, and environments from an early age. Arrange playdates with other dogs, take them to dog parks, and introduce them to new experiences. This will help prevent behavioral issues and ensure a happy, confident corgi.
4. Mental Stimulation: Corgis are intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation to thrive. Engage their minds with puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive play. Teaching them new tricks and providing them with challenges will keep their brains sharp and prevent boredom.
5. Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet are crucial to monitor your corgi’s growth and address any potential health issues. Vaccinations, deworming, and preventive measures like flea and tick treatments should be administered as recommended by your vet. They will also be able to advise you on any specific health concerns related to corgis.
6. Dental Care: Corgis are prone to dental problems, so proper dental care is essential. Regular brushing of their teeth, feeding them dental chews, and scheduling professional cleanings with your vet will help maintain their oral hygiene.
7. Lots of Love and Affection: Last but not least, shower your corgi with love and affection. Corgis thrive when they have a strong bond with their humans. Spend quality time with them, cuddle, and provide consistent positive reinforcement for good behavior. This will contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.
Related Questions
At what age do corgis stop growing?
Corgis usually stop growing between the age of 1 and 2 years old. However, some corgis may continue to put on weight and muscle mass until they’re around 3 years old.
Is it possible for corgis to keep growing after 2 years old?
While most corgis will reach their full size by the age of 2, some may continue to put on weight and grow until they’re around 3 years old. Growth can be influenced by genetics, diet, exercise, and other factors, so each corgi is different.
How much do corgis typically weigh when fully grown?
On average, a fully grown corgi will weigh between 25 and 30 pounds, although some may weigh more or less than this depending on their genetics and lifestyle.
What is the typical height of a fully-grown corgi?
When fully grown, a corgi will be around 10–12 inches tall at the shoulder, although this can vary depending on their breed and genetics.
Do male and female corgis grow to be the same size?
Overall, male and female corgis tend to be roughly the same size when fully grown. However, there can be some individual variation depending on their genetics and health.
Will corgis continue to gain weight after reaching their full size?
Once corgi reaches their full size, they’ll usually maintain their weight as long as they’re getting the right amount of exercise and a balanced diet. However, if they become less active or start eating more than usual, they may put on some extra weight. It’s important to keep an eye on your corgi’s weight and adjust their food intake and exercise routine as needed to ensure they stay healthy and fit.
Learn more about corgi pros and cons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re lucky enough to have a Corgi, you may be wondering when they’ll finally stop growing.
While it can vary from dog to dog, most Corgis reach their full size by around 1-2 years old.
Of course, every pooch is unique, so if you’re concerned about your Corgi’s growth, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet.
But for the most part, sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your furry friend grow into their paws – and their personalities!