Mini Corgi vs Corgi: Is There a Difference?

Written by August Croft
Published: April 7, 2022
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Did you know that many people make miniature dog breeds that represent the standard dog breed, and that there is such a thing as a mini Corgi vs Corgi? You may be wondering why this breed exists, how it differs from a standard Corgi, and how cute the miniature version is. These are all questions that we will endeavor to answer in this article. 

We will compare and contrast the mini Corgi with the Corgi at its full size, so that you can get a full understanding of both of these different breeds of dogs. We will address the appearances, ancestry and breeding practices of these two breeds as well as their behaviors. Let’s get started and talk about these two adorable Corgi breeds now! 

Comparing Mini Corgi vs Corgi

Mini Corgi vs Corgi
In case you hadn’t already guessed, the mini Corgi is a much smaller version of the standard or full-size Corgi.
Mini CorgiCorgi
Size8-10 inches tall; 5-10 pounds10-12 inches tall; 22-35 pounds
AppearanceAppears exactly like a full sized Corgi, except much much smaller in appearance. May or may not look like other dogs that it has been bred with to appear smallerHas a long, rectangular body and short, cropped tail if they are a Pembroke; Cardigans have tails. Only comes in select colorings, including white, tricolor, sable, and red. Ears are large and erect.
AncestryModern breed created as a designer dogAn old breed, likely from the year 1000 AD; bred originally in the countryside of Wales
BehaviorDepends on the other dog breeds they are crossed with, if any; behaves similar to a standard Corgi, though doesn’t have nearly as much energySociable and lovable, as well as talkative. Eager to please and be where their owners are, as well as potentially aggressive in their desire to herd other animals or children
Lifespan10-12 years11-14 years

Key Differences Between Mini Corgi vs Corgi

Mini Corgi vs Corgi

Originally, Corgis were bred for herding in the Welsh countryside, while mini Corgis are considered a modern designer breed of dog.

©iStock.com/gorodisskij

There are a few key differences between the mini Corgi and the Corgi. In case you hadn’t already guessed, the mini Corgi is a much smaller version of the standard or full-size Corgi. Originally, Corgis were bred for herding in the Welsh countryside, while mini Corgis are considered a modern designer breed of dog. Most mini Corgis tire faster than standard Corgis given their small size, and mini Corgis have a shorter life span than standard Corgis. 

Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now. 

Mini Corgi vs Corgi: Size

Mini Corgi vs Corgi

Most mini Corgis tire faster than standard Corgis given their small size, and mini Corgis have a shorter life span than standard Corgis.

©Vera Reva/Shutterstock.com

The primary difference between the mini Corgi and the Corgi has to do with their size and weight. In case you hadn’t already guessed, the mini Corgi is far smaller than the full size Corgi, in both height and weight. But just how big a difference is there between these two dogs? Let’s look closely at the figures now. 

The standard Corgi reaches anywhere from 10 to 12 inches tall, while the miniature Corgi only reaches 8 to 10 inches tall on average, if not shorter. The weight differences between these two dogs is also significant. Mini corgis weigh anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds depending on breeding, while standard Corgis weigh 22-35 pounds on average. 

Mini Corgi vs Corgi: Appearance

Mini Corgi vs Corgi

The standard Corgi reaches anywhere from 10 to 12 inches tall, while the miniature Corgi only reaches 8 to 10 inches tall on average, if not shorter.

©Ches86/Shutterstock.com

The physical appearances between a mini Corgi and a Corgi are extremely subtle, and potentially nonexistent. The reason that mini Corgis are bred is to look exactly like a standard Corgi, except much smaller and more convenient to take care of. This means that most mini Corgis look identical to standard Corgis, except for their diminutive size. 

However, a lot of mini Corgis are bred with other dogs to achieve their small size, and some mini Corgis do not look at all like purebred Corgis. This is because they often take on the appearance of their other parent rather than their Corgi parent, making for some adorable-albeit inaccurate- looks for these miniature Corgis!

Mini Corgi vs Corgi: Ancestry and Breeding

Mini Corgi vs Corgi

Most mini Corgis look identical to standard Corgis, except for their diminutive size. 

©Dmitriy Kostylev/Shutterstock.com

There are some significant differences in the ancestry and breeding of mini Corgis versus standard Corgis. The Corgi breed originated in the countryside of Wales, roughly 1000 AD, while mini Corgis are a modern day breed of dog.  In case you didn’t already know, Corgis exist as herding dogs and helpful farm animals, though mini Corgis are considered a designer breed incapable of working. 

Another interesting ancestral note is that Corgis are always purebred dogs, while mini Corgis can be bred with other breeds of dog to achieve their small size. This means that mini Corgis may or may not be purebred, while standard Corgis always are.

Mini Corgi vs Corgi: Behavior

Mini Corgi vs Corgi

The Corgi breed originated in the countryside of Wales, roughly 1000 AD, while mini Corgis are a modern day breed of dog.

©Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.com

In theory, mini Corgis are bred to behave exactly like their larger Corgi counterparts, though this is not often the case in practice. For example, Corgis have far more energy compared to the mini Corgi, given their larger size. Standard Corgis need more exercise compared to miniature Corgis, though both dogs are extremely friendly and entertaining to have in the home. 

Mini Corgi vs Corgi: Lifespan

Mini Corgi vs Corgi

Corgis have far more energy compared to the mini Corgi, given their larger size.

©iStock.com/Nataba

A final difference between the mini Corgi and the Corgi has to do with their life spans. The Corgi breed is fairly healthy, though their long back and short legs often give them health troubles later in life, and the same can be said for the mini Corgi. Additionally, mini Corgis have more health issues than standard Corgis, given the level of genetic breeding and altering that they go through. This means that mini Corgis have shorter lifespans than standard Corgis. 

For example, mini Corgis live an average of 10 to 12 years, while standard Corgis live an average of 12 to 14 years total. However, it always depends on the individual health of the animal, as well as the care that it receives! 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kseniia Grigoreva/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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