The Mini Corgi is a tiny, adorable, loyal, and intelligent dog! Find out more about this cute breed’s personality and appearance here.
The Mini Corgi is a Corgi that has been bred to be smaller than the standard Corgi size. It is not its own breed but instead is a variation of the already existing Corgi. Aside from having a smaller size, the Mini Corgi doesn’t have any differences from regular-sized Corgis.
In this article, you will learn everything there is to know about the Miniature Corgi. First, I will go over the history of the Mini Corgi and how this breed was developed. Next, I’ll describe the Mini Corgi’s appearance and personality. I will also talk about the different things you need to know about taking care of your own Mini Corgi. Finally, I’ll list some of the common health issues that the Mini Corgi faces.
Table of Contents
The History and Development of the Mini Corgi
The Mini Corgi is a smaller version of the standard Corgi. There are two types of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Both of these types of miniature or toy-sized versions. The two types of Corgis are very similar. The only differences are that Cardigans are larger and stockier than Pembrokes and Pembrokes have docked tails while Cardigans have full and fluffy tails.
The Mini Corgi was developed through two methods: crossbreeding and selective breeding. These two methods both have the same goal, which is to create a smaller version of the standard Corgi. The development of the Mini Corgi itself is surrounded by some controversy because there is evidence that suggests that the methods that go into making the Mini Corgi can be harmful to dogs.
When made through crossbreeding, a Mini Corgi is created by breeding a Corgi with a smaller breed. Normally, breeders cross either a Pembroke or Cardigan with either a Chihuahua, Dachshund, or Pomeranian. However, since it’s crossbred, that means that Mini Corgis that are bred this way aren’t pure Corgis. Between the two methods, this is more humane because as long as both parents of the Mini Corgi puppies are healthy, then it’s likely that the puppies will be healthy too.
However, since these Mini Corgis are mixed, the way their appearances and personalities turn out can vary. The Mini Corgis from these litters can inherit traits from their non-Corgi parents and turn out to look and act more like those breeds rather than a Corgi.
Selective breeding involves breeding together two Corgis that are smaller than the standard Corgi size. This means that a breeder will breed together two Corgis that are the runts of their litters. This method is the reason why the Mini Corgi is controversial. It’s controversial because the runts are normally come with a lot of health problems. Breeding them together increases the chances of producing a Mini Corgi but it also increases the chances of producing an unhealthy puppy.
The Mini Corgi’s Personality
Mini Corgis come from a long line of herding dogs. This is why this breed is a high-energy dog because despite being a family pet now, it still has its herding instincts. The Mini Corgi is a playful and energetic dog and at times, even hyperactive. It’s also known to be a loyal and affectionate dog that can be protective of its family and loved ones.
You can expect your Mini Corgi to be a sociable and friendly pup. Mini Corgis are known to enjoy attention from anyone, even unfamiliar people. However, they tend to be wary of other dogs without proper socialization. It’s important to introduce your Mini Corgi to other dogs as early as possible to get rid of this anxiety.
Since they are instinctively working dogs, Mini Corgis are intelligent, high-strung, and expressive. When left alone, your Mini Corgi can become bored or anxious and exhibit some destructive behaviors. Some Mini Corgis are known to chew on furniture when left alone for too long. This is why it’s important to provide your dog with a lot of activities and attention to curb its behavior.
What Does the Mini Corgi Look Like?
If you’ve seen a Corgi before then you should have some idea of what a Mini Corgi should look like. These adorable little dogs easily catch anyone’s eyes with their adorable ears, fluffy rumps, and various coat colors. Not only do they act cute, but they look cute too! The following sections will describe what the Mini Corgi looks like.
Size
The Mini Corgi is a small or toy-sized breed. Its size will depend on what type of Mini Corgi it is. Mini Corgis that are bred through crossbreeding tend to have more variety in their size because of their non-Corgi parent’s genes. However, you can expect it to indeed be a small dog regardless of the other parent’s breed because Corgis are only bred with smaller breeds to create the Mini Corgi.
When bred through selective breeding, the Mini Corgi should have a more consistent size. If your Mini Corgi is born from two Mini Corgis, it will look like a Corgi and it will be smaller. On average, a Mini Corgi grows up to be just 10 to 12 inches tall when it reaches adulthood. It also weighs up to just 5 lbs or less at its full size.
Appearance
The Teacup Corgi has a triangular-shaped head and pointed ears that are rounded at the end. This breed has almond-shaped eyes if it’s a Mini Pembroke Corgi and round eyes if it’s a Mini Cardigan Corgi. Mini Pembroke Corgis normally have docked tails that are cut short enough to be hard to see. Mini Cardigan Corgis have a full-length and fluffy tail.
All Mini Corgis have a long and straight back that sits on top of short legs. They also have large and round feet that make them able to run fast and cover long distances. They also have long noses that give them adorable and charming facial expressions.
Coat Colors
Depending on what type of Mini Corgi it is, your dog will have different coat colors. Mini Pembroke Corgis can have up to five different coat colors. Meanwhile, Mini Cardigan Corgis can have up to eight different coat colors. Every Mini Corgi has white markings on its chest, neck, feet, forehead, and tail.
These are the different colors that a Mini Pembroke Welsh Corgi can have:
- Black-Headed Tricolor
- Fawn
- Red
- Red-Headed Tricolor
- Sable
These are the different colors that a Mini Cardigan Welsh Corgi can have:
- Black Brindle
- Black with Brindle Points
- Black with Tan Points
- Blue Merle with Brindle Points
- Blue Merle with Tan Points
- Brindle
- Red
- Sable
Take Care of the Mini Corgi
Despite its small size, taking care of a Mini Corgi can be overwhelming. These little pups are high-maintenance and require an owner that can give them a lot of attention. The following sections will tell you all you need to know about taking care of your very own Mini Corgi.
Feeding
Since it’s a small breed, the Mini Corgi doesn’t need to eat much. At 8 weeks old and throughout its puppyhood, you should feed your Mini Corgi about 0.05 lbs or 22 grams of high-quality puppy food. Once it turns a year old or reaches adulthood, it will need to eat about 0.10 lbs or 44 grams of high-quality dog food.
It’s important to divide your Mini Corgi puppy’s food into 3 to 4 meals a day to help it maintain a steady amount of energy throughout the day. Once it becomes an adult, you can start dividing its food into just 2 meals a day. Dividing your dog’s food into multiple meals also helps prevent bloat and overeating.
Below is a table comparing the best brands of dog food that you can give to your Mini Corgi puppy:
| Puppy Food Brand | Quantity per bag | Bags per year | Unit price | Price per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill’s Science | 30 lbs | 1 | $57.99 | $57.99 |
| Royal Canin | 30 lbs | 1 | $74.39 | $74.39 |
| Blue Buffalo | 30 lbs | 1 | $51.98 | $51.98 |
| Instinct | 10 lbs | 2 | $39.99 | $80 |
| AvoDerm | 26 lbs | 1 | $54.99 | $54.99 |
Below is a table comparing the best brands of dog food that you can give to your adult Mini Corgi:
| Dog Food Brand | Quantity per bag | Bags per year | Unit price | Price per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill’s Science | 33 lbs | 1 | $64.99 | $64.99 |
| Blue Buffalo | 24 lbs | 1.5 | $55.98 | $84 |
| Royal Canin | 30 lbs | 1 | $75.32 | $75.32 |
| Instinct | 20 lbs | 2 | $69.99 | $140 |
| AvoDerm | 30 lbs | 1 | $52.99 | $52.99 |
Dental Care
It’s also important to take special care of your Mini Corgi’s oral health. The best way to take care of your Mini Corgi’s teeth is by brushing them every day. You should use a dog-friendly toothbrush kit to clean your dog’s teeth. It’s important to use pet toothpaste because toothpaste for people isn’t safe for dogs.
Aside from brushing your dog’s teeth, you can also give your dog water additives. A water additive is a solution that prevents plaque buildup and controls the tartar production that happens in your dog’s mouth. It acts like mouthwash for dogs and helps keep your Mini Corgi’s breath fresh!
Even if you manage to brush your dog’s teeth once a day, it’s still important to take your dog to the vet for a regular dental checkup. The ideal amount of times to take your dog to the vet for a dental check-up is twice a year. During this checkup, your dog’s vet can give your dog’s teeth a deep clean and get rid of any nasty dirt that might have been missed by its toothbrush and water additives.
Grooming
The next most important part of taking care of a Mini Corgi is grooming. Mini Corgis have thick double coats that need to be brushed at least once a day. It needs to be brushed once a day because, without regular brushing, your Mini Corgi can easily develop knots and tangles in its fur.
It’s best to use a slicker brush to groom your Mini Corgi. A slicker brush can deshed your Mini Corgi and get rid of knots, dander, and dirt on its fur. It’s also gentle enough not to hurt your Mini Corgi during your daily grooming sessions.
Aside from being brushed every day, your Mini Corgi will also need to be bathed once every four to six weeks. You will only need to wash your Mini Corgi if it’s visibly dirty because otherwise, you can over-bathe your dog. When a Corgi is bathed too often, it becomes unable to produce the necessary oils that keep its fur shiny and healthy.
Exercise
The third most important part of taking care of your Mini Corgi is providing it with regular exercise. Mini Corgis need about 30 minutes of exercise every day to stay healthy. Getting regular exercise also keeps your Mini Corgi from getting too anxious throughout the day.
The best way to give your Mini Corgi regular exercise is by playing with it every day. Mini Corgis love to play fetch and will enjoy chasing after a frisbee or ball. It’s good to play with your Mini Corgi outdoors to let it experience different environments and sensations.
Aside from playing with your Mini Corgi, you should also take it for daily walks. This will help potty train your dog and also give it a chance to see new places, smell new things, and touch new surfaces with its paws. A couple of short walks a day will go a long way for your Mini Corgi’s health. Just remember that your Mini Corgi should be fully vaccinated before you start taking it outside.
Common Health Issues in Mini Corgis
Since it is a toy breed, the Mini Corgi can be prone to several health problems. It’s important to be familiar with the different health issues that the Mini Corgi can face so that you can identify them in your Mini Corgi and prevent them from becoming fatal. The following sections will discuss the common health issues that a Mini Corgi can face.
These are the following health problems that a Mini Corgi normally has:
- Epilepsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disease that affects certain dog breeds. Epilepsy causes seizures to occur in a dog’s body. It can start as early as six months old in your Mini Corgi. There are three types of epilepsy that a Mini Corgi can have: primary epilepsy, secondary epilepsy, and reactive epilepsy.
Primary epilepsy is the type of epilepsy that is caused by a dog’s genes. This means that it inherited it from either one or both of its parents that also carry the gene for epilepsy. Secondary epilepsy is a type of epilepsy that’s caused by an underlying condition in a dog such as a brain tumor, organ failure, or trauma. Reactive epilepsy is a type of epilepsy that is triggered by a dog’s bodily state such as low blood sugar, high cholesterol, or excessive hunger.
The primary symptom of epilepsy is experiencing several seizures. When a dog experiences a seizure, it will collapse and experience twitching, a loss of consciousness, and excessive salivating. Unfortunately, you won’t know if your dog has epilepsy until it starts experiencing seizures.
It is difficult to diagnose epilepsy in dogs and involves several tests. Your vet will need to conduct blood tests, MRIs, and brain scans to find out the cause of your dog’s epilepsy. It’s important to narrow down the causes so that your dog’s vet can know how it should be treated.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for epilepsy in dogs. However, it can be managed with lifelong medication. The medication can curb the chances of your dog experiencing seizures. It can only lessen the chances but won’t completely stop your Mini Corgi from experiencing seizures at all.
If your dog experiences a seizure, it’s important for you to make sure that your dog is safe. Push away anything that might fall on your dog during the episode. Place a pillow under your dog’s head to keep it from hurting itself. Once the episode is over, give your dog plenty of water to help it rehydrate.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a health disease that affects your dog’s ball and socket joint which is found in its hip. It’s caused by abnormal development in your dog’s bones that make your dog’s femur not fit correctly in its socket. It is common in breeds with short legs, including the Mini Corgi.
The symptoms of hip dysplasia include limping, difficulty jumping or climbing onto surfaces, loss of energy, and frequent licking of the affected limbs. It can develop either as early as puppyhood or later on in life as your Mini Corgi ages.
Although there is no cure for hip dysplasia, it can be treated and managed. It’s important to diagnose hip dysplasia as early as possible because the time of diagnosis determines what type of treatment your Mini Corgi will require. Hip dysplasia is normally diagnosed with a physical exam and x-ray/
Mild cases can be treated with physical therapy and maintenance medication. With maintenance medication, your Mini Corgi should be able to manage the pain that’s caused by its condition. Severe hip dysplasia can only be treated with corrective surgery that fits the affected bone back into the joint that it belongs to. With surgery, your Mini Corgi will be able to walk properly again after it’s recovered.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive renal atrophy (PRA) is a condition or disease wherein a dog’s retina deteriorates over time. This deterioration, if left untreated, can cause cataracts and even blindness. This disease can either be inherited from a dog’s parents or it can be developed in old age.
The symptoms of PRA include night blindness, frequent clumsiness, dilated eyes, and a lack of eye contact when interacting with people. The first symptom that appears is usually night blindness. You can tell that your dog is experiencing night blindness if it seems anxious in dark spaces or has difficulty navigating places at night or in the dark.
If inherited, your Mini Corgi can show signs of PRA as early as 2 to 3 months of age. If developed, your dog will show signs of PRA at around ages 3 to 9 years old. It’s important to get your Mini Corgi diagnosed as early as possible so that it can be treated properly.
PRA is normally treated with medication or surgery depending on the severity of the case. If the PRA has led to cataracts, your dog will need to undergo surgery to repair its retinas. If it is a mild case, your dog will be given anti-anxiety medication that can help it deal with the anxiety and stress of its night blindness.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that occurs in dogs. It’s caused by the lack of a certain protein that helps your dog’s blood clot properly. It causes uncontrollable bleeding whenever your dog experiencing a wound. Even a small scratch can become a fatal injury for dogs with this disease.
The symptoms of Von Willebrand’s disease include frequent bloody noses, bleeding gums, and skin that is easily bruised. Although these are some of the symptoms, they don’t always occur. Most dog owners don’t find out that their dog has Von Willebrand’s disease until their dog is involved in an accident.
Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment or cure for this disease. The best thing you can do is take preventive measures that can save your dog’s life. The first step is to get your dog diagnosed. If you believe that your dog might have Von Willebrand’s disease, take it to the vet and confirm it. Once it’s confirmed, you should baby-proof your home to make sure that your dog doesn’t get into any accidents that can possibly injure it.
Final Thoughts
It’s no surprise that the Mini Corgi is a popular and well-loved breed in the canine world. The standard Corgi is already one of the most popular breeds in the world and creating a smaller version of it only widens the popularity of this dog.
Although I can understand the appeal of the Mini Corgi, it’s important to know the history of this breed. If you intend to have a purebred Mini Corgi, you should know and understand that it can be prone to various health problems because of the way that it’s produced. It’s strongly advised that you buy or adopt a Mini Corgi that was produced through crossbreeding instead of selective breeding.
The most important thing to know about the Mini Corgi is that it needs a lot of love and care. Since it’s such a high-maintenance breed, you should prepare yourself for everything that your Mini Corgi will need to live a happy and healthy life. Even if it can be expensive to take care of the Mini Corgi, it’s certainly worth it to have a healthy and loving dog in your home.
Hey there! I’m Matt and I’m a content writer from the Philippines. I’ve raised over 10 dogs and 5 cats. I love taking care of my rescue dog Kewpie and my two rescue cats, Misty and Rosy.