I feel like every Pembroke Welsh Corgi owner has asked themselves at some point: “Is my corgi too fat?” Sometimes it’s just our brains overthinking, and sometimes helpful passersby chime in.
My top questions on walks:
- Where’s the tail?
- Isn’t she too chubby? That must be hard for her!
These two questions make my eye twitch involuntarily. The second one, in particular, makes me want to reply, “You’re the one who’s fat!” 😂
So, let’s just remember—before judging people or dogs, make sure there’s actually something to judge.
A little intro: I’m Zhenya, proud owner of a fluffy, red corgi loaf named Asti. She’s 12 kg, 2 years old, and we live in Turkey. I share my experience of raising this little goofball and spreading good vibes. Feel free to check out our newbie channel!
A fully grown corgi kinda looks like a cute, orange footrest—a little loaf on legs. So don’t panic right away.
Last winter, Asti hurt her paw during training, and the vet prescribed rest. A month of low activity led to some weight gain, but nothing major. A bit of running and fewer calories fixed the issue in just a couple of weeks.
A healthy corgi weight is around 11-13 kg.
How to Tell if Your Corgi is Overweight
I think this method works for all fluffy dogs:
- Feel their ribs. If you can easily feel them—everything’s fine.
- Lay your pup on their back. The ribcage should be higher than the belly. If there’s a clear difference—it’s all good.
- The fur might hide it, but there should be a distinct dip from the ribs to the tummy.
Stick to the recommended size and weight for the breed, but always pay attention to your pup’s overall condition. And when in doubt—visit the vet. If you’re unsure and worried, just take your floof to the doc, they’ll weigh them, check them out, and give you the final verdict.
How to Help Your Corgi Lose Weight
If you’re sure your pup has crossed the weight limit, don’t rush into drastic measures. Here’s what I’d suggest:
- First thing I’d do—switch to a weight-management dog food. These are sold at vet clinics, so you might as well drop by for a check-up. Follow the portion guidelines on the package.
- Increase daily walks, but don’t suddenly make your dog run and jump if they’re used to just 10-minute strolls. Gradually add more exercise, increasing walk times each day.
- Cut out store-bought treats. I have nothing against them, but we don’t really know their calorie count or how they affect weight. It’s best to take a break from those for a while.
The Forbidden Snack List
And remember, corgis are adorable little bread rolls prone to gaining weight. They LOVE to eat, so keep an eye on their diet and don’t give in to those pleading eyes—no matter how hard they beg! 🙃