Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Teacup Corgi: Facts, History & Origin (With Picture)

Kit Copson

By Kit Copson

Teacup corgi near the water

The teacup Corgi, also known as a miniature Corgi, is a Corgi deliberately bred to be smaller than standard-sized Corgis. Among other dog breeds bred to be “teacup” size are Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Pomeranians. These dogs are often bred by pairing the smallest dogs in a litter, and, according to Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian, the health risks for teacup dogs are “significant”.

For this reason, we’d urge anyone considering buying a teacup Corgi from a breeder to think carefully. However, if you’re interested in the history of Corgis and would like to know more about them, read on below.

Divider 2

The Earliest Records of Teacup Corgis in History

Teacup dogs are a modern phenomenon, but Corgis have been around for a long, long time. Cardigan Welsh Corgis originated in Wales and may date back more than 3,000 years. Cardigans descend from the Teckel dog family and may have been brought to Wales by Celts from Central Europe in 1200 BC. They worked as herding dogs and general farmhands, watching over cattle and driving away predators.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis came along later—possibly in either the 9th or 10th century. It is believed that their ancestors may have come to Britain with Viking raiders and were bred with Welsh dogs. On the other hand, some mark the 12th century as the beginning of the Pembroke when Flemish weavers arrived with their dogs and were bred with local dogs.

How Teacup Corgis Gained Popularity

According to PetMD, teacup dogs first became popular because of The Simple Life, a TV show which aired in the early 2000s and in which Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua was featured. The said Chihuahua could fit into a purse, which sparked interest in so-called “designer” dogs.

That said, regular Corgis have been popular working and companion dogs for centuries. Originally a herding dog, Corgis were commonly found on Welsh farms in the mid-19th century performing duties like pest control, guarding cattle, and protecting property in addition to herding. Many Corgis retired from this role by the early 20th century and were replaced by Border Collies.

Teacup corgi sitting in the driveway
Photo Credit: Rawpixel

Nevertheless, both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis continued to be much-loved companion dogs thanks to their friendly and cheerful natures. By the 1930s, Corgis had been inaugurated into the British royal family as companion dogs for Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. This royal connection has meant that Corgis have been in the public eye ever since.

Formal Recognition of the Teacup Corgi

Teacup dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club since they’re not classified as a “breed”. However, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were officially recognized by the AKC in 1934, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis in 1935.

The Kennel Club recognized Corgis in 1920, but it was only in 1934 that Cardigans and Pembrokes were recognized as two separate breeds. Until this point, the two had been bred together. The United Kennel Club recognized both the Pembroke and the Cardigan in 1959.

Divider 4

Top 3 Unique Facts About Teacup Corgis

1. Teacup Corgis Come With Several Health Risks

According to PetMD, there are numerous health conditions linked to teacup dogs. These include heart defects, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse among several others.

Cardigan Corgi
Photo Credit: Natalia Fedosova, Shutterstock

2. Corgis Are the Subjects of Legends and Folklore

There are many tales and legends with Corgis at the center. One story has it that Corgis were once enchanted dogs ridden by fairies and used to pull their coaches. As the legend goes, the reason Corgis have markings on their backs and between their shoulder blades is that a fairy saddle once sat there.


3. The First Royal Corgis Were Called “Dookie” and “Jane”

Dookie and Jane were the first Pembroke Welsh Corgis owned by Princess Elizabeth who later became Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen held a special place in her heart for Corgis for the entirety of her life.

Divider 2

Does a Teacup Corgi Make a Good Pet?

Corgis in all shapes and sizes make wonderful pets, but as mentioned, teacup Corgis come with a lot of health risks due to being unnaturally bred—something that’s hugely important to be aware of if you’re planning on acquiring one. Also, just to give you a heads up—teacup dogs often cost thousands of dollars. This is because breeders know they can ask a high price for these tiny dogs due to how popular they are.

Both Corgi breeds are typically very loving, faithful, and good-humored dogs that never fail to put a smile on your face—especially since there seems to be a smile permanently etched into their own features! They tend to get along well with children and other pets as long as they’ve been socialized properly.

Corgi playing with a ball toy
Photo Credit: Elena Rogulina, Pixabay

divider 9

Final Thoughts

To recap, teacup Corgis became popular due to celebrity culture and are known as “designer” dogs, but Corgis’ history is much deeper and goes back a long way—possibly even thousands of years. We’d urge you to think twice if you’re considering getting a teacup Corgi due to the health risks attached to them and the often-unethical breeding practices that produce them.


Featured Image Credit: Julia Khalimova, Pexels

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database