In the maze of pet stores, breeders, and online dog sellers, here's how to find a Welsh Corgi that is healthy and has a good temperment.
They've been called the dwarf dog. A small dog who hasn't a clue he's small. Even the Queen of England is a Welsh Corgi fan. So, whether you know one personally, or have just become intrigued watching one on tv, the Welsh Corgi can make a wonderful addition to any family. Now the task becomes where to find the right corgi for you. How do you tell the difference between a quality breeder and a puppy mill? What questions will you need to ask? Basically, where do you begin your pet quest?
The best starting point is to know exactly what you want. After all, how can you shop for anything if you don't have a clue what you're looking for? Even if you were shopping for sneakers you come prepared. You know your size, your budget, and can tell what feels comfortable. It's just a matter then of selecting the specific style that fits you just right. You wouldn't simply walk up to the shoe salesperson and say "Give me some shoes." If you did you'd probably walk out with something that probably doesn't fit, won't be comfortable, and ends up being discarded. If buying shoes requires forethought and planning, shouldn't buying a pet require some preparation?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a good starting point. Research the two Welsh Corgi breeds and select which one is best for you. Do you want the slightly larger Cardigan Corgi, who has a tail or the Pembroke Corgi with the clipped tail? Do you prefer a male or a female? An informed choice can save a great deal of disappointment and aggravation later on.
Now that you've narrowed down the dog you want it's time to locate a breeder. Try looking for breeders in your area by contacting one of the organizations dedicated to the Welsh Corgi breeds. For Cardigans check with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America (CWCCA) and for Pembrokes try the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (PWCCA). Although membership in either of these organizations doesn't guarantee the dogs, it does show the breeder's knowledge and involvement with the breed.
Once you've found on or more breeders, be you want to go to the breeder's location to see the pups. If they want to arrange a meeting place be wary. It limits your ability to adequately judge the dogs. You need to be able to analyze the environment at the breeders. Have the dogs been kept in a clean and healthy atmosphere? How many dogs do you see there? Are there many cages filled with dogs and pups? If there are many dogs, or many different breeds of dogs being sold there, this could be a puppy mill. Unlike a quality breeder where strong healthy pups are paramount, the puppy mill is a money machine. Individuals operating a puppy mill think in terms of the quantity of dogs bred and sold, not the quality. As a result, puppies purchased from these outlets tend to have poor temperaments and failing health.
Next verify that the puppies are registered with the AKC. Don't buy a puppy without also getting it's AKC paperwork. The breeder files for AKC registration when the pups are born and should have the papers by the eight week mark when puppies are ready to leave their mothers. Sometimes people sell dogs claiming the paperwork will follow in the mail. To late the new pet owner learns that the dog has no AKC registration and in fact is not a purebred dog. Granted the dog may turn out to be a great pet, but chances are the owner paid too much money for the pet.
Don't be hesitant to ask a breeder questions. Be certain to verify how knowledgeable the breeder is of the dogs. How long have they bred and raised corgis? Have the puppies already been started on a program of vaccinations and worming? A knowledgeable breeder will not only be of help with any questions you have, but will have noticed if anything were amiss either during the mother's pregnancy or with the health of any pups and had a veterinarian involved.
Most importantly, notice the relationship between the breeder and their own dogs. Does there appear to be a genuine bond between them? The same way that small children raised in a bad home environment can have lasting emotional scars, so can dogs!
Ask to see the puppy's parents, and even grandparents if possible. This will give you a window into the probable temperament of the puppies as as they grow into adulthood. Corgis should be alert and energetic, if the parents aren't this a warning sign.
Finally, don't be surprised if the breeder questions you. A good breeder does not consider this merely a business transaction. Instead, they want to locate good homes for animals they care a great deal about. Expect questions regarding the number and ages of children in your household. What type of home environment do you have? Is there a yard for the puppy to play in or will it stay indoors? How many hours a day will the puppy be alone? Are there any other pets? Does the family travel much? Remember, the breeder is not snooping, she just wants what's best for the pups. In the end, that's what you're looking for too. A perfect match between your personality and your new found furry friend.
