Congratulations on making the first step to buy your own corgi! Now, it’s time to find a good corgi breeder. But how do you make sure you’re making the right choice?
Bringing a dog into your home is a big decision, and one that should be made carefully. After all, you’re not just adding a pet to your family; you’re welcoming a new member who will be with you for many years to come. That’s why it’s so important to choose a reputable breeder when selecting your new furry friend.
Here’s a step by step process you should go through to find a good corgi breeder.
Why choose a breeder?
There are many reasons to choose a breeder over, say, adopting from a shelter or rescue.
Breeders specialise in raising corgis, and they have the knowledge and experience to ensure that their puppies are healthy, well-socialised, and well-adjusted.
They also screen their breeding stock for genetic health problems, which can help to reduce the risk of your dog developing certain diseases later in life.
Where to find a good breeder?
You should start asking around for recommendations from friends, family, and your veterinarian.
You can also check online breeder directories, but be wary of breeders who advertise heavily or who seem too eager to sell you a puppy.
Visit your breeder
Once you’ve found a breeder that you’re comfortable with, it’s time to schedule a visit. This is your chance to meet the breeder in person, see the puppies, and ask any further questions you may have.
While you visit, you should check out the following:
1. Check their experience
Once you’ve found a few breeders that you’re interested in, it’s time to start asking questions. They should be able to give you a detailed history of their breeding experience and the dogs they’ve bred.
I recommend you read my full guide on Questions to Ask Your Breeder.
2. Check their facilities
Your corgi needs to come from somewhere clean and friendly. If the conditions of the site are bad, you need to be very cautious about using them as a breeder.
If possible, check the site more than once with as little warning as possible (but please – be kind to your breeders!)
3. Check the health of the parents
Your breeder must be health testing the parent corgis. It may seem costly, but it’s an essential investment for the health of the puppies.
They should check the corgi parents for von Willebrand Disease and Degenerative Myelopathy. They should also test their eyes and hips. A responsible breeder should be open and willing to share records, history, and certifications.
Part of the health check involves monitoring the spacing between litters. Reputable breeders make sure pregnancies and litters are appropriately spaced out. If a breeder is having too many litters too quickly, it’s a red flag.
Avoid breeders with frequent batches of corgis every few weeks. Trustworthy breeders wait until a dog is at least two to three years old before having their first litter, allowing for proper OFA genetic testing.
4. Check the health of the puppy
Don’t purchase a puppy younger than 10 weeks old. It’s crucial for puppies to spend time with their mother and littermates to ensure proper development. Taking them away too early, especially before eight weeks, can lead to health and growth problems.
Before bringing a puppy home, make sure they are weaned, healthy, alert, and ready for the transition.
Avoid selecting a puppy that seems snappy, shy, or sick, especially if these traits are common in the litter. These signs may indicate a subpar breeder, and it’s best to choose a puppy from a responsible source.
You corgi needs to have all its health testing done before it comes to you.
Making Your Decision
Choosing a breeder is a big decision, so take your time and do your research. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a breeder if you don’t feel comfortable with them. And remember, the most important thing is to find a breeder who is committed to the health and well-being of their dogs.
Here’s a few final considerations before you buy:
1. Do they sell corgis to anyone?
A breeder who sells to everyone is a breeder who should sell to no one. That’s because a good breeder is picky about ensuring the best for their litter of pups.
A good breeder will have as many questions for you, as you do for them. This includes questions about: your life, your home, your knowledge of the breed, and your ability to look after them – so be sure to do your research.
You want to prove to them that you will be a good owner, and the fact that they care about that, means that are more likely to be a reputable breeder.
2. How will they get the corgi puppy to you?
The best breeders always encourage potential owners to go out and meet them face-to-face before they sell to you. This also gives you the chance to meet your dog and ensure it is a good fit.
If your breeder is all too happy to pop your pup on a plane, with barely a conversation: be very wary, and be prepared to walk away. They do not have the dogs interests at heart – and this makes for a bad breeder.
3. Are the prices charged for your corgi fair?
Prices that are too low are a warning sign. Most corgis cost USD$2000+ from a good breeder.
A good breeder is aware of the market price, and will demand reasonable prices for their efforts. If the price is off, double check you’re not dealing with a puppy mill or backyard breeder.
Also, high prices do not mean good health. Always check that separately – not only for your dog’s sake, but for your bank account too!
4. Will they help you settle your corgi into its new home?
A good breeder will not only help you pick the right corgi, they will also help you get your new pet used to its new home.
The best breeders will often give you tips and tricks to help make the process simple and smooth – and will ensure you’ve got all the information and paperwork to take care of your new corgi.
Many are also open to phone calls or Zoom chats – even after you’ve bought from them. A breeder that stops being interested in the dog once you’ve bought it is one to be cautious of. You can even request to speak to other customers to ensure everything checks out.
Because buying a corgi is not just a business deal. It’s an open invitation to the family.
Final thoughts on how to choose the right corgi breeder
You now have the steps to get yourself a great breeder. Here’s a few final things to remember.
- Be prepared to wait. Reputable breeders often have waiting lists for their puppies.
- Be patient. The right puppy for you is out there, so don’t rush into anything.
- Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right about a breeder, walk away.
By following these tips, you can be sure to choose a good dog breeder and find the perfect pup for your family.
