Hi! I'm a proud family dog owner. MyFavCorgi is a community of corgi fans and owners with advice to buy, raise and care for your corgi.
You’ve made the important step to buy your very own corgi. That’s so exciting!
Part of this process means choosing the right breeder to get your dog. But how do you know if it’s the right one?
When you search for information, there’s so many to choose from around the world. And you need to know if they are legit!
You want to ensure not only are you not getting scammed, but also, that the dog is happy and healthy.
You should ask your breeder questions about the health of their corgis, their environment, the breeding frequency, and their commitment to helping you care for your new corgi.
Here’s the full list of important questions you need to ask your breeder to ensure you are getting the best corgi puppy for you, and supporting safe corgi breeding.
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.
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.
Are the corgi parents healthy?
Upfront tests are expensive, but so are vet bills for the next ten years if you’ve got an unhealthy corgi. A good breeder will pick parents to maximise healthy traits, and minimise health risks.
Your breeder should ensure that the puppy’s parents have had all their tests. In particular, tests for von Willebrand Disease (vWD) and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). These are both serious issues for corgis that can cause problems later in life – and cost you thousands later down the line.
We also recommend following the advice of the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and getting eye and hip tests, as these are some of the first places that a corgi’s health can take a turn for the worst.
Are the prices charged for your corgi fair?
Prices that are too low or too high are a warning sign. Most corgis cost USD$400-$900 and can be purchased from a 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’s too!
Are the corgi litters safely spaced?
Looking after corgis is hard work – it’s like raising an adorable four-legged child. And a good breeder only has so much time. That’s why it is critical that pregnancies and litters are appropriately spaced out.
If a breeder is offering too many litters too quickly, it may be a sign that is not a reputable breeder – or even, that there are no corgis at all and it is all a scam.
If you see new batches of corgis every few weeks – run! This is not a breeder you want to deal with.
Should the corgi mother be having puppies at all?
A reputable breeder waits until a dog is at least two to three years old before they have their first litter.
This is because OFA tests can only be done after the dog is two years old, and you need to have records of these tests. Genetic issues can surface after the puppy stage, so it is important to wait.
Always try to see the mother. A good breeder will have nothing to hide – and if they’re not the owner of the mother, they should still be able to show you records, history, and certifications. A breeder who hides these records is not one you should buy from.
Is the corgi puppy old enough to sell?
Do not buy a puppy under 10 weeks of age. Puppies should spend time with their mother and the rest of their litter. If they are taken too early (especially under eight weeks), you risk the chance of developing health and growth issues.
Ensure your puppy is weaned, healthy, ready and alert – and feels confident in going back to your home. Avoid a puppy that appears snappy, shy, or sick. Even more so if that is a common trait in the litter. It is a sign that you have a bad breeder on your hands.
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.
What’s the corgi breeding environment like?
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!)
Final thoughts on how to choose the right corgi breeder
These are critical questions to ask your breeder when buying a corgi. You now have all the tools to get your very own lovable new companion and friend for life, the corgi!
