When looking to find a good corgi breeder, one of the common pieces of advice is to ‘ask them lots of questions’.
But what are these questions? How do you know they’re giving you a good answer?
Welcoming a corgi puppy into your life is an exciting experience but it can be a bit scary. Here are some of the best ones I know to help you find a responsible breeder and the warning signs to look out for.
1. Questions about your breeder’s experience
1a. Can you tell me about your experience as a corgi breeder?
If someone is a good corgi breeder, they should be happy to talk about their experience and how much they care about the breed. They’ve probably learned a lot about corgis and their unique qualities over the years.
They should have experience breeding corgis have a good temperament, are healthy, and have the right traits.
Warning sign: Be careful if a breeder can’t tell you about their breeding history. It might mean they’re not very experienced or professional, and that could mean the puppies might not be healthy.
1b. Why did you choose this breed?
Your breeder likely began with a deep passion for the corgi breed – but passion is not enough. They must breed responsibly.
When asking a breeder why they chose a particular breed, look for a response that show:
- They have a good understanding of the breed’s characteristics
- A genuine passion for the animals
- A commitment to maintaining breed standards.
A good breeder should be able to explain what makes their breed special and what it needs. They should share their own experiences with the breed and talk about their goals for breeding.
A responsible breeder should show they care about the breed’s health, behaviour, and following the right standards.
Warning sign: If a breeder’s answers seem vague, profit-driven, or lacking in knowledge, it’s a red flag.
1c. Are you involved in any corgi clubs or organisations?
Good breeders often join corgi clubs and groups to connect with fellow corgi enthusiasts. It’s also a great way to stay updated on the latest in corgi breeding and care.
Being part of these clubs allows breeders to share helpful information, learn from others, and collaborate. They may also participate in dog shows to showcase their corgis and learn from experienced judges and breeders.
When breeders are actively involved in these clubs, it helps show their commitment to responsible breeding.
Warning sign: If your breeder is independent and has no other affiliations – it can be a soft warning sign. But it’s not a requirement by any means
2. Questions to ask about their breeding facilities
2a. How clean and well-maintained are your facilities?
Imagine if you had to live in a messy room all the time – it wouldn’t be nice, right? Dogs feel the same way. A good breeder will openly share details about how they keep their facilities clean.
They should talk about where the animals live, how often they clean, what products they use, and how they prevent diseases.
They’ll stress the importance of giving the animals a healthy and comfortable space, mentioning things like good ventilation, temperature control, and activities for the animals.
Some breeders may also mention following rules, passing inspections, and having licenses to show they are responsible.
Warning sign: They won’t usually tell you outright if the place looks like trash – but look for subtle words like ‘mess’ or ‘clutter’. An unclean facility is one of the worst things for your corgi’s health.
2b. How much space do the dogs have?
Think about how you feel when you’re stuck in a small room versus having a whole backyard to play in.
When asking about the space for dogs at a breeder’s place, a responsible breeder should give you clear details about how their dogs live. They’ll talk about the size of each dog’s space, making sure they have enough room to move around, exercise, and be comfortable.
A good breeder will stress how important it is for dogs to have plenty of space to stay healthy. They might also mention if there are outdoor areas or places for the dogs to play and stay active.
Warning sign: If your breed is not open about how the dogs live, you should be careful.
2c. What is the daily routine for the dogs?
When you ask a responsible breeder about the daily routine for dogs, they usually give you a detailed and organised answer.
These breeders care a lot about their dogs, and they typically have a well-thought-out plan.
This plan should include:
- Feeding schedules at specific times with the right food for their age and size.
- Time for regular walks, exercise, games, and play.
- Options for the dogs to train, socialise and experience new things.
- Grooming schedules, including bathing and brushing the dogs.
These schedules also need to be flexible enough to shift based on the needs of the dogs.
Health is a priority too. Breeders often do daily health checks, watch out for signs of illness, and make sure the dogs have enough time to rest.
Warning sign: A breeder with no schedule or plan can be an issue to look out for.
2d. Can I visit your breeding facility and see where the puppies are raised?
Before getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s a good idea to ask if you can visit where the puppies are born and raised.
A reputable breeder will likely be happy to let you visit and will give you information on how to schedule a visit. They may have certain conditions, like following cleanliness rules, for your visit.
During the visit, you can spend time with the puppies and, if possible, meet the parent dogs. This gives you a chance to see how the breeder takes care of the animals and check if everything is clean and organised.
Responsible breeders know it’s important for buyers to see where the puppies come from and are open to visits.
Warning sign: If a breeder is hesitant or refuses, it’s worth thinking twice before buying from them. A good breeder has nothing to hide.
3. Questions about the corgi’s parents and breeding
3a. Are the parent corgis on-site?
In an ideal situation, the mother and father corgis live on-site with the breeder.
Responsible breeders take pride in raising healthy and happy corgis with great personalities, and the parent dogs are a big part of making that happen.
If you’re thinking about getting a corgi from a good breeder, you should be able to meet the parent corgis. This helps you understand what traits and personalities the puppies might have.
A good breeder will gladly introduce you to the parent corgis and talk about their family history, health, and personalities. They also make sure the parent corgis get regular check-ups, good food, and a loving home.
Warning sign: : If a breeder won’t let you meet the parent corgis, be careful. It could mean there’s something wrong with the puppies’ genes or the breeder might be doing something shady.
3b. How many litters do they have each year?
As a responsible corgi breeder, they stick to a strict breeding schedule that puts the health and happiness of both the parent dogs and their litters first.
They purposely have only a few litters each year to ensure that every corgi puppy gets the best care, attention, and socialisation possible.
By keeping the number of litters low, they can focus on taking care of the puppies from the moment they’re born until they find their forever homes.
This approach gives them plenty of time for early socialisation, which is really important for the corgis to grow up well-adjusted and confident.
Warning sign: If the adult corgis have more than two litters in a year, it could mean the breeder isn’t giving them enough time to recover or isn’t paying attention to the puppies.
3c. Have the corgi parent been tested for any genetic health issues?
The health testing of the parents is a top priority for the good breeder.
Good breeders make sure the parent corgis are healthy and don’t have any known genetic issues specific. This lowers the chance of passing on hereditary conditions to the puppies.
Before deciding to breed two corgis, a good breeder does thorough health screenings. These include tests for things like hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and other genetic diseases.
Only those corgis that meet the highest health standards are chosen for breeding.
Warning sign: A breeder who doesn’t have documented health checks for the parents can be trouble.
3d. Do the parents come from a good genetic line?
Similar to humans, a corgi’s health is connected to their genetics. That’s why it’s important to ask about the health history of the puppy’s parents, grandparents and other family members.
Learning if any of the puppy’s close family members have had health problems can give you important clues about possible hereditary conditions.
This knowledge helps you make informed decisions and select a corgi with a lower risk of certain genetic health issues.
Warning sign: If a breeder is not willing to share information about the corgi’s family and genetic line, it could be a reason to be cautious.
3e. What food do you feed the parent corgis?
A good breeder takes good care of their adult dogs by giving them a well-balanced diet. They choose high-protein high-nutrient dog food designed for dogs.
This is important for the dogs’ long-term health, and responsible breeders go the extra mile to find the best food for them.
Warning sign: If a breeder won’t talk about the food they give their corgis, that’s a problem. Be cautious of breeders who either overfeed their corgis or consistently feed them snack-type foods.
4. Questions about how they care for the puppy litter
4a. How do you socialise the puppies from an early age?
Making sure puppies are friendly and comfortable around people is really important for a good breeder.
Right from when the corgi puppies are born, the breeder should start helping them get used to being around people. It’s best if they grow up in a loving home where they get lots of attention and handling, so they like being with humans.
Good breeders also expose the puppies to different things like sounds and experiences, so they’re not scared and feel confident in different situations.
As the puppies get older, they get to explore new places outside their usual area in a safe way. The breeder also arranges for the puppies to meet other dogs, including the parent dogs, so they learn how to behave and make friends with other dogs.
When it’s time for the corgi puppies to go to their new homes, they’ve already had lots of different experiences. This helps them be flexible and ready to handle new places and challenges.
Warning sign: Be careful if you’re getting a corgi that hasn’t spent time with other dogs. They might be harder to train and adjust to their new home.
4b. What age do you allow the puppies to go to their new homes?
Good breeders follow a standard practice of letting puppies go to their new homes when they are at least 8 weeks old. This time frame is crucial for the puppies’ social and emotional growth.
In the first eight weeks, puppies learn important behaviours and skills from their mother and littermates.
They also pick up essential lessons in things like controlling biting and understanding social structure, which are key for their behavior as adult dogs.
This solid foundation helps them transition smoothly to their new homes and form strong bonds with their new families.
Warning sign: You should not buy a corgi that is under 8 weeks. Do not support breeders who will give you a corgi under this age.
5. Questions about health and wellbeing of puppies
5a. Has a vet checked them out?
Make sure to check if the puppy has been to the vet and had a full examination. It’s important for the puppy to see a vet early on to make sure it’s in good health before becoming part of your family.
A good breeder will always make sure their corgi puppies get proper care from a vet before going to new homes.
Warning sign: If a breeder isn’t willing to have a vet check your corgi, it’s not worth buying. It’s likely they are trying to hide something important.
5b. How is the health of the individual puppy?
Is the puppy healthy? This is a super important question to ask if you are about to buy a corgi. Good breeders will be honest about the puppy’s health. They’ll share info about shots, check-ups, and any family health issues.
Even though it’s good to know about the whole litter, each one is different. You know to know the exact details of the exact dog you’re going to buy.
Warning sign: Be careful about breeders who speak generally about the litter or have limited details about the health of the puppy you are buying. Many bad breeders will try to offload unhealthy puppies onto unsuspecting buyers.
5c. Have they had their tests, worming, and vaccinations?
A good dog breeder shows they care about their dogs by being open and honest about their health.
If you ask about tests, deworming, and vaccinations, a responsible breeder will tell you that their breeding dogs regularly get health tests to check for genetic issues. They’ll give you the results if you ask.
They’ll also make sure to deworm the puppies regularly to keep them healthy and will have records to show what they’ve done.
The breeder will let you know that all the puppies get the right vaccinations before they go to their new homes, and they’ll give you records of those too.
A trustworthy breeder might also share extra ways they keep their dogs and puppies healthy. Being open about health stuff is important in good breeding practices and helps buyers feel confident.
Warning sign: If a breeder is unclear or hesitant about sharing this information, it could be a red flag, and you should look for a breeder who is more transparent about the health of their dogs.
5d. How are their eyes and hips?
Corgis are prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Checking the puppy’s eyes and hips can help you find out if there are any health issues. It can also tell you if the puppy needs special care.
As much as possible, you should avoid dogs with these health issues.
Warning signs: Do not purchase a corgi with signs of hip or eye problems. You’re only setting yourself up from problems down the line as they grow older.
6. Questions to ask about buyer requirements and support
6a. Do you have a contract that outlines breeder and buyer responsibilities?
A good breeder believes in clear communication with the buyer. They should have a detailed contract that explains what both the breeder and buyer need to do.
The agreement covers things like the health guarantee, whether the dog should be spayed or neutered, and any special conditions for the sale.
This helps the buyer understand their responsibilities as a new dog owner, like giving the corgi a loving and suitable home.
With a well-organised agreement, both the breeder and buyer know what they need to do, making the whole experience positive and easy for everyone.
Warning sign: You should steer clear of breeders who brush off the idea of contracts. It’s a big warning sign.
6b. Can you provide references from previous buyers of your puppies?
Good breeders are proud of their history and the happiness of their past customers. They can give you a list of references from happy puppy owners who have enjoyed bringing one of their corgi puppies into their families.
These references give you useful information about the breeder’s professionalism, the quality of their corgi puppies, and how well they support new puppy owners.
A reliable breeder will gladly share these references to show they care about customer satisfaction and are dedicated to ethical and responsible breeding.
Warning sign: While not all breeders will have references, a refusal to provide them can be a problem, especially when paired with a lack of online reviews.
6c. Do you provide any health guarantees for the puppies, and what are the terms?
A good breeder should provide health guarantees that their corgi puppies are healthy and free from genetic issues when sold. This shows they are confident in the quality of their puppies.
The details of the health guarantee may differ, but it usually applies for a certain period after the puppy moves to their new home. If any genetic health problems occur during this time, the breeder commits to compensating you, which could mean a refund or a replacement puppy.
Keep in mind that health guarantees typically have conditions, like ensuring the puppy receives proper care in its new home. It’s crucial to follow the breeder’s guidelines for the guarantee to stay valid.
Warning sign: Not all corgi breeders offer guarantees, including some good ones. Before buying a corgi, conduct health checks, and carefully read and understand any contracts. Make sure you know all the terms before you sign.
6d. Do you have any specific requirements for potential buyers?
Many reputable breeders have specific requirements for people wanting to buy a corgi puppy. They’re not trying to be strict; they just want to make sure each puppy goes to a loving and suitable forever home.
These breeders care about responsible pet ownership. They want to be sure you are committed to providing a safe, loving, and permanent home for the corgi. To do this, they may check your living situation and lifestyle to see if it matches the needs of the corgi.
They might also ask for references from previous pet ownership or your vet – or ask about your previous experiences with corgis (or dogs broadly). This helps show you’re serious about taking care of your pets.
Warning sign: If a corgi breeder sells to anyone without checking, they might not be very ethical. Good breeders limit who they sell to because it increases the chances of finding good owners.
6e. Will you be available for support and advice after I bring the puppy home?
A good breeder doesn’t stop caring for their corgi puppies once they’re adopted. They are there for the new owners beyond the adoption day.
If you have any questions or need advice on training, food, health, or behaviour, you can easily reach out to them through a call or email.
They know that raising a puppy has its ups and downs, and they’re happy to help whenever you need support.
Warning sign: If you breeder does not want any ongoing communication after making the sale, it’s likely they are not a reputable breeder.
Final thoughts on questions to ask your corgi breeder
Getting a corgi puppy is an awesome experience, but it’s important to be careful and think about it.
When you talk to the corgi breeder, ask them questions about about the puppy’s health. Find out about the eyes, hips, vaccinations, family history, and visits to the vet. And as much as possible, take a look around the facility where they’re bred. This will help you make a good decision. Good luck on your journey!
