Bringing a new furry friend into your home is an exciting experience, but it comes with great responsibility.
If you have your heart set on a corgi, it’s essential to be aware of where you should not buy one from.
Unfortunately, there are several sources that prioritise profit over the welfare of these adorable dogs.
In this article, I’ll explore three places to avoid when looking to purchase a corgi and suggest better alternatives to ensure the well-being of your future four-legged companion.
Places to avoid #1: Puppy mills
One of the worst places you can buy a corgi from is a puppy mill.
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial breeding operations that put profit above everything else, including the welfare of the dogs they breed.
Corgis from puppy mills often suffer inhumane conditions, living in cramped and filthy spaces without proper socialization or care.
Due to the relentless focus on producing as many puppies as possible, health and genetic issues are prevalent in dogs from these establishments.
Supporting puppy mills indirectly contributes to animal cruelty and exploitation. The only way to end this cycle is to stop purchasing dogs from these establishments altogether.
Please to avoid #2: Backyard breeders
While puppy mills are a well-known issue, backyard breeders are another source that potential corgi owners should avoid.
Backyard breeders are individuals who breed dogs without adequate knowledge of genetics, health standards, or responsible breeding practices.
These breeders often have good intentions, but their lack of expertise can lead to severe consequences.
Corgis bred by backyard breeders may have genetic health problems that could have been avoided with proper screening.
Moreover, the overpopulation of dogs is exacerbated when unregulated breeding occurs, adding to the burden on animal shelters and rescue organisations.
Places to avoid #3: Pet stores
Although pet stores may seem like a convenient place to find a corgi, purchasing a dog from these establishments can perpetuate the cycle of cruelty.
Many pet stores source their puppies from puppy mills, providing a market for these unethical breeding operations.
Even if a pet store claims their puppies are from reputable breeders, the lack of transparency makes it difficult to verify this information.
| Quick recap! The top 3 places to avoid buying a corgi • Puppy Mills – The dark side of corgi breeding • Backyard Breeders – The uninformed option • Pet Stores – The hidden connection to puppy mills |
Responsible alternatives: A better way to buy a corgi
Instead of supporting puppy mills, backyard breeders, or pet stores, there are far more ethical alternatives to bring a corgi into your life.
Let’s take a look at some of the better options that help you make the right choice.
Better places to buy #1: Adopt from a shelter or rescue
Adopting a corgi from a shelter or rescue organisation is a compassionate choice that gives a loving home to a dog in need.
Shelters have a variety of breeds, including corgis, and provide a second chance for dogs that deserve a happy life.
When you adopt, you not only save a dog’s life but also make space for another dog in need.
Most major cities, and even a lot of smaller towns, will have rescue organisations – so do a search for one close to you.
Better places to buy #2: Reputable and responsible breeders
If you prefer to purchase a corgi from a breeder, it is crucial to do thorough research and choose a reputable one.
Responsible breeders prioritise the health and well-being of their dogs and are committed to producing healthy and well-socialised puppies.
They will be transparent about their breeding practices, health testing, and the living conditions of their dogs.
My corgi came from a local breeder, although it did take many months of waiting before one was available. If you can’t find a local breeder near you, you may need to consider one a few cities over, or even in another state if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering adding a new furry companion to your family, it’s essential to be informed about reputable sources and avoid potential pitfalls.
Let’s look at some of the questions that frequently pop up to ensure you find a healthy and ethically-raised corgi that will bring joy to your life for years to come.
1. Why should I avoid buying a corgi from puppy mills?
Puppy mills focus on profit over the well-being of the dogs they breed.
Corgis from puppy mills often live in overcrowded and inhumane conditions and are not properly cared for.
Purchasing a corgi from a puppy mill supports this cruel industry and may lead to adopting a dog with potential health and behavioural issues.
2. What are the risks of buying a corgi from backyard breeders?
Backyard breeders lack proper knowledge of genetics, health, and breeding standards.
Their focus on breeding dogs without expertise can lead to the overpopulation of corgis and the production of poorly bred or unhealthy puppies.
Purchasing from backyard breeders may result in getting a corgi with unknown health problems, increasing the chances of emotional and financial strain for the owner.
3. How do pet stores contribute to the problem?
Many pet stores source their puppies from puppy mills, knowingly or unknowingly perpetuating the cycle of cruelty.
Supporting these stores by buying corgis from them indirectly supports the inhumane conditions and unethical practices of puppy mills.
Responsible and ethical breeding practices are often not guaranteed in pet store purchases.
4. What are the benefits of adopting a corgi from a shelter?
Adopting from a shelter not only provides a home to a dog in need but also supports the efforts to reduce the overpopulation of corgis and other breeds.
Shelter dogs often receive proper medical care, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering before adoption.
Additionally, the adoption process is typically more affordable than purchasing from breeders.
5. How can I identify a reputable breeder?
Reputable breeders are dedicated to the health and welfare of their dogs. When considering a breeder, look for those who:
- Provide References: Reputable breeders will gladly provide references from previous buyers.
- Conduct Health Screenings: They perform health screenings on their breeding dogs to minimize the risk of genetic health issues in the puppies.
- Allow Visits: Ethical breeders encourage potential buyers to visit their facility and meet the puppies and their parents.
- Have a Contract: They provide a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the buyer and the breeder.
These will help you find a breeder who is interested in the wellbeing of your corgi – and not just profit.
6. Is adopting a corgi from a shelter cost-effective?
Yes, adopting from a shelter is often more cost-effective than purchasing from breeders or pet stores.
Adoption fees typically include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and sometimes microchipping (depending on your location).
These costs are generally lower than the combined expenses of purchasing a corgi and providing initial medical care on your own.
7. Are there specific corgi rescue organisations?
Yes, there are rescue organisations dedicated to corgis and other specific breeds.
These organisations specialise in finding loving homes for corgis in need and can be a great option if you have your heart set on this particular breed.
However, they are often far and few between, so you may have better lucky focuses on general shelters that take in lots of different breeds of dogs.
8. How can I ensure a successful adoption or purchase process?
Regardless of your chosen method, research thoroughly and ask the right questions. Be patient and don’t rush into decisions.
Prioritise the well-being and health of the corgi over convenience, and always choose the option that aligns with ethical practices.
9. Can I still find a healthy corgi through adoption or reputable breeders?
Absolutely! Adopting from a shelter or purchasing from a reputable breeder increases your chances of finding a healthy and loving corgi.
Responsible breeders and shelters take good care of their dogs, ensuring they are well-socialised and medically cared for before being adopted.
Choosing these alternatives not only benefits you but also supports ethical practices in the dog breeding community.
Final thoughts on where not to buy a corgi
The journey to finding your perfect corgi companion may require some patience and diligence, but the effort is well worth it.
By avoiding puppy mills, backyard breeders, and pet stores, you take a stand against animal cruelty and contribute to the betterment of the canine community.
Whether you choose adoption or select a reputable breeder, the joy and love a corgi can bring to your life will be immeasurable.
Remember, where you choose to get your corgi matters, and responsible decisions can lead to a happy and fulfilling life with your new furry friend.
