You should always ensure the breeder has had both parent dogs health tested, that you will meet the puppies with the mother in the breeder’s home, and you can see the pedigree of both parents. These are just the basics for buying a Corgi puppy. Keep reading to discover all 10 questions you should ask a Corgi breeder before buying.
Buying a Corgi puppy is a truly glorious experience, and I have never known anything greater than the first moment you hold them in your arms. That puppy smell, their garlicky breath, and the softness of their paw pads on your nose when they reach out to touch you… it’s all wonderful. If you’re about to get a Corgi puppy, I’m so excited for you.
But you should always go with a reputable Corgi breeder. That means knowing exactly which questions to ask before you choose. The worst thing you could do is buy a puppy from a backyard breeder, and that’s why this guide exists – to help you make the right choices. After all, you want your Corgi puppy to be healthy and happy.
Here are ten questions you should ask a Corgi breeder before buying a puppy.
Key Takeaways:
- Meeting the mother of the puppies with the puppies is essential
- Both parents should always be health tested
- The puppies should be socialized and desensitized to loud sounds
- Full health check-ups and vaccinations are very important
- You should sign an agreement/contract with your breeder
1. Did They Breed The Puppies Themselves?
Any breeder who hasn’t bred the puppies themselves should be avoided. You don’t know where the puppies are coming from, if they came from a puppy farm, or if they have been stolen. Most of the time, these puppies won’t have been health tested either, and you are unlikely to meet either of the parents. This is a huge red flag in breeding.
2. Can You Meet The Mother?
You should always be able to meet the mother with the puppies in the breeder’s home. No mother means no sale, and you should avoid that breeder at all costs. Some breeders will allow you to meet the father as well, but this isn’t as common and as long as you have the pedigree and health tests from the father this doesn’t matter as much.
3. Will You Meet All The Puppies?
Every puppy should be there when you meet them for the first time. Usually, the first meeting is at around five weeks old, so you can choose a puppy, and then you go pick them up from eight weeks onwards. You should be able to meet all the puppies with the mother in the breeder’s home. And you should also be allowed to play and sit with the puppies for a while.
You should be given a chance to pet them all, allow them to explore you, and be given plenty of time to decide which one is right for you. Usually, the puppy you choose will be given a collar that lets the breeder know they are yours.
4. Have The Parents Been Health Tested?
Health testing is essential. Both parents should have been checked for hip, eye, and elbow problems, as well as hereditary illnesses and any genetic defects. Your breeder should also be able to show you these results and give you a copy as part of your puppy pack for when you take your Corgi home. This is basic stuff for good breeders.
5. Have The Puppies Been For Health Checkups?
The puppies should have been for at least two health checkups since they were born. Some breeders might take them more often just to be safe, and they will be able to show you proof of this. Records of their visits should also be included in your puppy pack so that you have them to give to your vet.
6. What Is The Inbreeding Coefficient For The Puppies?
This is actually something that not many owners ask about. The inbreeding coefficient shows you how inbred a dog’s line is. Popular dogs like Labs have higher inbreeding coefficients than less popular dogs or those with stricter breeding. The inbreeding coefficient should always be as far into the green as possible, as this shows there is very little inbreeding.
Too much inbreeding can lead to health problems down the line, and it should be avoided where possible. The breeder should show you the inbreeding coefficient and include it in your puppy pack so that you can look at it in your own time. Remember, green is good, red is bad.
7. Will The Puppies Be Vaccinated And Wormed?
All puppies should have had their first set of vaccinations as well as flea and worm treatment before they come home with you. This will leave them ready for their second set of vaccinations at around 10-12 weeks and will also ensure they come to you free from worms and fleas – which is very important for their health.
8. Can You See The Pedigree?
The pedigree for both the parents means you can see the whole family tree, every stud and bitch that has been used for breeding, and any health test results. Good breeders will have access to the pedigree and show it to you, and even better ones will have a copy included in your puppy pack (mine did).
9. How Have The Puppies Been Socialized?
Good breeders will ensure puppies are socialized with any other dogs in the house to help them learn manners and get used to other dogs. They should also be desensitized to loud sounds, such as the TV, washing machine, dryer, and vacuum cleaner through exposure to them as part of being in the house. This helps them to be more confident and less fearful.
Additionally, good breeders will have various toys and textures in the puppy pen for them to get used to. They will also play with their feet and toes so that they are used to that, and generally help them get used to living in a house.
10. Will There Be A Contract To Sign?
A contract with your breeder is very important. This will state that if you need to rehome your puppy for any reason at any time in their life, you can bring them back to the breeder. This means they are always safe, and good breeders care about the pups they breed for life. It also gives you peace of mind if anything happens to you.
Additionally, the contract will have a breeding clause that states you can only breed your puppy with permission from the breeder. Some will also not allow you to spay/neuter until they are at least 12 months old (which is actually recommended for their good health). Further terms of the contract will be discussed with your breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Choose A Puppy In A Litter?
The old rule was always never to choose the first puppy that ran up to you because they are usually the naughtiest and most energetic, but that is not always the case. Choose a puppy who is a good, healthy weight and shows a lot of personality. You’ll often know if it’s the right puppy for you because you’ll feel it in your heart.
Can You Tell If A Puppy Will Be A Calm Dog?
No, you cannot tell if a puppy will be a calm dog until they are older. Much like people, puppies have their own personalities, and you can usually tell what they’re going to be like from around 8-12 weeks of age. However, sometimes, it’s not an accurate assessment, and you won’t see their true nature until closer to six months.
Should You Pick The Biggest Puppy In The Litter?
There is no rule to say the biggest puppy in the litter is the best. Sometimes, the smallest ones turn out to be the biggest, and their size doesn’t tend to impact their health or personalities. I have had runts and massive pups, and they have all turned out to be wonderful dogs. When you pick a Corgi puppy, size doesn’t matter at all.
Final Thoughts
Your journey to getting a Corgi puppy is going to be incredible. They are the best pups out there, and you’re going to make fantastic memories together. As long as you are careful who you get your puppy from and remember to ask these ten questions, you’re sure to find a new best friend to love and cherish for many years.
Corgis are wonderful dogs, and they might be stubborn and a little tricky to train at times, but they also have a lot of personality. All you need to do is remember to be firm yet gentle and keep up with positive reinforcement training. Combined with plenty of mental and physical exercise, your Corgi puppy will grow up into a confident adult dog.
