Comment

Comment by Sam on April 16, 2008 at 7:55pm

I can assure you that anyone that will sell you a puppy and ship it without learning lots about you is not likely a reputable breeder. If you are looking to add a new corgi but do not wish to pay the current going rate why not check with your area rescue. I know we have placed many fine dogs.

Comment by NoClaws4Alarm on April 16, 2008 at 7:15pm

Just keep in mind that there *are* some reputable Corgi breeders who use the internet to announce their new litters and some even use services like PuppyFind. Our local human society even uses PuppyFind to promote their adoptees. You can't blame the medium...it's a lot more convenient than a phone book.

Not everyone selling dogs on the net are backyard breeders but unfortunately the cost effectiveness of internet advertising draws a LOT of backyard breeders as well as legit ones.

So there we are... it's like anything else. It's up to potential pet owners to do their homework and check everyone out *thoroughly* before they buy.

If you are set on doing your search for reputable corgi breeders online, look for ones that are close enough where you can drive to visit their facilities. The article that Plato posted has a really GOOD point. Reputable breeders don't sell to people they haven't met in person. If they are willing to...they aren't worth the puppy poop they scoop.

Set aside time to talk with them, meet their breeding stock, ask TONS of questions...and be wary of any that don't ask YOU tons of questions. Ask for references and CHECK them. Ask for medical records on the parents. Ask for detailed family history.

You wouldn't want a puppy from someone who doesn't take the time to answer these questions and supply you with the information you need to make an informed choice.... nor would you want a puppy from someone who doesn't care how big your backyard is, if you have small children, or how much time you have to devote to your new family member.

You are going to be committed to this dog for the rest of his or her life... the breeder should *care* where their pups are placed.

Comment by Sam Tsang on April 16, 2008 at 6:52pm

I think Plato might have mis-interpret your post :) I think spots can be quite cute, like the "target dog", everytime I walk into a target, i just had to remind my wife how cute the dog is :) Don't feel bad about puppyfind.com, there were times when WE ALL didn't know about puppmills, afterall, you were just sharing what you found :)

Comment by Plato & Sula on April 16, 2008 at 4:18pm

Emily-
Please don't take offense to my message, as I'm writing out of concern for corgis and other dogs in general. You seem like a great dog owner with the best of intentions. However, I noticed on the "Oprah" thread that you stated you were apalled by Puppy Mills...but yet here you write that you purchased your dog through puppyfind.com. Purchasing any dog on the internet feeds the growth of backyard breeders and puppy mills.

An article from Consumer Affairs states: "Although there are plenty of success stories and happy customers who have purchased dogs online, usually at a greatly discounted price, almost all professionals agree that buying a dog online is irresponsible and contributes to puppy mills of various forms." http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/06/puppy_emills.html\

There's another article from CAPs that mentions puppfind.com:
http://www.caps-web.org/factsheet_online_puppies.php

I really urge you to adopt a rescue or contact a reputable PWCCA breeder for your next puppy!