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Comment by Yuki & Ellie on October 11, 2011 at 10:36am

One thing that I should mention is that you shouldn't stop looking after finding 1 breeder that you like.  If they don't have puppies available and/or aren't planning any litters soon, then ask them for referrals!  When I started my corgi search last winter, I started with breeders from the regional corgi club.  Once I found a breeder that I liked, and discovered that he wouldn't be breeding within the next year or two, I had him refer me to an out-of-state breeder.  When all was said and done, I was in contact with about 5 breeders before finally getting referred to one that had just had a litter and had a puppy available that matched what I was looking for.

 

That first breeder, though, had really emphasized that it's important to stay in touch with more than 1 breeder (that you trust and are comfortable with) if you want a puppy sooner rather than later.  That way you're on multiple lists and the chances of being chosen for a puppy goes up.  If you find a particular breeder that you really want your puppy from, though, then be prepared to wait for the right puppy to be born.

 

As for choosing a puppy, a reputable breeder will help you choose the right puppy for you.  Ellie was from Illinois and I was never able to meet the breeder in person, but we had many conversations and I was very careful to explain what I was looking for in a puppy.  I wanted a sweet, somewhat submissive female that was red and white and would be good with small children.  She had four females at the time, all red and white, but immediately told me that two of them would not be a good match as far as temperament goes.  From there it was just choosing which one I wanted based on pictures.  And I couldn't be happier with my little Ellie girl!  She's exactly what I had been expecting.  :)

Comment by Gromit, Sparkle, and Doug on October 10, 2011 at 7:15pm

Jane's advice is spot on.  Finding a reputable breeder can take a bit of work and then some patience as most don't have pups available all the time, and the best breeders often have a waiting list for their pups.  Many fine breeders don't have website either, you'll have to hunt for them by asking others.  A fancy website does not mean they have top quality dogs. Check around for Corgi clubs in your state, people there will be breeders or know who you can talk to.

 

Finding the right breeder is also making a new friend, they are someone who loves Corgis beyond all reason and will always be there when you have questions or problems.  You may pay a bit more for a top notch dog but the long term support from it's breeder will prove invaluable. 

I used to not understand all the reasons behind a breed standard, showing dogs, temperament testing, genetic testing, etc. but after knowing Gromit's breeder for 14 years now I've learned that there are valuable reasons behind all of those things.  Do your homework, be patient, set aside more than enough money, and you'll be happier and more satisfied with your new Corgi pal as the years roll by, plus, you'll make a new human friend.

Comment by Stacy M on October 10, 2011 at 6:56pm

Thanks Jane!

The pwcca site helps a lot! 

I am definitely not setting out to find a mill puppy. If I did find one, I would do whatever it takes to have the operators looked into and such. All I am saying is, regardless of coming from a mill, the dogs from them need homes. Especially if you are able to get the mill shut down in the process. That would be the "rescue" part I think haha. Just ignoring the pup and not adopting it won't help though, because someone will surely come along and take the puppy home eventually, probably not get it fixed, have more puppies, sell them on craigs list.... or some other outcome that helps nothing ^_^

But really I am not looking for that at all. That is just how I'd handle the situation, but I would rather not. As I said in the blog I am looking for a great relationship with a trustworthy breeder before I bring a puppy home. 

Thanks so much for the advice. It's good to know I should look out for specific health testing and activities. 

Comment by Jane on October 10, 2011 at 5:48pm

You can try starting with the breeder referral on the PWCCA site. They also have a small article about what to look for in a breeder. I personally would look for someone who is actively doing something with their dogs (showing, herding, serious agility, etc) and does health testing (hips, eyes, DM, etc., not just a vet checkup). Usually they will have a lot of questions for you too. I would avoid anyone who is breeding "just once" or "just to show my kids the miracle of life" or "Smoochiepoo is the bestest pet I've ever had and I want another like her", things like that.

http://pwcca.org/memberlist.cfm

http://pwcca.org/owning_breed.html

Please don't buy a puppy from a store or a mill. I know it seems like the right thing to do to "rescue" a puppy, but you are only opening up another spot for another puppy to be bred, and putting money in that mill's pockets. If you want to rescue a dog then I would look for your local corgi rescue. Often times there are dogs that need new homes through no fault of their own.