So you ready to buy a Corgi:Things you should know!

Ok so you've done the required homework,read all the books and checked out the breed standards.You've carefully made the decision that a Pembroke is the right breed for you and your family members.So your next logical step would be to rush right out and buy a puppy,right:"Wrong".This is were you take a break and think things through.Like do you want a puppy or an adult dog(both have their own pros and cons),are you interested in buying from a breeder or aquiring your new family member from a resuce.I truly believe that both these options are the way to go,with a rescue you've saved a dog or puppy that may have easily ended up in a shelter and not giving the proper care and attention that the breed needs due to over population.When you buy from a breeder you've not only gotten yourself a new family member but an extended family as most responsible breeders will want you to stay in contact.They'll be there for the ups and down of puppydom...from training to feeding to just wanting to know about the puppy or dogs daily life.They will be a continous support structure for not only you  but your puppy.And remember breeders not only offer puppies but full grown dogs as well.

So here is were you ask yourself :What makes a responsible breeder.A responsible breeder,is a breeder who is dedicated to breeding out the faults in their chosen breed  and breeding in strengths,they want healthy,good-tempered pups that will have long lives,as well as being a wonderful addition to your family.A responsible breeder will ask lots of questions of you and expect you to have lots of questions for them.They'll want you to see the parents of the puppies,have a contract that clearly defines what is expected from both you and themselves,and guarantee for  the puppies health.

So the next question you should have is where do you find a dedicated and responsible breeder.You could easily contact The Canadian Kennel Club,or the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Association of Canada or their American/foregien counterparts, both can give you a list of breeders as well as information on the breed.Another valuable resource is a recent dog show catalog,these list the persons who are showing their dogs,the breeders from which they came and the exhibitors address.You can also attend a dog show which enables you to see the dogs from the particular kennels showing their dogs.It will also let you talk to the owners/breeders/handlers of these dogs.Names that you obtain from these sources are not a guarantee,but it is a indication that these breeders are very serious about the breed.Serious enough to spend precious time,expense and years  showing and raising Pembrokes.Another vaulable source of information is the breeders themselves,they might refer you to another breeder who has a dog/pup available."Corgi people know corgi people,and often they'll stay intouch with each other"-Susan M. Ewing.

Next thing on your list is the screening of the breeder.The breeder will have requirements of you and you should also have requirements of them.Do they keep their dogs in a nice clean enviroment.Are the puppies themsleves clean,happy and healthy.Are they lively little bundles of joy,are their eyes bright,nails clipped.The puppies should be curious about you and your family members.Will they let you pick them up,are they happy to be handled by you and your family.Never chose a puppy/dog that all members of your family haven't met or been inolved in picking out.And remember a responsible,dedicated breeder will never have a problem with you visiting their home to see the dogs,actually they encourage it!!

Remember that at least one of the parents should be on site,look them over,as well as any other dogs the breeder might have,these could be relatives of your future pup.They will be a good indication of how your dog will progress in its' growth.As well as a telling sign on how the animals are treated and cared for!!

The breeder should have the puppies health records available,which will tell you what if all tests were done as well as include all vaccinations and his/her worming schedule.

So now you've found a breeder you like and more importantly that likes you.You've answered each others questions,the contract has been signed and the final prepartions were made.So what do you leave the breeders with:you each should have a signed copy of the contract,you should have your puppy or dogs pedigree,registration papers or the understanding that you will recieve them in a certian time period,as well as a puppy pack which will include what the puppy/dog eats,how much and when,and their medical records.The breeder will also give all ways in which to contact them.This is proably one of the most valuable things the breeder will give you.An enormous benefit it is to have continous,encouraged contact with the breeder,which is definitely something you won't have when buying your dog from a petshop.By having this you have someone who is there for you ,Day or night,when  questions arise regarding their health,grooming and training.So remember to maintain a good,harmonious relationship with your breeder,because in the end you'll find it is a priceless source of information.But keep in mind that a responsible breeder also means a dedicated show person,so if a call or email isn't returned it just means that they're at a show,and will get back to you as soon as they can.

We always recommend purchasing from a breeder or  a breed rescue.

Cu Sithe Pembrokes believes in supporting our local no-kill shelter,we do this with monetary and food donations and support of all their fundraising efforts!!So get out and support your local no-kill shelter today!!!