Cardigan Welsh CorgwnThis guide is still under construction, so check back for updated versions. I also hope to post a downloadable PDF version in the near future.
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Adopting a puppy or adult dog is a decision that will mean many years of commitment. Many new owners don't realise that adopting a puppy is almost as much work as adopting a child into the family. The biggest difference being that puppies grow up much faster than human children and all their learning must be done in just a few short months. The shelters rarely contain more than a few puppies, but invariably have many young adult dogs. Few people realise that dogs often look physically mature long before they actually reach behavioral maturity. An eight to twelve month old puppy is only as mature as an eight to twelve year old child, yet is often expected to behave as an adult.
This guide was written to help prospective owners gain awareness of the many things dog ownership require and aid them in purchasing a puppy wisely. This should not be considered the definitive text on puppy purchasing, but might help to make the job of bringing home that new family member easier. Follow the links below to see each topic with more detail.
Questions a buyer should first ask themselves.
Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi the right breed for me? Is every family member involved in this descision and agreeable to having a new addition? Is there at least one or more members of the household willing and able to care for a dog that will live from 11 to 19 years? Are there any plans over the next year or so, to have a baby or move? Does anyone in the family have allergies? Would a puppy or an adult better suit my household? If a puppy is the choice, will there be enough free time in my schedule over the next 6 mos to a year or more for properly housebreaking and training an active, intelligent youngster? If an adult is the choice, will there be enough time in my schedule over at least the next 3 to 6 weeks to be sure the dog is able to adjust to it's new surroundings and family? Am I willing to put up with some shedding and the other aspects of having a Cardi? Am I interested in learning to show or do other fun things with my cardi? Has the issue of preference for gender, color and other considerations been discussed and agreed upon by eveyone in the family?
Questions a buyer should ask a breeder.
- Do you have a health guarantee?
- Do you check for internal and external parasites and vaccinate?
- Do you screen for breed specific health problems? Here is a list of known genetic health problems in cardigans.
- Do you register parents with a health registry like OFA, PENNHip and CERF?
- What health problems should I be aware of regarding your line?
- Do you socialize your puppies?
- Do you temperament test or evaluate temperaments in some way?
- Do you try to match a future owner with the puppy to ensure compatibility?
- Do you evaluate for working ability as well as conformation?
- Does the puppy come with AKC or (if not in the US) other breed club registration papers?
- What, if any, other breed club(s) is the dog eligible for registration?
- Do you provide limited registration for puppies sold only as pets?
About Identification and other concerns
- Do you microchip, tattoo or otherwise permanently identify your puppies and dogs?
- Are you willing to discuss why my puppy is being sold as pet/show quality?
- Are one or both parents available to see how the puppy might look and behave as an adult?
- Will the breeder allow visitors to their kennel facilities?
- Does the breeder have a return policy?
Wyntr's Breeding and Puppy Placement Policies
Questions a breeder might ask you.
- Do you have a fenced yard?
- Do you have young children (under age 6)?
- Where will the puppy be staying in your home?
- Will someone be home enough to be sure the puppy gets enough time and attention during it's first months?
- Do you plan to attend at least basic obedience classes with your puppy?
- Do you plan to have a baby or move in the next year or so?
- Are there any allergy problems with any family members in the household?
- Is everyone in the household in agreement on getting a new family addition?
- Are you interested in showing or just a companion?
- Do you have any plans to breed?
- Do you prefer a male or female or have no preference?
- Are there other pets in the household and have you owned a dog before?
- If so, how many and what kind of pets and how long did you have your dog(s) and what happened to them?
- Do you have a regular vet?
Getting Ready for the New Arrival.
- Decide where the puppy/dog will stay.
- Make an appointment for a first veterinary exam.
- Getting food, dog crate and other supplies.
- Sign up for Puppy School.
- Registration, Puppy Buyer Contracts and Identification.
Permission granted to copy and use this guide as needed.
Kathleen Carter, Wyntr Cardigans
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