Puppy BUyer's Guide
Questions a buyer should first ask themselves.
Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi the right breed for me?
Cardigans are not a breed for everyone. Take time to learn about the breed, meet some Cardigans and determine if this is the right kind of dog for you. The best way to meet Cardigans and their breeders is to go to a local dogshow. The Moss-Bow Show Superintendent website, Infodog and the AKC both have website listings of dogshows and performance events (agility, rally, obedience, herding and more) throughout the US. If you are from a country outside the US or are interested in a rescue, check our Clubs, Groups, Rescue and More page to find links for several international all-breed kennel clubs, rescue groups and Cardigan club show calendars.
Is every family member involved in this decision and agreeable to having a new addition?
If everyone is not in agreement about adding a dog to the family, there could be problems in the future. Be sure to involve everyone in the decision. In the case where the puppy or dog will be a 'surprise', be certain the reciptient not only wants a dog, but is also willing and capable of caring for it. Instead of giving a puppy directly, especially during a holiday, a better idea might be to give a certificate, a dog collar or other item that can represent and later be exchanged for a puppy or adult when the time is right. Remember, a dog is a pet for a lifetime.
Is there at least one or more members of the household willing and able to care for a dog that will live on average from 11 to 15 years or even as long as 18 to 19 years?
Before deciding to own a dog, establish exactly who will be caring for it and how feasable it will be to keep a dog for many years. Is there enough room in the family budget to cover the cost of dogfood, toys, puppy classes, vet care and any unforseen emergencies? What will happen to the dog while the family vacations? Who will care for it in emergency situations? Who will feed and clean up after the dog? Who will be responsible for veterinary trips and any home medical care if needed? If the dog is intended as a child's companion, is the child mature enough to consistently help in caring for the dog? If the child will be going off to college in the dog's later years, who will keep the dog?
Are there any plans over the next year or so, to have a baby or move?
New family additions, changes in job schedule or loss of a job, divorce and moving are some major reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters. It is always hard to predict the future, but if you think there might be one of these major changes coming up sometime over the next few years, please consider carefully how much time and resources you might have for a dog in the family. Sometimes a sudden change can occur unexpectedly, so it is important to also have a plan that includes what will be done and who will care for the dog if you cannot.
Does anyone in the family have allergies?
This is another common reason for re-homing or placing a pet in a shelter. If a family member has allergies, take time to seriously determine if bringing a dog into the family will be a good descision. Cardigans are a shedding breed and not recommended for families with allergies.
Would a puppy or an adult better suit my household?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Take time to consider what would work best for your lifestyle and schedule.
If a puppy is the choice, will there be enough free time in my schedule over at least the next 6-12 months for properly housebreaking and training an active, intelligent youngster?
Cardigans are dogs that do require time and training to ensure they grow up into well behaved adults. Puppies of ALL breeds normally do not gain voluntary bladder and bowel control before the age of 16 weeks and smaller dogs may take even longer. Crate training and arranging for someone to periodically take the puppy out during the day for relief is a must. Just like any small child, unattended puppies can also get into a lot of trouble, so someone will have to take the time to monitor and make sure a puppy learns what is appropriate behavior. Crate training, just like using a playpen for a toddler, is a useful way to temporarily confine a puppy in a safe area, help it to remember bladder control and give it a place to nap, but a crate should never be used as an extended-time puppy parking place. Just like human children, puppies need physical contact and regular guidance to become good adults. Check with local obedience schools to see if they offer puppy training classes. This is a great way to get a good start.
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?
An adult or rescue dog will need time to get accustomed to the new routine. It may take time for family members and other pets to get used to the new dog. Some accidents may happen since many dogs need to re-learn the rules of housebreaking in their new home. Be sure to thoroughly discuss any specific needs or problems that may come with the new dog before making a final descision to adopt.
Am I willing to put up with some shedding and the other aspects of owning a Cardigan?
Cardigans ARE a shedding breed. They will do some shedding year round, but usually shed the most twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Although they may not shed as much as some other breeds, they do require regular brushing and/or trips to a groomer to keep things manageable. Some Cardigans may have longer 'fluff' coats which require additional care to prevent matts and keep their feet neat. Cardigans are smart and many live up to their mythical reputation of being the descendants of mischievious elves turned into dogs. They love to play and if they aren't given useful work, will quickly find ways to get attention, making a game of stealing slippers or tea towels for the fun of the chase. Some Cardigans like to bark and can become nuisance barkers if left to their own devices. A few Cardigans can be aggressive towards other dogs or animals outside the family. The Cardigan was mainly used as a farm dog intended to safeguard their owner's livestock, family and property. They accomplished this by alerting their owner to intruders, killing rats or other vermin and driving off stray animals, so in some Cardigans, this instinct is strong. Proper training and socializing is very important to make sure this doesn't become a problem.
Am I interested in learning to show or do other fun things with my Cardigan? Showing dogs is a fun hobby for many people. It is a good way to get out and do something with your dog, meet other people who love dogs and maybe even win a few ribbons and show titles. Many cardigan owners show their own dogs to gain titles with them and a lot of obedience schools offer show handling classes. Local clubs often hold Fun Matches to help beginner handlers and young dogs learn and newcomers are always welcome. Cardigans are versatile dogs who love to do things with their owners and there are so many things to do! If you don't want to show in Conformation, you can try Obedience, Rally, Agility, Flyball, Tracking, Herding, Lure Coursing, Barn Hunt and some have even done Weight Pulling, Dock Diving and Freestyle (a form of obedience set to music). Cardigans have also been used as Search and Rescue, Therapy, Seizure Alert and Hearing Assistance Dogs.
Has the issue of preference for gender, color and other considerations been discussed and agreed upon by eveyone in the family? Color and gender preference should always be decided last. Cardigans of both genders and all colors make wonderful pets. Many people want female dogs on the mistaken belief they make better pets. In cardigans, both males and females have equally good companionship qualities. Cardigans come in a wide variety of colors. Some breeders specialize in some colors, but a cardigan of any color is still a cardigan.
Is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi the right breed for me?
Cardigans are not a breed for everyone. Take time to learn about the breed, meet some Cardigans and determine if this is the right kind of dog for you. The best way to meet Cardigans and their breeders is to go to a local dogshow. The Moss-Bow Show Superintendent website, Infodog and the AKC both have website listings of dogshows and performance events (agility, rally, obedience, herding and more) throughout the US. If you are from a country outside the US or are interested in a rescue, check our Clubs, Groups, Rescue and More page to find links for several international all-breed kennel clubs, rescue groups and Cardigan club show calendars.
Is every family member involved in this decision and agreeable to having a new addition?
If everyone is not in agreement about adding a dog to the family, there could be problems in the future. Be sure to involve everyone in the decision. In the case where the puppy or dog will be a 'surprise', be certain the reciptient not only wants a dog, but is also willing and capable of caring for it. Instead of giving a puppy directly, especially during a holiday, a better idea might be to give a certificate, a dog collar or other item that can represent and later be exchanged for a puppy or adult when the time is right. Remember, a dog is a pet for a lifetime.
Is there at least one or more members of the household willing and able to care for a dog that will live on average from 11 to 15 years or even as long as 18 to 19 years?
Before deciding to own a dog, establish exactly who will be caring for it and how feasable it will be to keep a dog for many years. Is there enough room in the family budget to cover the cost of dogfood, toys, puppy classes, vet care and any unforseen emergencies? What will happen to the dog while the family vacations? Who will care for it in emergency situations? Who will feed and clean up after the dog? Who will be responsible for veterinary trips and any home medical care if needed? If the dog is intended as a child's companion, is the child mature enough to consistently help in caring for the dog? If the child will be going off to college in the dog's later years, who will keep the dog?
Are there any plans over the next year or so, to have a baby or move?
New family additions, changes in job schedule or loss of a job, divorce and moving are some major reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters. It is always hard to predict the future, but if you think there might be one of these major changes coming up sometime over the next few years, please consider carefully how much time and resources you might have for a dog in the family. Sometimes a sudden change can occur unexpectedly, so it is important to also have a plan that includes what will be done and who will care for the dog if you cannot.
Does anyone in the family have allergies?
This is another common reason for re-homing or placing a pet in a shelter. If a family member has allergies, take time to seriously determine if bringing a dog into the family will be a good descision. Cardigans are a shedding breed and not recommended for families with allergies.
Would a puppy or an adult better suit my household?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. Take time to consider what would work best for your lifestyle and schedule.
If a puppy is the choice, will there be enough free time in my schedule over at least the next 6-12 months for properly housebreaking and training an active, intelligent youngster?
Cardigans are dogs that do require time and training to ensure they grow up into well behaved adults. Puppies of ALL breeds normally do not gain voluntary bladder and bowel control before the age of 16 weeks and smaller dogs may take even longer. Crate training and arranging for someone to periodically take the puppy out during the day for relief is a must. Just like any small child, unattended puppies can also get into a lot of trouble, so someone will have to take the time to monitor and make sure a puppy learns what is appropriate behavior. Crate training, just like using a playpen for a toddler, is a useful way to temporarily confine a puppy in a safe area, help it to remember bladder control and give it a place to nap, but a crate should never be used as an extended-time puppy parking place. Just like human children, puppies need physical contact and regular guidance to become good adults. Check with local obedience schools to see if they offer puppy training classes. This is a great way to get a good start.
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?
An adult or rescue dog will need time to get accustomed to the new routine. It may take time for family members and other pets to get used to the new dog. Some accidents may happen since many dogs need to re-learn the rules of housebreaking in their new home. Be sure to thoroughly discuss any specific needs or problems that may come with the new dog before making a final descision to adopt.
Am I willing to put up with some shedding and the other aspects of owning a Cardigan?
Cardigans ARE a shedding breed. They will do some shedding year round, but usually shed the most twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Although they may not shed as much as some other breeds, they do require regular brushing and/or trips to a groomer to keep things manageable. Some Cardigans may have longer 'fluff' coats which require additional care to prevent matts and keep their feet neat. Cardigans are smart and many live up to their mythical reputation of being the descendants of mischievious elves turned into dogs. They love to play and if they aren't given useful work, will quickly find ways to get attention, making a game of stealing slippers or tea towels for the fun of the chase. Some Cardigans like to bark and can become nuisance barkers if left to their own devices. A few Cardigans can be aggressive towards other dogs or animals outside the family. The Cardigan was mainly used as a farm dog intended to safeguard their owner's livestock, family and property. They accomplished this by alerting their owner to intruders, killing rats or other vermin and driving off stray animals, so in some Cardigans, this instinct is strong. Proper training and socializing is very important to make sure this doesn't become a problem.
Am I interested in learning to show or do other fun things with my Cardigan? Showing dogs is a fun hobby for many people. It is a good way to get out and do something with your dog, meet other people who love dogs and maybe even win a few ribbons and show titles. Many cardigan owners show their own dogs to gain titles with them and a lot of obedience schools offer show handling classes. Local clubs often hold Fun Matches to help beginner handlers and young dogs learn and newcomers are always welcome. Cardigans are versatile dogs who love to do things with their owners and there are so many things to do! If you don't want to show in Conformation, you can try Obedience, Rally, Agility, Flyball, Tracking, Herding, Lure Coursing, Barn Hunt and some have even done Weight Pulling, Dock Diving and Freestyle (a form of obedience set to music). Cardigans have also been used as Search and Rescue, Therapy, Seizure Alert and Hearing Assistance Dogs.
Has the issue of preference for gender, color and other considerations been discussed and agreed upon by eveyone in the family? Color and gender preference should always be decided last. Cardigans of both genders and all colors make wonderful pets. Many people want female dogs on the mistaken belief they make better pets. In cardigans, both males and females have equally good companionship qualities. Cardigans come in a wide variety of colors. Some breeders specialize in some colors, but a cardigan of any color is still a cardigan.
