Thinking of getting a Corgi.

[MyPemCharlie]

Yes, I should have more correctly written "some" are not lap dogs instead of "most" since my only direct experience with Corgis is with Charlie.

Charlie's priorities are certainly "Eat?, Play Ball, Got Food?, Play with Other Dog, Eat?" and "Lap Dog" had to be trained. He is content to sit with me now for several hours in the evening, but I picked him up a lot the first few months and put him down when he struggled. Initially he had a decided preference to do anything except sit with me and be petted.

[glencorgi]

Lap dog thing varies -- in my opinion and experience with both breeds. People who are looking for a lap dog and pick a corgi as the breed they want are making the wrong choice <IMO>. These are working dogs, not foo-foo milque toast lap dogs. Having said that, many of both breeds love nothing more than to snuggle up and veg out in someone's lap. Got a young Pem girl like that now that relishes sitting in a "daddy's lap" while he watches the ball game. Berry, 2 year old Cardi girl, well "chase me" is her favorite game with the other dogs. She takes breaks to come see me, get in my lap, give me a kiss, cuddle a minute and then it is off back to her game. Lying by their human's side or at their feet is where some want to be and don't really like the "on the lap" closeness. Some prefer the opposite end of the couch, others like lying in the doorway. Some are velcro to the extent they have to be touching and shadow their human wherever he/she goes in the house, others are content to curl up in their spot while the human goes about their chores. But in giving a general breed description for either corgi breed, lap dog would not be on my list. They do like to be with their people though.

Debbie

[ShannonRD]

I would definitely agree with crate training--we tried a corral in the kitchen after we introduced our second dog (both at the time were estimated to be about 6 mo., but she seemed to be in a younger, naughtier stage), we ended up missing patches of linoleum. We didn't have many other problems with Jabba (the Corgi) chewing on things much while humans were in adjacent rooms, but we had a tag-team going on for a while: carpet, cabinets, baseboards in the living room. I would also mention that Jabba's nickname used to be "wedgie" because he would flatten his teeny body (of course with legs backwards : ) ) and fit underneath absolutely everything to avoid our barricades.

I guess, based on some varying responses, that the lap-dog quality depends on the dog. Jabba is definitely a cuddle-bug and if he can't sit on my lap, he is directly underneath me (sometimes tripping me).

Your attraction to corgis is shared among all of us--is there anything more satisfying than a huge corgi grin? Enjoy the corgi search. : )

Shan

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Richard

Well, I am off to try and find some books on raising a dog....

"mother knows best" by carol lea benjamin is a good one. anything by her is good!

peggy

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by jakort1

Also, consider reading some of the "Show" lists. Peggy and Debbie can supply the links. One reason to do this is that occasionally I seen on the Cardigan list that breeders have finished champions that they were unable to place. At times having an adult can help bypass things like house-training.

corgi-l Archives of CORGI-L@LISTSERV.TAMU.EDU (not just show but a lot of reputable breeders on this one)

showpem-l and showcardi-l ShowPem-L and ShowCardi-L Discussion Lists

peggy

[Richard]

Folks,

Well, I'm back on line after the holidays and have another question for you. It seems as if my job will take me to Canada....so I might wait until I am settled there to get a Corgi - it would help a new puppy to be settled rather than have to move 6 months into it's life (don't you think?).

Should I be looking into contacting breeders in the Montreal area?

[QuietScribe]

I think maybe even if you don't end up settling where you think you are going (Montreal I guess?) it is always best to speak to as many people as you can for the information value. Thats why I love this site, it gives me the oppertunity to speak to and read the posts of people who own the same breed and can answer questions and give advice.

Also, I know it is not ideal, but if you did find a breeder you really liked, it is not out of the question to think that you could still get your dog from them if you moved. The trip to pick it up might be long, but if it is the breeder you like and trust, it might be worth it.

I know that when taking a rescue corgi over here (uk), they cover the whole of the uk, and will bring it to you (if you dont have transport) when one of their organisers come up for a dog show. This won't be the same with puppies of course, not young ones at least, but only talking to the breeders will give you that same insight.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Richard

Folks,

Well, I'm back on line after the holidays and have another question for you. It seems as if my job will take me to Canada....so I might wait until I am settled there to get a Corgi - it would help a new puppy to be settled rather than have to move 6 months into it's life (don't you think?).

Should I be looking into contacting breeders in the Montreal area?

Yes, it's better to wait till your life is settled before getting a puppy.

When you do use this site to find breeders in Canada.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Association (Canada)

Peggy

[Richard]

Peggy,

I think that is sound advice. I have looked at the link you said and contacted a breeder in Quebec to ask a few more questions. When I am house hunting I think there are a few things that I need to consider - such as a house with few stairs!

I think someone with Canadian knowledge would be able to nicely suppliment the great advice I have got from this website.

Thanks for all your help folks. I know I want a Corgi now, but this preparation is going to be worth it for my new Corgi....in about a year!

Richard.

[Richard]

Just one more thing. I think I have viewed every online U-tube film about Corgis and have noticed that sadly there are a few really fat ones. It would be easy to measure out the food that they get every day - so does this come from giving treats? I imagine that this would be people giving Corgi's human food because they look so cute when they watch you eat. Is that it? I know that they put weight on easily and if I took him/her for two walks a day and played with him/her and only fed them a small amount of treats (a couple when playing and one at night) that would be OK?

Also, I contacted a few breeders in Canada and had no replies. Bad time of year?

Richard

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Richard

Just one more thing. I think I have viewed every online U-tube film about Corgis and have noticed that sadly there are a few really fat ones.

Yes, there are. But too, unless you actually get hands on a dog, corgis can be optical illusions and can look heavier than they might really be.

It would be easy to measure out the food that they get every day - so does this come from giving treats?

Too many people follow what is recommended on the bag of kibble, which is usually too much for a corgi. Some get too many treats, some get too many table scraps. Mine get some human food, but I'm careful/moderation is the key.

I know that they put weight on easily and if I took him/her for two walks a day and played with him/her and only fed them a small amount of treats (a couple when playing and one at night) that would be OK?

Probably, you'll need to work out what is right for your dog.

Also, I contacted a few breeders in Canada and had no replies. Bad time of year?

Might be, just continue to check in with them periodically.

Debbie

[MyPemCharlie]

No reason for Corgis to be overweight even though they seem genetically predisposed to obesity. Fat dogs are just from some combination of too much food and/or too little exercise.

Often spouses and children slip the dog a lot of food "under the table" so then that can be hard to control. My dad insisted on feeding my dogs chicken fried steak, potatoes, bologna, and who knows what else (went I wasn't looking) when we went home 2 days for Xmas. Glad we don't live next door...I would have two fat dogs!

I keep the dogs in good shape by measuring/weighing food and treats and weighing the dogs on a cheapie bathroom scale every week or two to make sure they aren't gaining or losing weight. They also get a lot of exercise during the day.

It's not hard to keep them healthy, especially when you're aware of the tendency for them to easily "put on a few".

[Candy]

Hi Richard,

Also, I contacted a few breeders in Canada and had no replies. Bad time of year?

We're in Ontario, around Toronto, which is far enough away from Quebec that its about a day's drive away. Gimli was born in August and we welcomed him in October. Our breeder was 2 hours west of us. I sent out 'feeler' emails around June to about 6 or 7 breeders in driving distance and received about 4 responses.

I would check back again in the spring. It may give them time to decide on the next sire/dam combination etc.

Depending on where in Quebec you end up moving to, if its close enough to Ontario, you may be able to find a breeder in the Ottawa region. Check out this breeder: Curig & FaerieTale Pembroke Welsh Corgis. One of the ladies is in Ottawa, which isn't too far from the city of Montreal.

Lastly, check out Sandon Kennels - Welcome to our Kennel, they are in the Niagara Falls area, far from Quebec, but they messaged me last month asking if I was still interested in one of their puppies due in either Jan or Feb, (I can't remember offhand). At the very least, it may be a good idea to get on their waiting list from now for the next litter, which would give you time to arrive and settle in.

If all else fails for breeders in Quebec, you can check out breeders in Ontario.

Hope this helps!

Candy

p.s. on Sandon Kennels' site, it states the next litter is due in 2007! I've noticed some Canadian Pembroke breeders haven't updated their sites in a while, so I'd message them anyways.

[Richard]

Thanks Candy,

I am trying to get on a waiting list, but maybe because I am looking at the end of 2009 to 2010 it is making them not write. I am also asking a few general questions to try and establish a dialogue with them. Breeders are rightly wary about who they give their puppies too and I would like to convince one of them that I am such a person....or I think I am. Judging by the replies on this forum, I don't think I am wrong there...

Also, look at this Corgi purring like a kitty...YouTube - Re: the corgi is singing

[Richard]

Well, I am not having much luck finding a breeder in Montreal for 2010

I have one person who won't have puppies until 2011...which might be my only option. I looked at a lot of adoption sites, but most have mixes and I would like a Corgi for my first dog of my own.

Anyone got any suggestions? I can wait and I have written several letters, but only got the reply about 2011.

I would like one for the end of this year or the start of next if possible. Does anyone have a suggestion?

When are the main breeding times? I'd like to at least put down a deposit....

Richard