Thinking of getting a Corgi.

[Richard]

Let me start by saying I had a Corgi once for about 2 years when I lived together with my wife. When that didn't work out, our Corgi went to live with her - which was the right choice as they are very happy together.

However, a year has passed and I'm thinking of getting a Corgi puppy. This would be my first dog that I would have raised alone...so even though I have had a Corgi, I really don't know much about how to get one and how to raise one. I'd really love a Corgi right now, but am thinking of getting one at the end of next year. That might seem a long time away, but I want to make sure that I'm ready.

I work a lot - and I mean a lot....about 12 hours a day. I don't have to, I just always have. That might have raised alarm bells in all Corgi owners and you would be right. I know that a Corgi (or a companion animal of any sort) needs as much love an attention as a child. And that's why I want one at the end of next year so I can slowly change my life so I am ready to have a dog. I've got a lot of learning to do before I get one and I'd like to make sure that I would be ready.

I'm not sure what the right reasons are to get a dog, but I guess I know some of the wrong ones. I don't want a dog as a 'thing' or an item to show off to friends. I want a companion animal that I can go for walks together with, play with at night and have sat next to me when I am watching TV. Does that sound like the wrong reason to get a Corgi?

I know that I would have to go home from work every 3-4 hours to care for a Corgi puppy and I would probably take a week off work when I got them to be around for them.

So I guess I read a few of the things about finding a good breeder on this forum and read some of the posts about the sorts of things you should look for health wise. However, I would also like to know what I have to do to get ready for a Corgi. I've got a year to prepare and I think that's a decent enough amount of time. I don't think that working less would be a problem and finding time to play and care for a Corgi wouldn't be a problem either.

What other things should I be thinking about in terms of getting a Corgi - more of what sorts of things should I expect to do and what sorts of things could I not do when I get a dog. Obviously, long monthly trips away from home wouldn't work - but what would I do if I had to go away for a weekend for a work trip (luckily not that often - 3 times a year)?

I hope you can help me with some of these issues. Please be honest about my situation, I'd rather hear that something won't work than to get a Corgi and have them be unhappy.

Rich.

[Louwants]

Sounds to me like you have a good plan. Waiting a year to change your work schedule, looking for a breeder and getting your place corgi puppy proof.
You have the right reasons to want to get a corgi, or any dog in that manner. Wanting one for companionship and going for walks are great reasons. Sounds like the corgi you pick will have a great home.
I work 12 hours shift also, but, my husband worked opposite shift of me, so, our corgi was never alone. Which did have it's drawbacks. He is more attached to my husband and is overweight because my husband insisted (noticed I said insisted) to give him a bite of everything he was eating. That was one of the first rules I gave my husband that he broke (which there were many more...LOL), not to feed him people food. We're working on that though, and he is doing much better.
There are several fantastic breeders on this website and you will be hearing from them. They will give you the best advice you could want. So, welcome to Gocorgi and ask any question you have. I know I've gotten great advice from many people here. One suggestion, DON'T ask what is the best food to feed your corgi..it starts a war! LOL! Just find threads on that subject. Good Luck!

[MyPemCharlie]

Hi Rich,

Welcome to GoCorgi! It's nice to hear that you are planning to take a lot of time to "plan".

I would think about whether to get a puppy or an adult through rescue or retired show dog. Puppies take a lot of time to housetrain and turn into a nice calm mature adult. With a dog 2 years or older, you can already pretty much determine their personality and temperament. A two-month old puppy needs to be taken outside every two hours or you will have a hard time with potty training. (3 months: 3 hours, 4 months: 4 hours, etc.) Expect a relapse in potty training and other "weird" behaviors around 6 months when the dog goes into adolesence (read: hormonal teenager) and may start marking territory and possibly destroying things if you're not around. Adolesence can last up to the dog is 2 years old. The more you're around to train for good behavior the better the dog will do. An adult dog may need some training depending on the background and previous owner's attention, but will be more mature, be able to focus longer, and learn faster. I'm not trying to encourage either puppy or adult, but just be aware the puppies need a lot of attention and training, otherwise you may end up with an out of control adult and we'll see you on Dog Whisperer.

Having a dog for companionship, taking on walks, playing ball (or Agility, Flyball, or other sport) are great reasons to get a Corgi. Most Corgis do want to spend time with you, but most are not "lap dogs". I trained Charlie to sit in a chair with me and relax for a couple hours of TV watching in the evening. I don't think sharing a chair with me is something that necessarily came "naturally" for Charlie. Without training, I think he'd prefer to sit somewhere in the same room but not right in the same chair with me. Every dog has a different personality though, so some Corgis might be more inclined to sit on your lap and snuggle. Corgis tend toward independence...a herding breed characteristic.

As far as selecting a particular dog, I would contact as many breeders as possible from the PWCCA and CWCCA (if you're considering a Cardigan), and from your regional breed clubs. Ask about their breeding plans and ask if you can go look at their dogs. It's nice to know the temperament of the parents before choosing a breeder (if you decide to get a puppy or retired adult). The more breeders you speak to, the more wealth of information you'll get about the breed(s). Most breeders love to talk about their dogs (though you'll find a few who act like you're bothering them....not many). Some breeders may take a month or two to return your call or email (they do have lives outside their dogs too) so I would start now making contacts.

That's all I can think of right now. Glad you joined us here! Ask any questions you have. We do have some resident experts who are always happy to help. And keep us posted as you go through your decision-making process.

[Richard]

Thank you very much for replying and giving me some more things to consider.

I remember my old Corgi would sit by me looking very pathetic when I was eating my dinner, so I know how tempting it is to feed them your food. I was able to resist then, so I would hope I can now. I know a few Corgi breeder have a clause about the dog being overweight which I guess is a good thing.

I guess I don't necessarily need a dog to sit on my lap at nights when I am watching TV or reading, but just to be in the room with me.

Given what you have said about getting a puppy (take them out every 2 hours when they are 2 months etc) I don't think I should get anything younger than 4-5 months. It's a shame because they are really cute - but that would be hard to do given that I am single and have to work. I can probably do every 4-5 hours. I had heard about the several imprinting times in a Dog's life and the fact they get like a teenager when they are a few months old.

I have considered a rescue dog, but I am concerned about the health issues that they might get. Again, stop me if I am wrong, but isn't one of the good things about getting a dog from a good breeder is that they might have a good genetic background? If that is the most naive thing you have ever read, then let me know. I'm still learning and don't know as much as you folks.

I guess I have a ton of questions and I don't want to burden you all with them (such as is crate training the right way to go when I am not home or should I look to make a "Corgi-proof" room). Is there a good book I can read as I start my preparations of getting a dog? Should I clean the dogs' teeth every night? What is the best way of doing their nails - filing or clipping.

I know that I've got a lot of things to learn and about and I've got time to learn them. Rather than being a pest, I could read a few books on the subject and come back here for advice.

So, do you have some good reading material?

Thanks for your help,

Rich.

[MyPemCharlie]

Originally Posted by Richard

I remember my old Corgi would sit by me looking very pathetic when I was eating my dinner, so I know how tempting it is to feed them your food. I was able to resist then, so I would hope I can now. I know a few Corgi breeder have a clause about the dog being overweight which I guess is a good thing.

Yes. Corgis seem to be genetically predisposed to obesity. You don't want to "love them with food".

Originally Posted by Richard

Given what you have said about getting a puppy (take them out every 2 hours when they are 2 months etc) I don't think I should get anything younger than 4-5 months. It's a shame because they are really cute - but that would be hard to do given that I am single and have to work. I can probably do every 4-5 hours. I had heard about the several imprinting times in a Dog's life and the fact they get like a teenager when they are a few months old.

You could also check with pet sitters in your area. If you had someone come in mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and you could go home for a lunch hour, that would work. Most breeders keep the pups until 3 months...they've found pups learn quite a bit from mom and littermates between 8 and 12 weeks that makes them better pets in the long run.

Originally Posted by Richard

I have considered a rescue dog, but I am concerned about the health issues that they might get. Again, stop me if I am wrong, but isn't one of the good things about getting a dog from a good breeder is that they might have a good genetic background? If that is the most naive thing you have ever read, then let me know. I'm still learning and don't know as much as you folks.

You are correct. Reputable breeders are the experts on the breed. They know genetics, screen for problems, do health testing, and are continually trying to improve the breed. Your best chances for genetics and health are with a show/hobby breeder's dog. Even the best breeders will end up with some problems, but they do everything possible to mimimize health and conformation "defects". They produce 10% of the "pet supply".

Most of us have backyard breeder dogs (who produce 60% of the pet supply). These dogs would also be the largest percentage of dogs which show up in rescue. Corgis are a fairly healthy breed overall, but yes, you do assume a little more risk of health problems. BYB's normally do not do health testing and are largely unknowledgeable or unwilling to take a dog out of their breeding program due to defects (physical or sometimes health).

30% of dogs are puppy mill/pet store dogs. Just stay away from those. High risk of health and behavior issues. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Originally Posted by Richard

I guess I have a ton of questions and I don't want to burden you all with them (such as is crate training the right way to go when I am not home or should I look to make a "Corgi-proof" room). Is there a good book I can read as I start my preparations of getting a dog? Should I clean the dogs' teeth every night? What is the best way of doing their nails - filing or clipping.

The majority of us here on GoCorgi are in favor of crate training. A puppy playpen or baby gating the kitchen would be an alternative. Letting a puppy have free-run of the house is not and alternative. You have plenty of time to worry about that a little later, although finding a good trainer and planning on puppy kindergarden followed by basic obedience classes would be fabulous. They do need to have their teeth and nails attended to regularly, as well as brushing. Did anyone mention the profuse shedding???

Originally Posted by Richard

I know that I've got a lot of things to learn and about and I've got time to learn them. Rather than being a pest, I could read a few books on the subject and come back here for advice.

So, do you have some good reading material?

I'm an "internet" reader myself. I'll leave it to others to recommend books. I also seriously learned a ton from the breeders who I spoke with over the phone at great length.

[Richard]

Thanks for that reply. I can tell you I am certainly NOT going to buy a Corgi from a pet store. I do not support puppy mills and would only get a dog from someone who didn't support puppy mills.
I wouldn't let a Corgi have the free-run of the house. There is untold naughty things they could do.

I know Corgi's can shed a lot - so that requires brushing, right? Would that be part of a bonding experience? I would imagine that dogs like to be brushed. How frequently do they need it? Every night?

The sad thing in all of this is that I would love a Corgi now, but I have a lot of preparation to do.

I would like to do all of the training myself if I could and not rely on a pet-sitter to take out a puppy if I could.

I guess one really naive question is when do Corgi's tend to have Puppies? i.e. when next year should I plan on getting one? It would be three months after they have their puppies from what I am reading above.

Thanks for the discussion folks, this is really helping.

Richard

[Vannette]

Hi Richard...Vannette here..I have Katie and Cody, both 3 years old. Both mine are lap dogs along with my b/friends (corgi also)so it gets rather crowded. LOL When he comes over mine sit with him and his sits with me. goofy dogs.
I don't work so I am usually with my dogs but, if not, they do have free run of the house but they are older and had to wait till they past the one year mark.
Cody needs his nails done weekly and Katie maybe once a month. I spent the night at my folks for Thanksgiving and they said they vacuumed up enough fur for 2 corgis hehehe. They should see my house
What fun you will have!!
Vannette

[MyPemCharlie]

Originally Posted by Richard

I know Corgi's can shed a lot - so that requires brushing, right? Would that be part of a bonding experience? I would imagine that dogs like to be brushed. How frequently do they need it? Every night?

Technically you should only need to brush once or twice a week. I brush Charlie outside everyday after we get back from our walk. It really keeps the loose hair out of the house (most of it anyway). Charlie did not really like to be brushed when I got him, and he was always trying to bite the brush or play with it like a toy. Daily brushing got him used to it in no time though, and he learned that it actually feels quite nice.

Originally Posted by Richard

The sad thing in all of this is that I would love a Corgi now, but I have a lot of preparation to do.

Trust your instincts and gather your info. You'll know when you're ready. It may not be a year. Go look at a lot of dogs, but leave your checkbook at home.

Originally Posted by Richard

I would like to do all of the training myself if I could and not rely on a pet-sitter to take out a puppy if I could.

If you've never been through a formal dog training class you will get a lot of good general information from it. Training teaches you how to "speak dog" so you learn to be smarter than the dog. The dog just goes along to class to keep you company while you learn.

Originally Posted by Richard

I guess one really naive question is when do Corgi's tend to have Puppies? i.e. when next year should I plan on getting one? It would be three months after they have their puppies from what I am reading above.

Start calling breeders and ask what their breeding plans are for 2009, and if they have a long waiting list. Some breeders only have one litter a year, some will plan two. Depends on their show plans mostly (I think). You'll want to get your name on waiting lists the sooner the better. If your name comes up and you're not ready you just ask to wait for the next litter.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Richard

Given what you have said about getting a puppy (take them out every 2 hours when they are 2 months etc) I don't think I should get anything younger than 4-5 months. It's a shame because they are really cute - but that would be hard to do given that I am single and have to work. I can probably do every 4-5 hours. I had heard about the several imprinting times in a Dog's life and the fact they get like a teenager when they are a few months old.

yes there are imprinting stages, but dogs are very resiliant. i have gotten dogs from age 8 weeks to 6 years old. and have taken in foster corgis at various ages, the oldest being 10 yrs. the time it takes to adjust depends on the dog.

a 4-5 mos old puppy will do just fine. i'd not worry about that.

I have considered a rescue dog, but I am concerned about the health issues that they might get. Again, stop me if I am wrong, but isn't one of the good things about getting a dog from a good breeder is that they might have a good genetic background? If that is the most naive thing you have ever read, then let me know. I'm still learning and don't know as much as you folks.

yes, that is a big gamble you take with a rescue. and yes, if you go to a breeder who does the health tests, you have better chances of getting a better genetic background. (however remember that breeders are not gods, we can't control/prevent as much as we'd like.)

I guess I have a ton of questions and I don't want to burden you all with them (such as is crate training the right way to go when I am not home or should I look to make a "Corgi-proof" room).

that's why some of us are here! and yes, most of us recommend crate training. most responsible breeders do too.

Is there a good book I can read as I start my preparations of getting a dog?

"the new complete pembroke welsh corgi". it's out of print but can be found by internet searches.

also "everything corgi" Everything Corgi: A Book to Benefit CorgiAid

Should I clean the dogs' teeth every night?

regurarly is good, or raw bones work too.

What is the best way of doing their nails - filing or clipping.

grinding with a dremel How to Dremel Dog Nails @ DoberDawn.com

peggy

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Richard

I know Corgi's can shed a lot - so that requires brushing, right? Would that be part of a bonding experience? I would imagine that dogs like to be brushed. How frequently do they need it? Every night?

yes, it can be a bonding experience. brush at least weekley, every night is good if you can do that. frequent brushing should cut down on shedding.

I guess one really naive question is when do Corgi's tend to have Puppies? i.e. when next year should I plan on getting one?

there is no set time of the year they come in season. i've owned quite a few corgis in the last 28+ years, there have birthdays in every month.

and yes, most responsible breeders let their puppies go to new homes at about 3 mos of age.

peggy

[glencorgi]

Just to add a few things to all the good advice already given.

Rescues to an extent are a gamble, but as Peggy mentioned breeders aren't gods and Mother Nature always has the last say. So a Breeder can test for everything under the moon and sun and things can still happen. Dealing with a reputable rescue group is much like going to a Breeder (usually they will have Breeders involved with them doing rescue themselves). You'll get a completely vetted dog with as much history disclosed to you as the rescue knows.

Breeders will also sometimes have young adults available, as well as older puppies they've run on.

Breedings are timed not on show schedules, but rather when one might come into season and if the Breeder wants or needs to breed her on a particular cycle.

Books, in addition to the two mentioned by Peggy, I find the New Pembroke Welsh Corgi more geared towards serious "students" of the breed and not so much towards day to day living with it. For the day to day I recommend Pembroke Welsh Corgi Family Friend and Farmhand by Susan Ewing. It has a lot of the history information that the New Complete Pembroke Welsh Corgi has with less time spent on show aspects. There is a new one out by Howell Books I think, the chain pet supply stores are carrying it - Silver/gray & black cover. I don't have it yet, but looks good from what I glanced through it. For puppy training and raising, Puppy Kisses Are Good For the Soul & Other Important Lessons Your Dog Can Teach You by Howard Weinstein and Mail Order Annie - the PWC that inspired and taught him many lessons.

Debbie

[Dillydoodle]

Richard,
I think that it is wonderful that you would love to have a corgi companion. They really are fun dogs, it sounds like you have realisitic expectations and that you are being responsible in your thinking through your decision prior to getting a puppy. I know i researched a lot before i actually chose a breeder and got my first corgi.

Dillon was 11 weeks old when i brought him home from the breeder. He is now 3 1/2 yrs old..and what a joy. After we had Dillon for a year and a half we decided that we had to have a second corgi ... so we went back to the breeder and we found out about Gus who was looking for a forever home... he was just over 2 when we got him... He was a dog that was supposed to be a show dog but it was discovered that he had a genetic condition that prevented him from being bred and shown. We met him and fell in love with him and we immediately brought him home. He is now a little over 4 yrs old and is a real love. He came to us with no bad habits and was perfectly housebroken. We do deal with his health issue which requires daily pills but he is the sweetest dog i have ever met ( I know , i am biased, but everyone who meets him does fall for him) and we are so happy that we gave him a chance instead of bringing home a cute little puppy.

Don't rule out a young adult dog from a breeder... they sometimes have dogs that they planned to have as show dogs that don't make it for one reason or other and then are placed in pet homes... so that could be a great option for you. Puppies take a lot more work than most people realize. They need a lot more attention, they need play time, time for training, and a lot of time is spent housebreaking. I really believe that housebreaking takes a year ( now dillon had very few accidents in the house but that was becuase we were constantly letting him out and he was crated when we couldnt watch his every move...). We also spent a lot of time taking Dillon to training classes.

Everyone is giving you great advice so far... best of luck with your decision!

Emilie

[Michael Romanos]

Just a point or two. They say that grooming dogs a little every day is ideal and Corgis are definitely no exception.
No Corgi needs be overweight/obese but with their double hairful coats and chubby little legs, a Corgi gives the appearance of being too weighty - keep it to appearance only.

[Richard]

Wow!!!!!
lots of fantastic advice. I'm trying to sponge it up as I go. I'll look into some of those books...it will help me think of the sort of dog I am looking for.

I loved the advice about leaving the checkbook at home when talking to breeders. I can see why. I have viewed many U-tube films of Corgi's and seeing the puppies with their floppy ears and tiny legs would make me want to buy one.

I know I'm not ready and I think if I got one tomorrow a Corgi might not do as well as it would until I have done a lot more research and prepared for a dog in my life. I think a lot of people think it would be cute to get a dog, only to realize that they are much more work than they think. I want to make sure I am prepared.

Thanks for the reminder about the genetic testing. I'm a scientist by trade and I know that a piece of paper does not tell the whole genetic story of an animal - but it's really the best we can do. Sort of like people, coming from a family that doesn't have a history of cancer doesn't mean I will never get cancer - just that it's less likely. As I said, it's as good as we can do and nothing in science is 100%.

Having had a Corgi before, I know a Corgi is the right dog for me. I can't put my finger on it, there is just something about a smiling Corgi that will cheer me up no matter what mood I'm in.

Well, I am off to try and find some books on raising a dog....as I've got a long way to go until I am ready. Thank you very much for your kind responses to my posts - you didn't make me feel silly for asking what might be naive questions. I'll only post if I come across something that confuses me (that might be a lot as this would be my first dog)...but I won't be a pest.

Thanks very much folks,

Rich.

[jakort1]

Originally Posted by MyPemCharlie

Having a dog for companionship, taking on walks, playing ball (or Agility, Flyball, or other sport) are great reasons to get a Corgi. Most Corgis do want to spend time with you, but most are not "lap dogs".

I think that a lot of people would disagree about corgi not being lap dogs, usually it's that they "want" to be lap dogs (or at least the Cardigans I've been around).

I've learned a great deal by reading posts on this site and others, but, you have to temper that with the needs of your individual dog. Personally one of my dogs is suited for work...that's all he thinks about. The other is a lap dog and is being trained for therapy work. Plus, I like to show. Everything takes time and learning about the breed can be rewarding and sometimes frustrating.

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.

Hope all works out.