A few Questions

[gemjunkie]

I would like to know how to get to know a reputable breeder because in the future, I'd like to breed my girl. IF all of her health tests turn out that is. I'd never breed her if there was something wrong.

I'd like a mentor/tutor, someone that's had experience in showing and breeding. I'd also like to show this girl a bit and see how she stacks up against others of her own breed. She starts conformation and obedience classes in January.

Is there some way to go about doing this gracefully?

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!!!

~Pam~

[lneill84]

The best way is to ask breeders in your area that are reputable and responsible. I know there are breeders that will take you under their wing, so to say. The best way is to purchase a female from a breeder under the intention of showing and breeding her with help.

[Michael Romanos]

In New Zealand you would join a Corgi club ( they all cover both Pems and Cardis in NZ) and then seek advice through the members of the club regarding breeding and compatibility, and conformation showing. There is no better way of learning conformation than to attend an unofficial non-championship show (called ribbon parades in NZ) -preferably with Corgis only and an experienced person taking you under their wing at this event and at the same time you seeing what is required.

Training for conformation showing starts from day one when you get your pup. It is very much to do with the basics - handling, inspecting, standing, sitting, coming, staying and within a few weeks your pup should be able to walk to heel on your left. But these things can start anytime. Table inspection is important with the Corgi standing anchored - ie if a judge applies pressure to the Corgis back, the Corgi remains solidly upright and as still as possible. It is very possible in NZ to get a Corgi at eight weeks and to show that Corgi successfully a little more than a month later.

There is a new member of Go Corgi called Lisa or Liz (I think that's her name), she is known to Glencorgi (Debbie) and she has some prominence as an American breeder and also competes in conformation and I think agility.Send a messge to Glencorgi asking for details of this person.

[CorgiMum]

Originally Posted by gemjunkie

I would like to know how to get to know a reputable breeder because in the future, I'd like to breed my girl.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!!!
~Pam~

Pam, do you have a breeding contract with your wee pup's breeder?

[Fluffypants]

The person I would ask about this is the breeder that you got your pup from. He/she will be your best resource.

[glencorgi]

I have sent Pam a pretty lengthy PM with suggestions, guidance and some ideas. She is on the right track with her first step of enrolling in conformation and obedience classes. In lieu of a Pembroke club (which she likely would not meet the requirements for joining at this time even IF there is one in her area), her local all-breed club is an excellent option to begin to get mentors. Definitely her Sophie's breeder should be her first resource option, but that is often not reality. While an internet list/forum might be a good place to ask initial questions, this is one example of why they can never take the place of physical dog clubs where one can get hands on, one on one attention, advice and direction.

Debbie

[gemjunkie]

Thanks Debbie,
I'm going to check you pm shortly. I fully intend to have mine COMPLETELY health tested before deciding to breed her. I may NOT even if she does check out 100%.

In any case, I'm waiting for the breeder to get back to me right now. It was my understanding that she got her dog (the mother of MY girl) from her mother who is the 'breeder' person in her family, and I asked for contact information from her. I lucked out in the respect that my girl does have good genes in her pedigree after researching. MOST have been health tested as well.

No, I do not qualify for the local corgi club. I have no experience beyond the last 2+ months with this girl. By the time she is of a breedable age, I will BARELY qualify IF I have someone give me a refference but without a mentor, I don't know where to go from there (other than classes and the local all breed club who I have been in contact with already and am joining).

That is exactly why, I'm NOT going to get the mastiff puppy I so desperately wanted. I have NO physical hands on experience with that breed. SO, even though, I have the best intent and can afford vet care and classes, I just don't think it's fair to the dog with out hands on experience. The same could be said about my girl now but she will not become 200+lbs either.

So, NOW I have her and I want to make the best dog out of her and the best corgi mom I can be, with the resources I can find. The show season starts next May here and I intend to have her in those 3 shows here this summer.

Ok, I'll get off my soap box and go check my PMs. My friend and I are going to start puppy classes in January. Wish us luck on that. I'll DEFINETLY keep everyone updated on my whole go round here since a corgi is NOT a common dog in my neck of the woods.

Thanks for ALL the input!!!
~Pam~