Buying a Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Avoid a puppy from parents with very long backs and very short legs, as dogs with extreme conformation may be at greater risk of health problems.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease. DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined by an ophthalmologist before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)
- checks for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- degeneration of spinal discs and spinal cord, compression, pain, possible paralysis. More likely in dogs with chondrodystrophy.
- Urolithiasis
- bladder stones
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Chondrodystrophy (CDDY)
- most Pembroke Corgis probably have this gene, which contributes to their short legs but increases their risk of spinal disc disease (IVDD)
- DM – degenerative myelopathy
- progressive weakness of back legs
Other Tests
- Genetic laboratories offer tests for other rare inherited diseases in Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Further Information
There are two separate breeds of Welsh Corgi. This information refers to Pembroke Welsh Corgis, which are much more common. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a rare breed. Both types of Corgi are susceptible to some of the same diseases, particularly spinal problems, but there are also differences between them – see this Kennel Club article for more information on diseases in Cardigans.