How do I go about finding the best dog?

[DMickey28]

I am ready to finally get a puppy. We have decided that we want a Corgi. Cardigan or Pembroke.

How is the best way to do this? Does anyone on here have one and can recommend a breeder?

Horror stories from pet stores?

I don't know how to start.

Thanks

Christina

 

[C.Ann]

I don't know anything about those particular breeds, but I would stay away from Pet Stores - unless you know for certain that they don't get their puppies from puppy farms..

You know what I would do? I would call a reputable vet in your area.. I'll bet they could help you decide and put you in touch with a reputable seller !!!

Hope you have fun with your new puppy..

 

[Bichon Barb]

There are lots of websites that list breeders. http://www.breederweb.com is one that I can think of off the top of my head. But you need to take a good look at each breeder. Make sure they health guarantees. Also, you can purchase a magazine like Dog Fancy. They have breeders listed in the back.

Good luck!

 

[janette]

Check www.petfinder.com , they have lists of all the rescue groups and you can find a dog using their search for the breed you want.

 

[Byrd]

My mom was a judge for that breed and also a breeder of Sheland Sheepdogs for many years. Not all the puppies are sold for show and make excellent pets. If you visit a show in your area you could meet owners that could contact you with the people that can help you.

Our current dogs were homeless. The lab was taken to the vet to be put to sleep by her owner that didn't want her any more. Thankfully he called us an she is one happy house dog!

The other was dropped off on the road. We tried to find her a good home, after a week we took her to the vet to be checked and spayed and she is another happy house dog! I have no regrets. Dogs are wonderful additions to a family.

Byrd

 

[doxdogy]

Pembroke Welsh Corgi's are wonderful dogs and have a sense of humor. I would go to dog shows in your area and talk to breeder's at the show. Also go to the AKC website and look for the Corgi Club of America and see if they have a club in your area. If you didn't have your heart set on a puppy, check out the web and see if there are any Corgi rescue groups.

 

[MHopkins2]

Generally speaking, pet stores give you convenient availability and (sometimes) lower prices. They aren't the route to go if you want the best bred, healthiest, well socialized puppy. See if you can find a high-traffic corgi forum - the Siamese Cat board I frequent has a whole board for postings from registered, responsible breeders about their available kittens. These groups are also just in general amazing resources for information about the breed and pointing in the right direction.

[Note: I am sure there are plenty of people, including many on this board, who have gotten their beloved pets from pet stores. I'm not saying you CAN'T get a good pet there, just that it probably isn't the best route. YMMV.]

 

[Kallison]

I think the best route is to go to the shelter and give a homeless dog a home. If you have your heart set on a certain breed you can look for rescue groups for that dog. Just my two cents.

 

[DocRafiki]

Don't breed or buy while homeless animals die.

Petfinder.com

 

[debster812]

Originally posted by Kallison
I think the best route is to go to the shelter and give a homeless dog a home. If you have your heart set on a certain breed you can look for rescue groups for that dog. Just my two cents.

Don't breed or buy while homeless animals die.

Amazing how delivery can make such a difference in how one's message is relayed.

Nicely said Kallison. Less nicely said Doc. I think your message would come across better with a bit more tact. But, hey, what do I know?

Dmickey--I'm no help, I just wish you luck in whatever you decide.

 

[MHopkins2]

Just so he's not totally out on a limb, I pretty much agree with DR.

But I also know that when folks have their hearts set on a purebred puppy, there's not much chance of talking them out of it. So I do what I consider the next best thing, steering away from pet stores and toward reputable and knowledgeable breeders.

 

[Lanshark]

DON'T buy from a pet store. Talk to your vet about breeders or rescues in your area. They should be able to recommend someone that treats their dogs well and takes breeding seriously.

 

[Otto's Doll]

I agree with www.petfinder.com I got my 2.5 yr old German Shepherd from one of their shelters in October 2001. He is the best dog we have ever had, pure bred, and had been kept in a foster home since he had been given up for adoption. He was very social, and very friendly. I have had lots of shepherds, and he is the best one. I got him when he was about 6 months old. He had been neutered and had all his shots as well as a vet check.
You can specify what gender, breed, age and location you want a search done in. Please consider this route.

 

[Antonia]

I've never had to go get a dog. They always come to me. Homeless dogs make the best pets. They actually seem grateful. I have three living in my house now. All are housebroken, go in and out the dog door. One sleeps at the foot of my bed, the other in the floor by the door and another in a small pet bed in my son's room. I wish I could know the life each one led before coming here.

 

[Kallison]

I know what you mean about homeless dogs being grateful. Our pound puppy is a purebred Lab, people are always amazed when we say we got him at the SPCA. He is a 95 lbs. of velcro dog, follows me everywhere. Also came all potty trained!

I actually enjoy Doc Rafiki's forthrightness. She is a no-nonsense gal who says what she means without sugar coating it. I respect that, I wish I could be more like that, I bet nobody ever pushes her around!

 

[KaterBell]

I know there is a good Corgi breeder in Duxbury, MA - although I don't have the details for you, I could get the phone # for you from my cousin who is getting one from there. I hear there is a lengthy waiting list however, due to the high quality and breeding of the dogs.

BUT - on the other hand.... a rescue is another fabulous way to go.

Please, I beg of you, do not buy a dog from a pet store. Puppy farms should not be supported whatsoever. It's a shame how they treat those animals.

Best best best of luck with whatever you decide - to have a dog is to be blessed with unconditional love.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We have a golden retriever and I called the local golden club (My friend is into Dobermans and could get me the #). They gave me a couple of numbers.
The best purebred dogs reputation and health-wise never have ads in the paper because the pups are usually spoken for before they are 7 weeks old.
I have bought dogs from all types of sources. I got a german shepherd from a breeder that had bad hips and bad temper by age 2 and had to be put down after he went through a screen to chase and bite the paper boy.
We got a shelter dog we had 6 years--unfortunately she never took a shine to DD#1 when we brought her home, and when DD was 2 1/2 got a nice bite on the face. We put her down shortly after.
Next I got a lab/shepherd mix out of the paper. He was darling. I loved him a lot. Unfortunately he developed epilepsy, and while it was treatable, when he came out of his fits he had no idea where or who anyone was and bit me--then almost bit the vet--who recommended that with 3 small kids (by that time) we put him down. He was only 3 1/2.
Ranger is our golden and he is now 4 1/2, so hopefully our luck with dogs has changed. He is so sweet. I have two humane society cats so I know the value of adopting that way. But I didn't want to take any chances with my track record that I might get a dog with a closet mean streak.
Robin M.