PUPPIES, PUPPIES, WHO'S GOT THE PUPPIES?
Not us, not now, and not for a little while. We typically breed a litter every couple of years, and our litters tend to be spoken for somewhat in advance, unfortunately.
But we do recommend you drop us a line (WhiteHartCardigans@gmail.com) if you are interested in a Cardigan puppy, or if you do wish to get to know us as you decide whether or not you'd like to wait for one of our litters. I am happy to provide names of people who may have litters now or in the near future if you choose not to wait, and I am happy to answer as many questions as you can think of, either way.
Additionally, we recommend you go to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America's breeder list to locate a breeder near you: http://cardigancorgis.com/BreederDirectory.html
Please note that it makes sense to contact breeders even if their listing doesn't indicate currently available puppies. Cardigan breeders frequently have long waiting lists, and it helps to identify a breeder you are comfortable with as soon as you can. When Cardigan shopping, my best advice to is to shop for your breeder first. Choose someone you get along well with and what to enter into an up-to-18-year relationship with. Then get on the list and and wait for your perfect companion.
Please also check out this public facebook group, which is dedicated to all things Cardigan and is a great source of information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/855522261192804/
The typical, well-bred, fully guaranteed Cardigan costs around $1,000 to $1,500, usually depending on the cost of vet care in the area. Be cautious of anyone charging much more or much less. Always ask a TON of questions. We have had an increasing number of less than ethical people pumping out puppies as quickly as they can. Look for pedigrees that contain 95% or more finished champions. Be wary of phrases like "champion lines". No authentic breeder uses this phrase to apply to dogs, because very few dogs should not be bred without that long history championship quality ancestors. A conformation championship means that the dog has been judged to be breeding quality by at least three neutral experts. Also be wary of "farm-raised" puppies. This is often code for "we stuck the puppies in the yard and let them fend for themselves instead of introducing them to things like people, cars, bicycles, dishwashers, sidewalks and stores ... you know, the stuff your dog will deal with every day."
Be prepared to tell your breeder enough about yourself to help them judge what type of puppy (personality, activity level and temperament) would suit your situation. And know there is nothing wrong with asking your breeder all of the same questions they are going to ask you, including a request for references.
When you purchase a dog of any breed or mixed breed, what you should really be purchasing is a relationship with a reputable breeder, someone who will stand by you and the dogs they bred for life. Interview your breeder carefully. Choose a person who feels like someone you will be comfortable talking with about your dog in good times and in bad. Your breeder is there to back you up, offer advice, commiserate, help you deal with any issues, and every reputable breeder stands as a safeguard for you and your dog. Should you have to give up your dog at any time, either temporarily or permanently, your breeder should offer your dog a home, no questions asked, no accusations made, and no hard feelings.
Ask about health testing (get proof of the results!), early puppy socialization, find out how the puppies are raised, where they will live until they move in with you, what the purpose of that particular breeding is (each breeder should have a goal in mind when planning a litter). Ask about the personalities of the parents, and dig deeper into anything that seems vague. Above all, trust yourself. If it doesn't feel open and friendly and "right", it isn't the relationship you are after.
I am not an elitist. I do not think purebred dogs are "better" than other dogs, but I do think some breeders are more conscientious than others. Remember that your money is being used to support a cause. Don't reward a breeder who provides substandard care to their dogs, who turns out puppies as quickly as they can as a means of supplementing their income, or who is charging you more for a "unique", "rare", or "exotic" breed, mixed breed or for odd markings. A dog with two blue eyes is NOT worth more than a dog with two brown ones. A fancy patched dog does NOT make a better pet than a plain brown one. By paying extra for cosmetic traits, you are rewarding that breeder for placing looks ahead of personality, health and temperament.
Your mission is to find the best dog for you and your family, not the most colorful one. Whether you find your dog through a nonprofit rescue, animal shelter, or breeder does not matter. What matters is that you find the RIGHT dog for the right reasons, wherever he or she may be.
Please contact us at WhiteHartCardigans@gmail.com.
Inquiring minds want to know.
Photo by CorriAnne Photography & Design
