20 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Corgi Puppy
Buying a puppy is an emotional decision, and it helps to have a list of questions in hand. A good breeder will welcome them. I am Michelle Horning of F&M Corgis in Kansas, and these are the questions I hope families ask me and any other breeder.
Use this list as a starting point, and add your own.
About the parents
1. Can I meet or see the mother and the sire? 2. Are both parents AKC registered? 3. What health tests have they had, and can I see the results? 4. How old are the parents, and how many litters has the mother had?
Our dogs and their results are listed on the Our Corgis page.
About the puppies
5. How were the puppies raised and where do they live? 6. How are they socialized with people and other dogs? 7. Are they crate and potty training? 8. Have they been vet checked, wormed and vaccinated? 9. Are they microchipped?
At F&M Corgis, puppies are handled daily, microchipped with AKC Reunite and crate acclimated.
About the guarantee and contract
10. What does the health guarantee cover and for how long? 11. Do you provide a written contract? 12. What are the deposit terms and the refund policy? 13. What happens if I cannot keep the dog?
Read every term before you pay. Our deposit must arrive within 4 days of commitment.
About price and logistics
14. What is the total price and what does it include? 15. Is shipping available, and what does it cost? 16. Can I pick up in person? 17. When can the puppy go home?
See how much a corgi puppy costs and our shipping page.
About support
18. Will you answer questions after I take the puppy home? 19. Can you give references or reviews from past buyers? 20. How can I reach you and when?
Our contact details are on the contact page, and past families share reviews on Google.
Red flags to watch for
Be careful if a seller will not let you see the dogs or the farm, avoids health test results, wants payment only by unusual methods or urges you to hurry. A trustworthy breeder is open and patient.
If you would like to talk, call (620) 764-3565. We are happy to answer every question on this list.
How to use these answers
Write down the answers you receive and compare breeders. Note whether each answer is clear, specific and backed up by paperwork. Vague answers or irritation at your questions are warnings.
Remember that a breeder who asks you questions is also doing the right thing. We ask families about their home and routine so each puppy lands in the best place.
Questions to ask yourself
Am I ready for a ten to fourteen year commitment? Do I have time for training and exercise? Can I afford food, vet care and grooming? Is everyone at home on board? Do I have a plan for travel and work days?
If you can answer yes to these, you are ready to look for a puppy.
Next steps
When you are ready, browse our available puppies and meet the parents on Our Corgis. Call (620) 764-3565 or use the contact form and Michelle will answer your questions and walk you through reserving a puppy.
Questions to ask about training and behavior
What have the puppies been taught so far? How do they react to new sounds and people? What are the parents' temperaments? Are there any behavior traits I should know about?
At F&M Corgis, puppies are handled daily, introduced to crates and potty training and live around people and other dogs, so they arrive well prepared.
Questions to ask about the long term
What happens if I can no longer keep the dog? Will you take the dog back? Who can I call with questions about food, health and training? Do you offer pickup or shipping in the future for a second puppy?
We have families who return for a second or third puppy, and we are always happy to help.
Quick takeaways
Ask about the parents' registration and health tests, how the puppies were raised, what the guarantee covers, what the price includes, how shipping or pickup works and what support continues after the sale. Watch for red flags, and trust a breeder who is open and patient.
If you would like to ask us these questions, call Michelle at (620) 764-3565 or send a message from the contact page. We would love to answer them, tell you about our dogs and help you decide whether a Pembroke or Cardigan is right for your family.
How to compare answers
Put your notes side by side after you speak to each breeder. Mark each answer as clear, partial or missing. Weigh the health testing, how the puppies are raised, the guarantee and the support offered more heavily than the price.
Choose the breeder you trust and who treats your questions with respect. A slightly higher price from an open, experienced breeder is usually a better value than a bargain with no answers.