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F.A.Q.
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What is the difference between 'Full' & 'Limited' registration?
Full Registration: Dogs with Full Registration privileges can compete in all AKC events, and their offspring can be registered with the AKC. Limited Registration: Dogs with Limited Registration privileges are allowed to compete in all AKC events except Conformation (dog shows). Puppies produced by a dog with Limited Registration are not eligible for AKC registration. Owners should know that the Limited Registration status has no bearing on a dog's potential to be an excellent representative of its breed, a wonderful pet, and a standout participant in most AKC events. When it comes to being a great competitor or just a lifelong friend, a dog with Limited Registration has no limits at all.
How do I go about getting one of your puppies? Please fill out our Buyer questionnaire and I will review it and contact you and we will go from there.
If I just want a pet, why should I buy one from an established breeder and not from a pet store or from an ad in the paper?  
Whether the puppy you buy is to be a companion for your family or a show dog, he or she must meet the same criteria: good health and good temperament. When you buy from a reputable breeder you will be buying from a person who has checked the health and temperament of both the mother and the father of the puppy. This breeder will also have screened his or her breeding stock for those genetic diseases which can be clinically tested. The puppy will be the results of a carefully planned breeding. Pet store puppies are shipped in from puppy mills, that is, facilities which mass produce several breeds on a large scale, or from the brokers who handle the shipment of these puppies to the pet stores. The puppies have not been raised as socialized pets but as a mass-produced commercial commodity. Health in such operations merely means getting them to market alive, while quality is nonexistent. Most reputable breeders do not advertise in the newspaper. They are knowledgeable, thoughtful breeders who, breed to produce quality Corgis, not to mass produce a cash crop. 

Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis good watchdogs?
Those big ears don't miss much! Pembrokes are very alert and will let you know when something out of the ordinary happens. This is all they should be expected to do--you do not want to encourage a puppy to growl or act in an aggressive manner. It is also up to you to teach the barking puppy that once you're alerted, they can be quiet! No one likes a yappy dogs that barks incessantly, even dog lovers. There are many techniques such as holding the muzzle for a moment, or startling the dog with a squirt of water or an object thrown nearby, accompanied by a firm, "Quiet." This breed is bright and bossy--if you aren't in charge, they will happily assume the role and a problem is much harder to correct than prevent! 
What about shedding in corgis?
Oh, yes, they shed! A spayed or neutered Corgi will generally shed their undercoat (the soft, lighter hair beneath their coarse outer coat) in prodigious amounts in the spring or summer and more than the usual frequent combing and brushing is then called for. A good bath, followed by some serious combing, will remove the "tufts," with a second bath and grooming in the next week or two to get out the remainder. If you want to put the soft "fur" out for the birds to build their nests with, you can provide "cashmere wallpaper" for every bird nest in your neighborhood! A philosophical thought: dogs either shed or need expensive haircuts--vacuum cleaner bags are cheaper than the local groomer!!
How long do Pembroke Welsh Corgis live?
The PWCCA has a Genetics Committee that will soon be able to provide some data on health issues and longevity based on polling its many members. Some breeders estimate the ages of 12 or 13 to be the average life span for the breed, with healthy and happy oldsters well into their teens not uncommon. Experienced breeders generally screen their breeding stock for hip dysplasia and eye problems, and sometimes other diseases that they have become aware of as potential problems. We are very fortunate that this breed does not have a predisposition to many of the serious health concerns that plague some other breeds, and ethical breeders are to be commended for their efforts in keeping the Pembroke healthy and long-lived. Don't hesitate to ask about the health history of the parents and grandparents of a puppy you are interested in--this information should be available on a well-bred litter.
Is it true you have to carry Corgis up and down stairs because of their long backs? No, the Pembroke is a well muscled dog, capable of navigating normal sized steps with ease. However, as puppies, they must be taught to use steps, starting with single steps and progressing to more steps as the puppy grows. Be especially careful with open staircases; some Pems cannot resist the urge to jump! Stairs should not be a play area, but simply a means of going from one area of the house to another.
Do Corgis need much exercise?
A Pembroke needs a modicum of exercise to maintain his mental and physical health. They tolerate exercise well, but should not be pushed beyond reasonable limits. Remember, this is a short legged breed, which will do well on short or long walks, jogging, or working in herding or agility events. Use common sense when exercising your Pem; avoid extreme heat or cold and always provide plenty of cool, fresh water after exercise. Pems do best when stimulated regularly through both physical and mental activities.
How old should a puppy be before I can bring one home?
A puppy should never be moved into a new home before 8 weeks of age. Even at 8 weeks, a puppy is not large, and requires constant supervision from the adults in the family. Small puppies can quickly squeeze behind furniture, chew electrical wires, or fall down stairs. Many breeders will wait until 10-12 weeks to place puppies in their new homes. This delay is not meant to deprive the new family of the puppy's early development, but because most breeders have found that puppies benefit significantly from interaction with their littermates and their dam during the eight to ten week period of a puppy's life. Also, by not selling a puppy prior to eight weeks of age, the breeder will ensure that the puppy is large enough to fit into a new home and flourish.
What equipment do I need to have when I bring my puppy home?
Crate, food and water bowls, exercise pen or fenced in yard (puppy-proofed), toys, rectal thermometer, collar and leash, grooming equipment (such as nail clippers or dremel, comb and brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo), dog food (follow breeder's recommendation), clean-up tools (pooper scoops, plastic bags, etc.) baby gate(s). The crate provides a "den", or quiet place for the puppy to sleep and to go when no one is supervising him. Most dogs will seek out their crate for rest and quiet time. Crates also protect your dog from unwanted behavior and accidents, and they make riding in the car safer for everyone. Fresh water should be available at all times, and the puppy should have his own food bowl. The breeder should send your puppy home with a starter supply of the puppy's food. Follow feeding instructions carefully, increasing quantities as the puppy grows. Housebreaking the new puppy is easier with an exercise pen, available at many pet stores or through pet supply catalogs, or a fenced in yard. Remember to puppy proof the yard, small puppies can fit through even smaller holes or gaps in fencing. Be especially careful with swimming pools; puppies or adult dogs can easily fall into a pool and drown. Toys provide mental and physical exercise. Hard rubber bones, balls (too large to swallow), rubber rings and tug toys are popular. Avoid anything that can be chewed into small pieces. Never give cooked animal bones, as these may splinter and cause severe illness or death. A rectal thermometer is important, as your veterinarian will often ask about a temperature if your puppy is ill. A dog's normal temperature is between 101 to 102 degrees.
Start the puppy off with a soft , narrow collar and a four to six foot leash. Do not leave the collar on the puppy when he is alone, as the collar can become caught and strangle the puppy. Remember to increase the size of the collar as the puppy grows. Daily grooming is important to the puppy's health and education. Although the Pembroke coat does not mat, a daily "once over" with a comb and brush will keep his coat shiny and keep shedding to a minimum. Once a week nail care is essential. Ask the breeder to show you how to clip or grind nails. Teach your puppy to allow weekly dental care, using canine toothbrush and canine toothpaste. When bathing your puppy, use a non-detergent human shampoo (baby shampoo) or a specially formulated dog shampoo. When exercising your puppy, be a good citizen and clean up after him. Pooper scoops are readily available at pet stores. Plastic sandwich bags work equally well and can be easily tossed into your garbage can. Puppy-proof your home. Baby gates are an inexpensive way to confine the puppy during housebreaking. Wires, chemicals in toilet bowls, heat ducts, garbage cans, house plants, antifreeze, chocolate, onions, represent just a few of the hazards present. Never leave a puppy unattended. It only takes a minute for a puppy to find something potentially lethal.
What should I expect from an experienced breeder?
An experienced breeder will have plenty of questions for you and your family (home, lifestyle, why a Pembroke/Sheltie, dog ownership history, etc.). The breeder is only trying to make sure that you and the puppy are well matched! The breeder will provide you with a pedigree, health testing results from the parents, sales receipt and contract, feeding instructions, and shot history. Expect to spend at least two or three hours learning about the breed, puppy care, etc. AKC/UKC registration papers for a full or limited registration will also be provided, depending on whether or not the puppy is being sold as a "show puppy". The breeder's contract will spell out any health guarantees and spay/neuter requirements. Most importantly, you should expect your breeder to answer your questions fully and honestly now and as your puppy grows. If the chemistry isn't right, think before you buy; an ethical breeder is responsible for each puppy bred for life.
I just want a Pet. Why do I need to talk to a breeder and WHY are dogs from breeders so expensive? "Just a pet" encompasses an awful lot! You want your pet to be healthy - no crippling hip problems, no potentially fatal heart defects, no chronic skin and ear problems, and most of all - you want that corgi/sheltie temperament that you've heard so much about! There are no guarantees in dog breeding, but as with most other things, a person's skills improve with experience and study. A responsible hobby breeder knows that breeding means much more than putting two intact dogs together and waiting 9 weeks for puppies. It involves carefully researching pedigrees, screening for defects, proper care of the dam (mother) while she's pregnant and skillful handling of the new puppies during the critical first 8 weeks of life. Finding a responsible breeder who has become a student of the breed and has the level of knowledge necessary to make good decisions significantly raises your chances of finding the healthy, stable pet you are looking for. As far as expense, you are adding a new member to your family for the next 10-15 years. Now is not the time to penny pinch! The breeder you are seeking will have considerable expense involved in the selection, raising, competition and screening of there dogs. A pet store puppy often costs as much as a well bred one and a "bargain" puppy from the newspaper is frequently NO bargain when you take into account the possible costs involved with serious medical or temperament problems.
What are the main differences between a male and a female? Should I get a male or female? Corgis & Shelties are not breeds that have significant advantages in one gender or another--the males are just as good with children and other pets as the females, are as easy to housebreak, and are not more aggressive. The experienced breeder will be able to advise you which puppy's temperament meets your needs--they don't want to put the go-go-go puppy with a retired couple who want a couch potato, nor the quiet puppy in the home with 4 children and a position waiting on the soccer team! The fewer requirements you place as to color and gender, the easier it will be for breeders to locate just the right dog for you. Temperamentally, I feel there is little difference between the sexes in Corgis or Shelties, this is not true of all breeds but I have found it to be with mine. the only real difference I have noticed is the male corgis are mellower and more loving/cuddle bugs, females tend to be a bit more independent. Both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness, which males of other breeds may exhibit, should not occur in the Shelties, but may occur in the corgis if you have more then one intact male. We require altering of your pet, so you should never have to experience this anyways. Sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some males, particularly if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. Since there is no responsible reason NOT to spay a bitch (unless she was bought from a serious hobby breeder specifically for showing or breeding), the estrous cycle in the female need not be a consideration.”
Do shelties shed as much as corgis?
Not as much, but they do.  Both shed a little all year round and twice a year corgis lose most of their coat. Anyone intent on a “hair free” home, should reconsider getting a Corgi or Sheltie. Both breed's coat requires brushing of at least once a week. Sheltie hair can be long and can become matted if it isn't properly cared for. A thorough grooming to trim the hair on the paws, tail, and around the ears needs to be done on a monthly basis.
I work, how can I properly raise a puppy?
Working should not prohibit you from raising a puppy, however a puppy does demand extra time and attention, you will need to make provisions to care for your puppy. Caring for a puppy brings responsibilities and obligations that need to be considered. A puppy turns into a dog. This puppy will need to be cared for on a daily basis for the next 10-15 years, this will become a family member, (living/breathing) not an item or thing that is disposable. The first thing many experienced owners recommend is to bring your puppy home at the time you have an extended vacation, so you can spend quality time with the new dog. It is recommended that you have a trusted friend or neighbor check in with the pet regularly and make sure the dog has access to food and water.
A puppy needs the following:
· A puppy needs to relieve himself every 2-4 hours, until they are at least 6 months old. Puppies generally defecate 2-4 times a day and urinate even more.
· You will need to get up during the night to take your puppy out. An easy way to figure out how many hours a puppy can be expected to control their bladder is to take the puppy’s age in months and add 1. For example a 4-month-old puppy will need to go out every 5 hours.
· House training a puppy can take at least 6 months. With a daily time commitment of every 2-4 hours.
· A puppy will benefit from a socialization class at around 12-14 weeks old and an obedience class after 6 months. Even people who adopt older rescue dogs can benefit from a class to help them teach the dog what is expected of him.
· Puppies require a minimum of three 20-minute low-impact aerobic play sessions per day and older dogs need regular exercise on a daily basis. A tired puppy is a calm puppy.
If the time constraints of raising a puppy seem too much, an older rescue dog may better fit your needs.
I have children, how are Corgis & Shelties with Children?
Generally, they are usually very good with children, if the kids are not too aggressive and are considerate of the dog. Early socialization at the breeder’s place of business and early basic training also help. All our puppies are raised in home with my children I have a 1 and a 2 year old.Both breeds can be wonderful family dogs, however parents need to be aware of a few precautions. First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog. Each year many children are victims of dog bites and this can be due to ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an active family. Many dogs become homeless due to the fact that an adult has added a dog to the family for the wrong reasons:
As a gift to a child with the expectation that the child will be the primary caretaker.
To play with the children and keep them occupied, giving the adults more free time, without plans to supervise the interactions.
Adding a dog to the family can be wonderful, but adults must understand the responsibilities that are involved. The feeding, grooming, exercising, formal obedience lessons, etc are the entire family’s responsibility but must be supervised and coordinated by an adult. Being the primary caretaker for a dog is not a job that can be left to the children.
You should be certain that your busy life leaves time for an active Corgi or Sheltie before you purchase or adopt one.
How are Corgis & Shelties with other pets?
Most love other dogs and cats. All of our puppies/dogs are very good with all our other animals, including our livestock. They will herd the chickens and ducks, but are never vicious. They adore our cats. However each dog is different and some relish time with another dog and others are more solitary. However, even if the dog is more solitary it is VERY important to socialize your puppy when they are young and continue to do so throughout their lives. Socializing means exposing your puppy to a variety of other puppies and dogs, people, places, things, sights, smells and sounds. Many breeders have cats and other pets who have close relationships with their dogs, and others make an effort to introduce their puppies to other species during their early socialization. Common sense is needed in introducing the puppy to a small cage pet so that no one gets nipped, and Pup understands that the ferret or bunny is a pet and not something to be "dispatched" (remember that Corgis are farm dogs, and ratting is one of the jobs!) Corgis living with other dogs, especially larger breeds, generally become the "boss" and herd the others around (sometimes to their annoyance). They are also happy to herd up errant children, especially if they're running, and the parents must be consistent in correcting this behavior from the beginning to prevent a later problem with "nipping heels." It may be cute in a baby puppy, but a pinch on the heel or calf from a larger and still enthusiastic herder hurts!
Are they easy to train?
Most Shelties & Corgis are generally easy to train; however training takes time and repetition. It is highly suggested that you sign up for an obedience class. Methods have changed throughout the years and training in general will help to bond you and your dog. Learning how to communicate with your dog will ensure a successful relationship. they respond very well to positive reinforcement of good behavior. Use treats and praise to train, never harsh punishments. 
What do I need to learn/know about crate training? 
The crate provides a “den” and a quiet place for the puppy or young dog to sleep and get away when it needs to be alone. The crate can also be used to safely, transport the dog. Many people feel that crate training also helps with housebreaking in that the crate is a place the dog will naturally want to protect and keep clean.
What about spaying and neutering? Many reputable breeders, and myself, sell "pet" quality puppies with the agreement that the animal will be neutered. These puppies are sometimes sold at a lower price than the "show prospect" puppies, even though they have the same excellent pedigree and have received the same care and attention. The basic disposition and temperament of your dog WILL NOT be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability. Neutering a male can make him more tolerant of other males, but neutering will not, by itself, turn your dog into an obese, lazy animal . . .that is the result of excess food and insufficient exercise. Benefits of spaying include not having to worry about accidental breeding, the stress and inconvenience of confining the bitch in season, risky "mismating" shots, and unwanted puppies. The spayed bitch will not develop uterine infections or tumors of the reproductive system, as do so many older unspayed bitches. The American Kennel Club permits spayed and neutered dogs to participate in all phases of obedience, tracking, field work, agility and junior handling, but not in most conformation classes.”
How much space do they need? How much exercise do they need?
Both the Corgis & Shelties are energetic dogs, bred to spend long hours out herding. Exercise requirements will depend largely on the age and condition of the dog. Young, healthy dogs will require several aerobically paced walks or interactive play sessions per day. Space need not be a major factor, as it is generally considered a myth that “all dogs need room to run”. Most dogs left alone, outdoors, will nap rather than exercise. Shelties & Corgis require mental stimulation, as well as regular exercise; if your life-style is sedentary, or you don't have a few hours a day to interact with your dog, a herding breed may not be the best choice.
How big do corgis get?
Pembroke Welsh Corgis stand about 10 inches to 12 inches tall and weigh from 24 to 28 pounds. Experienced owners urge new owners to be careful about overfeeding the Corgi, as it tends to gain weight easily.
How long do they live?
Well bred, well-cared for Sheltie or Corgi lives 10 -15 years on average.
Do all Pembroke dogs have back problems? 
Not necessarily, but some do. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi does have a rather long back, but when young and healthy they will be fine making their way around the normal family home. As puppies, they will need to be taught to go up and down steps. However, this breed likes to jump from stairs, furniture, and so on, which should be avoided.
Will my sheltie/corgi make a good outdoor dog?
The Corgi and Sheltie are not intended to live strictly as an outside dog as they are very people orientated and are miserable being separated from the family they love! If you are not interested in keeping your corgi/sheltie indoors, this is not the dog for you. A lonely corgi/sheltie may bark incessantly, dig up the back yard or continuously escape to roam the neighborhood.

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