How to choose the best welsh corgi puppy from a litter

The Welsh corgi is an agile, robust, extremely loyal and obedient small sheepdog. A popular breed with dog show owners and best known for its trainability, it makes an excellent pet for children. He lives healthily from his puppy years to his mid-teens. There are two breeds of Welsh corgi, the Pembroke and the Cardigan. Mainly, the Cardigan corgi has a longer fox-like tail while the Pembroke corgi has a stubby tail. Perhaps the most famous of the Pembroke corgis belongs to Queen Elizabeth II: she has four cute ones, and royalty have been very fond of the breed since the early 20th century.

If, like the Queen of England, you choose to keep these lovable creatures as a pet, it is important to choose the best Welsh corgi from the litter. Doing this can be a very fun experience; you will be greeted by a bunch of happily wagging tails, barks and jumps. It is very easy to be tempted to choose the loudest or the most giddy. Having the right one for you is very important; it’s a long-term relationship that you and your pup will build. The right time to pick your puppy is between eight and 12 weeks. This would have given enough time for the cubs to grow up healthy under the care of their mothers and learn to socialize with their siblings.

To help you make the right choice, here are some guidelines on choosing the best Welsh corgi puppy from a litter:

• Your first order of business will be to choose a reputable breeder. There are agencies that can help you find one to get your puppy from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America or a local breeders club in your area.

• Research. If you know a vet or have friends who have Welsh corgis, talk to them for information on the breed. You will be able to know their peculiarities and common diseases. Corgis are known to be a healthy and robust breed, but they can be prone to hereditary diseases that commonly affect the eyes, kidney disease, and dystocia or calving difficulties due to a narrow birth passage.

• Look for signs of good health. Check the fur, ears, eyes, and nose. The nose should be moist, cool and clean. The pup should also have nice pink gums. Look for a puppy of medium build – he has no parasites. Check the puppy’s bottom and make sure it’s clean. Also check your breathing; it may be faster than yours or mine, but it should be constant, without wheezing or coughing. Check for signs of deafness. Make a noise, such as clapping your hands, to see if the puppy responds.

• Look for the puppy that is playful but not aggressive. Don’t be tempted to pick the first one to jump on you; also do not choose a shy one who does not want to be touched.

• Chemistry is vital. Spend some time with the litter, perhaps one on one with each other if possible. This will give you a chance to inspect the Welsh corgi puppy, as well as see if he has a good, long-term relationship with his pet.