How Much Does a Corgi Cost?
There is really no way we can pass by a Corgi without oo-ing and ah-ing over how cute their adorable faces are. They are also the proud owners of the famed Corgi butt-voluptuous and bouncing “butt cheeks” that are actually tufts of fur. They are amazing dogs, they are even the favored breed of the Queen of England and have become popular in their own right.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an ancient breed that can be traced as far back as 1107 AD! They have come a long way since then, but they still exhibit the same stout stature and cute butts. Let’s get to know more about the breed, explore how much they cost and what impacts the price range.
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The Corgi – A History
The Corgi was brought in from Belgium to Wales upon the invite from King Henry I. There are two distinct types of Corgis – the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. The two can be confused by dog owners, so it’s important to make sure which one you want and which one you’re getting. The most distinct feature that separates the two is the ears. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have pointed and propped up wears while Cardigan Welsh Corgis have more ones with a more rounded shape.
What Impacts the Cost of a Corgi?
As we mentioned, there are two types of Corgis – The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. While they are both adorable, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more popular than its cousin, which leads to higher price demands.
The Breeder
The breeder can technically set any price he or she would like for their pup. Reputable breeders can charge $1000 to $3000. But if you are looking at champion lineage, then your Corgi pup can cost you well above that.
Aside from the pedigree, the breeder can also charge extra for the time they put in and the care the Corgi puppies need. Some breeders go the extra mile and conduct some basic crate training, potty training, and socialization. Of course, they will need to be compensated for their efforts, which will raise the average cost of their puppies.
The breeder may also include ID chips already implanted into your Corgi puppy as well as first and sometimes second vaccinations. Most reputable breeders will have a health guarantee within a certain amount of time.
Where Is Your Corgi Puppy?
It’s become commonplace to adopt or rescue a dog via an online platform. There are plenty of happy dog owners that didn’t get to meet their Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Cardigan Welsh Corgi prior to signing the papers. The biggest reason for this risky transaction is the location of the breeder. Some renowned breeders happen to be in different cities, so to get your Corgi puppy to you, your fur baby will need to be shipped. This will also be factored into the cost of your Corgi.
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Ownership Costs
The price of a Corgi puppy goes far beyond the dog himself. You also need to consider the doggy accessories and equipment you need to spend money on. Puppy-proofing your house in preparation for Corgi puppies can also cost some extra cash.
Items you will need to buy before your Corgi pup’s arrival include food, treats, collar, leash and harness, food and water bowls, plenty of toys, a comfortable dog bed and crate, grooming tools, and shampoo, and poop bags, and pee pads if necessary. These are just the essentials, and we know many dog owners that go above and beyond and buy doggy pools, clothes, shoes, etc., that can add to the price tag.
Then there are the vet bills for health checks and the final vaccination plus booster shots after each year. You must seriously consider puppy insurance, and this is the same for any dog breed. If pet insurance doesn’t make the most sense to you, then you should get ready to set aside a certain amount every month for a rainy day.
All of the tools we mentioned above are necessary to owning a Corgi puppy or a pup of any dog breed, but the average cost can also be impacted by the quality of each item you choose. For example, commercial dog food accessible in supermarkets can cost as low as $5 a bag, but that is the low-quality kind. Most dog owners we know choose to invest in the best for their dogs, which results in price tags of $80 or higher for a bag of dog food.
We won’t go into too much detail about each and every cost, but as you can imagine, it can really reach a high number in your dog’s lifetime.
The Appearance and Age
As a society that actively takes steps to fight ageism, racism, and other such debilitating social issues, it’s sad that it doesn’t apply to dogs. Most dog owners want a puppy, and the older the dog gets before adoption, the lower the price will be. It also gets harder and harder for a dog to be adopted as he ages.
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Then there is the appearance factor that also costs more money. A Corgi breeder will usually try to breed the more popular coat types and colors, and this will depend on the area you live in.
Training
The training needed to adapt your puppy to his new life will also add to the cost of a Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Puppy classes, 1-on-1 training, obedience training, and agility classes are all types of training that can vary in price depending on the term, institution you choose, and how much work it takes.
Making Smart Choices to Cut Corgi Costs
There is no dodging these costs when owning a Corgis, but there are certain things you can do to reduce the price. For example, choosing to adopt a Cardigan Welsh Corgi or Pembroke Welsh Corgis will save you thousands of dollars than if you went with breeders. Not all vets charge the same amount, and sometimes they mark up prices when the services are the same. Find a vet you trust that still shows the height of professionalism.
Investing in good quality food and taking care of your dog such as regular grooming and teeth cleaning can help reduce the chances of developing serious health issues down the line.
How to Choose the Right Corgi For You
The cost of a Corgi can vary depending on many factors, and we are here to help you buy a Corgi or adopt one in the safest possible way.
Choosing the Right Breeder
Avoid puppy farms and backyard breeders like the plague. These individuals and organizations are inhumane and cruel. They overbreed the females, often use inter-breeding methods that can result in very unhealthy Corgis and the living conditions and care are less than subpar. How can we identify and steer clear of a backyard breeder or puppy mill?
If the price seems too good to be true, then you are most likely looking at a backyard breeder or puppy mill. It’s terrible to use this analogy, but it’s like at Costco when you have things in bulk, everything is priced cheaper. It’s the same with a puppy mill and backyard breeder. Because they have so many, the cost for their Welsh Corgis is lower.
Another red flag is if the breeder doesn’t ask questions about your financial situation and living conditions. They may even be a little more invasive and ask to check up on or do video calls with you during the first year to check in on the pup. We understand that privacy is very important for some people, but the breeder is just doing his or her job to ensure the safety of the pup, and this is a good thing.
If the breeder is unable to answer any questions about the lineage of the pup or let you see the parents, then it’s another sign of shady actions. The breeder should more than welcome you to come and meet the pup, see their facilities, and the pup’s parents before handing over your hard-earned cash. They will also provide a health guarantee, at least the first vaccination shot and a contract that stipulates the terms and conditions to protect you, the breeder themselves and your dog.
Most breeders will have a website and social media sites that display their credentials and their puppies. You must also be aware that even unethical breeders can have these platforms just to seem legitimate. Look for reviews from past buyers that are from real people, and feel free to ask for references. If the breeder becomes defensive and even aggressive, then you know there is something wrong.
Take a Close Look at the Contract
What is written in the contract will show how much the breeder cares about your new furry family member. You should look for clauses that state the vaccination details, contain a breeding clause and outlines what will happen if you need to give up the pup. Most breeders will want first dibs on their pups if you can no longer care for them.
Corgi Health Conditions
The biggest nightmare for any dog parent is a sick pup. You need to be aware of the potential health problems that can impact your Corgi’s well-being and take steps to mitigate them. Corgis have a normal lifespan of around 11-13 years of age. Like the dachshund, Corgis have elongated bodies and short legs, which leads to health issues such as IVDD or intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and more. A good way to narrow down what may affect your family dog is to ask the breeder about the dog’s parents.
Corgies need a lot of exercise. They are herding dogs and their herding instinct hasn’t been lost over the years, even though they can be bonafide city dogs. The key is to not let your Corgi jump too much, because it can put undue stress on his spine. Another way to avoid spinal injury is to regulate your Corgi’s weight. A heavy-set dog will have a bigger belly, which is heavier and will weigh down the spine.
Keeping your Corgi well-groomed will also prevent skin issues and if it gets too cold or too hot where you live, you must do your best to regulate the temperature inside your home to prevent your dog from overheating or catching a cold.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a Corgi so expensive?
The cost of a dog directly reflects its popularity or scarcity. For example, French Bulldogs saw a surge in popularity a few years ago and are still very much loved to this day. For this reason, they came at a cost, especially the Blue Frenchies. Then there are the Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers that are America’s most beloved and popular household pets. A puppy of these breeds are quite affordable due to the wide availability.
Corgies are expensive because of the demand, but it also depends on the type you choose. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are more expensive in areas where their pointed ears are more well-liked. Since Cardigan Welsh Corgies are rarer, they generally tend to be more expensive all around. Other factors that influence the price of a corgi are the breeder’s reputation, the amount of care and training that already went into the pup, the lineage and the appearance.
Are Corgis good pets?
Corgis are wonderful pets. In general, the breed is quite friendly and affectionate. They can also be quite alert and some Corgis are a little more aggressive, but they are wonderful dogs. They are not the best for very hot and humid climates, but they are adaptable and can acclimate to city life or rural life. They are an intelligent breed and can general respond well to training, especially if they are given a task as they are working dogs.
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Do Corgis bark a lot?
Yes, Corgis bark a lot. They are very vocal and alert dogs, which can compound on how much they “speak”. If you don’t like a talkative fur baby, then you might need to reconsider a Corgi. On the flip side, Corgis are excellent watch dogs due to this trait. But intruders won’t be the only thing that sets them off. Corgis can be territorial, which will also impact what they react to.
Try spending a few days with a friend’s very talkative dog or try fostering one for a short period. This will give you a better idea if the vocalization of a Corgi is something you can live with. The last thing you want is to have to return the dog to the breeder because of constant barking.
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What problems do Corgis have?
Aside from a love of speaking, Corgis can also suffer from hereditary health issues and ones that plague the breed in general. This includes IVDD, intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia and more. It’s an unfortunate truth of owning this adorable breed, but there are things you can do to prevent health issues from developing. For example, making sure your Corgi dog doesn’t jump up or down too much can decrease IVDD.
Do you want to know what may be in store for your Corgi before you adopt one? Ask the breeder about the Corgi puppy’s parents. What the parents suffered from will most likely be passed down to your pup. Steer clear of puppy mills and backyard breeders and opt for reputable breeders when you can. Dogs from reputable breeders tend to be healthier.
Why you shouldn’t get a Corgi?
Reasons why someone shouldn’t get a Corgi are highly subjective. If you live in an apartment with very thin walls, a Corgi could be a disturbance to your neighbors. If you know you won’t have much money set aside for your Corgi each month, then this breed may not be suitable for you. Corgis can suffer from a myriad of health issues ranging from spinal problems to kidney stones. Treatment for these health conditions can cost a lot of money, especially if your dog doesn’t have insurance.
Before you take the plunge and welcome a dog into your home, make sure you are in a good position to take care of him. It doesn’t matter if you adopt a Corgi or a different breed, you have to be ready.
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Conclusion
The cost of a Corgi is more than just the dog himself. You also need to factor in initial costs for all the puppy accessories and pupy-proofing your home. Then there are medical costs, food, training, and any extras you want to spoil your Corgi. Not to mention, the time you spend taking care of your Corgi is also a cost, in our honest opinion.
If you’re sure you want to welcome a Corgi puppy, then make sure you do your due diligence and find a reputable breeder or rescue one from the shelter. Do your best to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills by using our criteria above.
Expert Tip
Not so much an expert tip as it is a fun fact, but Welsh legend claims that fairies ride Corgis and they are enchanted. In fact, Corgis were these mythical creatures’ vehicle of transportation and used in battles. Oh, the stories and legends they’d tell if Corgis could speak!
Did You Know?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are the older breed, and the AKC originally identified both under the umbrella term Corgi. These adorable dogs have considerable speed and were originally used as sheep herders.
