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The cost of a purebred corgi puppy can be anywhere from $400 to $4,000+ depending on which breed (Pembroke Welsh Corgi or Cardigan Welsh Corgi) and the quality of the corgi.

Why You Shouldn’t Bargain Shop For A Corgi

As humans, we are always on the hunt for the best deal.

Where can I get this product the cheapest?

Where is the clearance rack? I can buy that cheaper on Amazon…

To be fair, most of us aren’t rich and we don’t like wasting money (even if we can afford to). When we are shopping for clothes, cars, or whatever else, it is all about getting the best deal. So…why shouldn’t we bargain shop for puppies?

As a bargain-hunting human, it is far too easy to lean toward that $400 corgi. It is almost instinctual for us to buy the lower-priced one. It’s the better deal, right? Why wouldn’t you buy it?

What most people don’t consider is what each of those corgis will cost over their lifetime. $3,600 seems like a lot of money separating two seemingly similar corgis.

However, the purchase price of a Corgi is only a small part of what the corgi will actually cost you over its lifetime.

Reputable Corgi Breeders Pricing

Health Testing

For starters, quality breeding dogs require extensive health testing and clearances. These tests require expensive specialists.

Specific tests can vary based on the breed, but for Pembroke Welsh Corgis the most common health tests/clearances include Canine Hip Dysplasia, CERF/CAER eye exams, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), and von Willebrand Disease (vWD).

If a breeding dog fails their genetic/health screenings, they are removed from the breeding program.

Reputable breeders do this so bad genes are not be passed onto future offspring (i.e. your future puppy).

Unfortunately, this means one failed test can result in a total loss of investment for the breeder (money and time).

Comprehensive Pedigrees

Above and beyond health testing, Reputable breeders will study the pedigrees (ancestry) of their breeding dogs to ensure that not only their current breed dog is healthy, but that their dog’s great-great-great-grandparents were also healthy.

Having a comprehensive pedigree provides breeders with valuable information when it comes to the health and well-being of their breeding lines long after their puppies go home.

Structure & Conformation

Along with health testing and clearances, reputable breeders strive to produce healthy puppies that have the correct conformation for the breed (i.e. they look like they should– based on the breed standard).

They do this by entering their dogs into conformation shows.

Conformation show judges (breed experts) evaluate breeding stock, provide an unbiased opinion on a dog’s conformation, and help breeders determine whether or not a dog meets the breed standard and should be bred.

Breeders often spend thousands of dollars and countless hours traveling to and from these events proving their dogs are worthy of being bred. (paying for hotels, paying the entry fees, etc.)

Overall

Reputable breeders understand that they are breeding to better the breed. They will never breed a dog that does not meet or exceed the standards of the breed.

What most puppy buyers fail to realize is that after food, health testing, routine blood work, medication, vet bills, loss of breeding stock, dog shows, hotel costs, and countless hours invested, a reputable breeder won’t make much (if any) money.

Most breeders simply have a love for the breed and do it because they are passionate about preserving the breed for the next generation of dog lovers.

The Price Of A Corgi Does Not Equal Its Quality

Now, let’s be clear, the cost of a corgi does not determine its quality.

A reputable breeder charges more because maintaining a proper breeding program is expensive.

However, not every $3,000+ puppy is going to come from a quality breeder.

There are MANY backyard breeders who charge outrageous prices for their puppies without the health clearances/testing or titles to justify that cost. They pocket the difference.

It is important that as a prospective buyer, you should always interview your breeder.

Ask informative questions that help you gauge what quality of dogs they produce.

Don’t feel pressured to buy right away without researching other breeders.

Remember, you are selecting a new member of your family. Take your time and do it right the first time.

You can read more about ways to identify a reputable breeder and avoid BYBs here

Medical Costs

When it comes to the price of a corgi, you literally get what you pay for.

If you are paying $400 for a puppy, don’t expect your puppy to be cleared of genetic diseases.

Expect a $400 – at risk, dog.

With reputable breeders, you aren’t paying more money for the same dog, you are paying for testing that ensures the quality and lifelong health of your puppy.

Regardless if the parents appear “healthy” or “have good conformation”, they can still carry bad genes and past them on to their offspring unknowingly.

The ONLY way to confirm a dog is of breeding quality and will produce quality puppies is to have them tested and to prove their conformation is correct.

Along with the potential health risks, backyard bred dogs also carry significant financial risk.

If that $400 dog develops Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) or Hip Dysplasia, you’ll definitely be paying that $3,600 difference we talked about earlier in vet bills alone.

Not to mention you could easily pay a few thousand more on medication and other forms of disease management.

Keep in mind, these genetic diseases aren’t treatable ailments and your dog will never get better.

If diagnosed, your dog will struggle with these ailments their entire lives. ‘Cheap’ purebred dogs usually end up costing more in the long run. Invest the money early on and buy yourself some peace of mind.

Average Price of Diseases Per Year 

• Hip Dysplasia: $1500 – $2200
• Degenerative Myelopathy: $2000 – $4000
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: $1700 – $2300

Along with the financial toll, there are also emotional costs involved with these preventable conditions. Watching your beloved family member’s health slowly deteriorate before you is absolutely heartbreaking.

For most of us, it’s not something we ever want to consider. The fact of the matter is it happens more often than you think.

Just like humans, pets don’t always pass from old age. If you can prevent your dog from suffering with a few preventative health tests, why wouldn’t you?

Final Thoughts on Price Of A Corgi

With all these costs in mind, it is important to analyze your own financial standing. The initial price of a corgi is only part of the overall expense. If you can’t pay $3,000 or more for a corgi, don’t buy a corgi.

Backyard breeders live and thrive off of people who aren’t capable of purchasing a fully-tested and professionally bred corgis.

Not only are you encouraging unethical backyard breeding, but you are also putting your emotional and financial well-being at risk by purchasing a poorly bred corgi.

Save yourself the heartache and hardship and wait until you can afford an appropriately bred dog.

Bringing a furry family member into your home should always be a happy and exciting experience. It can also be a very costly experience if you aren’t careful.

Do your due diligence and research your breed and what diseases your breed is prone to. Research your breeder and make sure they are producing a quality dog.

Lastly, evaluate your home and determine if your family is ready for a 10+ year commitment. If you and your breeder pass the interviews, your healthy puppy is headed to a great home.