Last Updated on 05/18/2021 by Veronica Jones
How much is a Corgi puppy? If you’re considering buying a Corgi puppy then you’d be in good company as this is the British Royal Family’s preferred breed of dog. Queen Elizabeth fell in love with her father’s Pembroke Corgi as a child and expressed that she would like one of her own. She received ‘Susan’, her first Corgi, for her 18th birthday in 1944 and has owned more than 30 Corgis or Dachshund crosses, known as Dorgis ever since. Most recently, Her Majesty received two new Corgi puppies in March 2021 during lockdown as a gift.
If Corgis are good enough for the Queen, then they’re good enough for us. But one of the first questions you might be asking before you commit to this type of dog, is how much is a Corgi puppy?
History of Pembroke Corgi vs Cardigan Corgi
Before discussing the price of Corgi puppies, it’s important to understand that there are two types of purebreed Corgis. Although there are plenty of overlaps and similarities between them, there are also some clear differences too which you’ll notice in the Corgi price range.
First up, it’s essential to acknowledge that Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis are entirely different breeds which helps to explain the varying Corgi dogs’ price points. To a novice, these breeds may look the same, which is why they are easily confused. However, they do not have the same ancestors and come from entirely different parts of Wales.
In fact, the Cardigan is more than 2,000 years older than the Pembroke Corgi breed, having been brought to the UK by Celtic tribes from Central Europe c. 1200BC. In comparison, the Pembroke Corgi arrived with the Vikings in 1000AD.
Similarities between the Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi
At first glance, the two types of Corgi do look very similar as they are both dwarf breeds and share physical qualities including:
- Large heads
- Short, thick legs
- Long, heavy bodies
- Upright ears
In terms of behavior, they’re both:
- Intelligent
- Sociable
- Excellent guard dogs
Differences between the Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi
However, there are also some striking differences between the breeds too.
- Cardigan ears are more rounded
- Cardigans have double-coated fur
- Cardigans have a long fox-like tail compared to the Pembroke short docked tail
- Cardigans weigh up to 38 pounds, whilst Pembrokes come in at 30 pounds.
- Pembrokes have a linear, rectangular structure whilst Cardigans are curvier.
- Pembroke coats are red, sable, or tricolor with white markings.
- Cardigan coats are more varied with brindle/brindle variations with black and white or tan, blue merle or red and sable with white markings.
Although there are plenty of physical differences between the two types of Corgi, both are extremely sociable companions for a family.
Pembroke and Cardigan Corgi Price Range
So how much is a Corgi puppy and is there a difference in price between breeds?
Ranging from around $1,025 to $2,950 for a Pembroke Corgi and from $1,325 to $3,550 for a Cardigan, there is a significant overlap in the price of Corgi puppies. Cardigans tend to be slightly more expensive, based on the fact that they’re rarer so owners are willing to pay more for one when they come across a litter.
These prices are published by the American Kennel Club but they do take various breeder factors into consideration.
You will naturally pay more for a Corgi puppy with show-quality parents or one who has an impressive family lineage. The Corgi cost is higher with premium pups as you can also expect to have a healthier dog with fewer complications to pay for, although there is never a guarantee.
If there are plenty of Corgi breeders in your area, then you might also expect to pay slightly less for a puppy than if there are very few reputable breeders. If the question ‘how expensive is a Corgi’ is a deal-breaker for you, then you might be willing to travel slightly further to gain a more affordable price. This is particularly so with Cardigan Corgis which are less easy to find than Pembroke Corgis.
Variations in Corgi dogs price
So, how much does a Corgi cost and why is there so much variation in price? The gap between a lower end of the bracket $1,025 Pembroke pup and a higher-end Cardigan at $3,550 is more than three times, so why is there so much variation?
Naturally, when you’re first researching the price of Corgi puppies, you might be drawn to the more tempting prices at the lower end of the range. The problem with this as a strategy is that if a price seems too good to be true, then it almost certainly is. A reputable breeder who treats their dogs well will always be able to command a higher price for a Corgi pup regardless of whether it’s a Pembroke or a Cardigan.
As well as turning a profit as a breeder, they will also have a variety of upfront costs to pay for which will be incorporated into the total you pay for your new Corgi pup.
Legitimate breeder costs for Corgis
If you buy your Corgi pup from a registered breeder, then you can expect a full service as part of the deal. Your Welsh Corgi price will typically include genetic testing and a family tree history of both the pup’s parents. Studding must also be paid for by the breeder.
As a small dog, Corgis are known to suffer from complicated pregnancies and some will require a Caesarean section to safely deliver a litter of pups. If this is the case, then the price of the surgery and ongoing care may be reflected in the Corgi puppies’ cost you pay.
Your pup will also require vaccinations before leaving the breeder which means more vet bills. The first and possibly the second vaccination will be paid for by the breeder, which typically costs around $75-100. Deworming is another cost that is factored into the first few weeks of a pup’s life. As Corgi puppies will usually stay with their mothers until they’re eight to ten weeks old, you’ll need to pay for their next vaccinations from 16 weeks out of your own pocket.
Along with these legitimate veterinary expenses, breeders will also have paid for food, toys, and potty training supplies for the first two months or more of the pup’s life, so all of these outlays will form part of the cost you pay within the Corgi price range.
Avoid cheap Corgi dogs prices
At the other end of the scale are the much cheaper Corgi pups who don’t necessarily have that premium lineage or show-quality physical features. If you’re tempted by a much cheaper Corgi cost that you’ve seen advertised, then it’s essential you check out the background of the breeder before you commit to a purchase.
Unfortunately, puppy farms, which are also known as puppy mills, are a growing problem in America. Breeding a litter should be done with knowledge and care, neither of which is a priority for anyone involved in the puppy farm business. These so-called breeders are only concerned with turning a profit and not with the welfare of the animals in their care. Along with lacking knowledge or experience about puppy rearing, they also resort to unethical practices to guarantee them as much income as possible.
Some common features of puppy mills include:
- Parent dogs being repeatedly bred from until no longer useful, then destroyed
- Puppies kept in cramped, unhygienic cages with little room
- Puppies have little chance to play, exercise or socialize
- Large proportion of puppy mill offspring develop serious health conditions
- Pups have behavioral issues
- Pups are sold online or to pet stores
- Breeders will not be upfront about a pup’s family history or health
- Pups are cheaper than average to attract more buyers
Puppy mills aren’t always easy to spot when you’re hoping to buy a Corgi. Some red flags include:
- Seller posts online and has several breeds available at the same time
- Ads promising full vaccinations in pups who are too young
- Seller wants to meet in a public place rather than in the place they were born
- Seller doesn’t ask any questions about you and the home their Corgi pups will be going to
- The ‘mother’ of the pup is scared of you or the pups
- The pups mum does not have visible teats
- Breeder only wants cash payments
Please do not support puppy mills or backyard breeders by buying a Corgi puppy from this type of environment. If buying a Corgi at a low cost is really important to you, then you would be best to approach a local shelter. You’d be surprised that even premium show dogs can end up in shelters.
So now the question of how much is a Corgi puppy has been answered, and you know how to spot a reputable breeder from a puppy farm, let’s discuss the ongoing costs of raising a Corgi.
Are Corgis expensive?
As a small dog, Corgis are not an expensive dog to take care of in comparison to larger pups with more complex needs such as a St. Bernard for example.
Nonetheless, they do have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, so you’ll need to have a firm grasp of the costs involved in raising your Corgi pup before you commit to bringing one into your family.
Before you bring your pup home, you’ll need to invest in some basic supplies for your new four-legged friend.
Some essentials include:
- Food
- Food and water bowls
- Bed and bedding
- Toys
- Collar
- Leash
- Treats
You should also research the cost of insurance and vet bills which can be particularly high during your pup’s first year. You can expect to pay for:
- Vaccination at 16 weeks
- Neutering/spaying which ranges between $100-300
- Full examination
- Deworming
The cost of food will gradually increase as your pup grows to full size. Initially, your Corgi will only require around 280 to 400 calories per day, but this will increase from 770 to 1,050 when your pup becomes an adult.
Your vet will be able to advise on the most suitable brands or type of dog food for your needs, but typically you can expect to spend $30 to $40 for a 25-30 lb bag of dog food.
The cost of training your Corgi pup
In an ideal world, you won’t need to spend a cent on training your pup. By reading online resources or dog training books, you may be able to pick up the skills and tricks you need to keep your pup safe and well behaved.
Bear in mind though that Corgis are an intelligent breed of dog so they can quickly find themselves in trouble if they’re not adequately trained.
If your Corgi pup isn’t responding to your at-home training efforts, or if they’re displaying extensive behavioral issues, then you may need to pay for professional support. One-on-one training is available but the cost of Corgi puppy tuition will be reduced significantly if you opt for a group session instead. You might expect to pay $50 to $100 per session for this type of course.
Additionally, you may need to fork out for specialist equipment including collars, cameras to monitor your pup and fencing for added security.
How much is a Corgi puppy during the pandemic?
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on the economy. While certain aspects have been predictable such as the rise in unemployment, others such as the rising costs of puppies have been unexpected.
Prices for puppies rose 36% in the US after the pandemic began, in comparison to the previous year. So far, these prices have yet to fall back to their pre-pandemic norm. So, if you think that the average Corgi puppy was priced at $1,500 outside of the pandemic, then you might expect to pay nearer to $2,050 during Covid.
Over in the UK, puppy prices have peaked during each of the three national lockdowns so far, proving the relationship between staying at home and dog ownership soaring.
What’s the reason for this international price hike? With the increase in remote working and more time spent at home, people are simply available to look after a pup where previously they might have been out of the house at work or commuting every day. There’s also the fact that lockdown has had an impact on mental health particularly with the lack of socialization available to us. Owning a dog is a means of gaining companionship and simply a way to fill in many hours of the day that could otherwise be lonely.
How much does a Corgi cost in comparison to other dogs?
Now you understand the finances behind:
- Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder
- The upfront costs you’ll need to pay during your Corgi’s first year
- Ongoing Corgi costs including food and insurance
But how much is a Corgi in comparison to other breeds of dog? Are they really more expensive than other types? The answer is no. Dog breeding is a business and when done properly with humane treatment of the parent and care of the puppies, there are costs which the breeder must pass onto the buyer as part of their business model. This is true of any type of breed, not just Corgis.
Corgis are an incredibly popular breed and even cross-breeds will command high prices. They’re certainly not rare but there can sometimes be a supply and demand problem due to their popularity. When demand is high, the price tag for Corgis is naturally raised.
References:
- PETA, ‘Puppy Mills’, https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/pet-trade/puppy-mills/, Accessed – 6 May 2021
- American Kennel Club, ‘What’s the Best Age to Bring Your New Puppy Home?’, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/best-age-bring-puppy-home/, Accessed – 6 May 2021
- American Kennel Club, ‘Meet Two Similar Yet Different Breeds: The Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi’, Accessed – 6 May 2021https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/cardigan-welsh-corgi-pembroke-welsh-corgi/, Accessed – 6 May 2021
Fortune, ‘Smuggling, price-gouging, dognapping: True tales from inside the great pandemic puppy boom’, https://fortune.com/longform/puppy-boom-covid-pandemic-people-buying-dogs-lockdow, Accessed – 6 May 2021
