What are the best questions to ask if you're taking a dog off of someone's hands?

Oh, and why is he being rehomed, does he have any health problems...

You'll also want to find out who his breeder is- the vast majority of Cardis are from responsible breeders, and his breeder will very likely want to know where he has ended up, because I'd be willing to bet money that he's on a return contract.

Oooh, yeah.  They posted saying that he was purebred, but didn't have papers.  Either way it would be a good idea to track the breeder down...  Maybe they have the reciept or something still, or the contract.

Thanks.

Here's a question for you, though, Pwca, since you've got a Corgi:  what are the most prevalent health issues in the breed?  I've been doing most of my research on Saints, since that's where I started, and I'm just starting out on Corgis, and the health page is down on the National Club site.

On Craigslist I'd wonder if the dog was stolen. Just something to be aware of. Are they asking much money for him?

Other than that, the only thing you didn't mention was of paramount importance:

Is he HOUSETRAINED?

Is he dog aggressive?

Trust me, that's a big deal.

Hmmm, they didn't mention that.  They did say he doesn't jump on the furniture, though...

And since they're asking $100, I'm thinking he's not stolen...if he was, then these crooks are pretty thick, 'cause they could ask for a lot more for a purebred Corgi.

BTW, since this is NOT a shelter or rescue, but a random person, they could lie to you.

I tried so hard not to say it, and not to be cynical, but it happens. Just be prepared that he may not be what you're told he is, temperament and health wise.

I have a pembroke welsh corgi and I don't know if they are prone to the same diseases, but I know in the pems. two of them are eyes and their backs.

My corgi is a pembroke but so far in the two months i've had her she is very stubborn but once I teach her something and take the patience for her to repeat it over and over then she is eager and willing to help out. I would ask if it has any dislikes such as going around other dogs are there certain breeds and how much was it socialized my puppy is very shy I have to take her to the dog park atleast twice a week now she doesnt run away scared as much.

Cardis are pretty healthy. The most common issue is PRA (eyes) but there's a DNA test and even carriers are pretty rare in the US. Obesity and obesity-related back issues can be a problem as dogs age, but it's not a genetic one- it's a feeding-and-cuteness issue. Dogs kept at a proper weight (and they have very efficient metabolisms, so they eat less than you'd sometimes suspect) are not too prone to back issues, although injuries can obviously still happen. Other problems include an intolerence or allergy for corn (not a huge issue but reasonably common, I know of a few Cardis with it), heart problems (very rare, but I've heard of a few more recently), and hip dysplasia, although again, not a huge issue.

I honestly feel that temperament is a bigger issue with Corgis than health- if the dog iss not a resource guarder, is not dog aggressive, and has been properly socialized, those are all BIG bonuses. Cardis can be somewhat reactive, particularly if they'er not socialized enough, and they're not as outgoing overall as Pems. They can be obnoxiously dog aggressive, too, and tehy're stubborn- setting (and enforcing!) limits is important with this breed, as is giving them clear expectations as to what you expect them to do.

ORIGINAL: keedokes

Oooh, yeah.  They posted saying that he was purebred, but didn't have papers.  Either way it would be a good idea to track the breeder down...  Maybe they have the reciept or something still, or the contract.

 
Many years ago I bought a little doxie ($10 if you can believe that) from an ad in the paper.  He also was supposedly purebred, but had no papers. Long story short, the dog was a total mental case.  The vet said he believed he really was purebred, but the mother had been bred back to her own litter so many times that basically she was producing what could only be called "doggy idiots." I don't know if this is the case here, but it's something to be aware of if you're dealing with a BYB.  Any chance they would let you take the dog home for a week and see how he works out? You should at least be able to meet him and spend some time with him before making the committment.
 
Joyce

Well, I haven't heard back from them yet...so maybe they're looking for someone who's not going to ask so many questions! [sm=biggrin.gif]  I kept PS-ing and PPS-ing in subsequent emails as I (and you guys) thought of things to ask, so they're probably just trying to get rid of a dog with behavior issues.  Then again, I may hear from them sometime later today or tomorrow.  Since this is just the beginning of my search, I'm not too concerned.

If you decide to take the dog make sure they tell you about the dog's routine, it will be a lot easier on you if you try to start with that and then slowly make changes.  Also, change food slowly, no matter what you think of the food there are using slowly switch to what you want the dog to eat.