Once you start liking Corgis, there is no going back. As soon as having a dog becomes an option, you will find yourself looking up breeders online!
Everyone just wants to get the puppy as soon as possible, without thinking about other things. For example, how much does the grooming cost? Are Corgis difficult to groom?
If someone wants to breed their Corgi, they will need a heritage certificate. How much is a Corgi certificate? Read our article to find out all about it!
What Is A Corgi Certificate?
Firstly, there are a lot of different certificates out there. There is no one-size-fits-all certificate – do you need it for breeding? Do you need a health certificate?
Also, if you prefer to travel with your dog for whatever reasons, you will need to do a few things regarding your dog before you take off. Even if you take your dog with you just as a companion, there are some certificates you will need to take with you.
Some countries demand various documents for the Corgi. Getting those documents can be a hassle, and it can be a longer process than most people imagine. You will need to consult the vet or research online on both the import and export procedures of the country you’re traveling to.
So, about the variety of certificates and their uses – let’s get into it!
Health Certificate
Getting your Corgi a health certificate is the first step for most procedures. Whether you want to register your Corgi as a purebred, or you want to take him traveling with you, you will need a health certificate.
The health certificate indicates that your pet is of good health, and healthy enough to travel. It shows that your pet hasn’t contracted a contagious disease of sorts.
Also, to get the health certificate, Corgi needs to have all his vaccinations up to date. Some veterinarians may even check your Corgi for heartworm disease and prescribe preventative medication as a part of the exam.
However, the health certificate isn’t enough for traveling. You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, and perhaps an Acclimation Certificate. Do note that some airlines require this document. Both of these documents can be filled out and signed by a veterinarian accredited on a federal level.
The health certificate costs anywhere between $25 and $150, but it could cost more in your area. If you want to save up some money, you can get a free or cheap consultation at the animal shelter.
If your Corgi needs some vaccinations to get the certificate. The costs of vaccinations are between $20 and $150 – but if you go to the animal shelter, you can save a few bucks.
If your Corgi is a bit older and only requires the booster shots, the cost of those can be anywhere between $10 and $100.
So, the health certificate can finally cost $35 or $300, depending on the place where you take your Corgi.
Also, your pup may require a special EU Health Certificate if you plan to take your Corgi to Europe. The EU Health Certificate costs $38, but, likely, the vet will not charge you for the regular health certificate if you request an EU one as well.
Do your research before traveling to see what your pet needs documents-wise before you go. Some foreign countries have detailed instructions about all the tests and vaccinations your Corgi has to have before he can enter that country.
Hidden Costs
When you do take your Corgi for an exam at the vet’s office, there could be other costs you might not be aware of. Besides the usual vaccinations and booster shots, there could be other fees.
For example, if the vet suspects that your Corgi has some health issues, a blood test may be required, as well as treatments or medication. Also, some vets will bill you an additional fee for the consultation.
We certainly advise you to discuss the full cost of the certificate before you start. Take into account the travel costs if you have to take your Corgi to a different town or city to visit the vet.
Furthermore, consider getting health insurance for your Corgi. Health certificate costs are covered with each health insurance plan, so it could be the more affordable option.
If your dog doesn’t have health insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket for all the costs related to the certificate. We previously discussed it could cost a few hundred dollars. Thankfully, many vet offices take credit cards, so you can discuss financing options for all of them.
Important Information About The Certificate
Keep in mind that if you do plan to take your Corgi traveling with you, you should visit the veterinarian at least a few months earlier. Even if you go one year earlier, you will not make a mistake. Why?
Well, if your Corgi requires some vaccinations, the vet will still not issue the certificate right after. Some time has to pass after your pup gets the shot – the shots have to be given within a certain period.
Also, your pup might need a blood titer test, a test that confirms that the vaccine for rabies is working. It takes at least two to three months for the blood sample to incubate for a titer test. Some foreign countries require the blood titer test for animal import.
So, all that money for a health certificate could be spent in vain if not done early enough. It’s best to plan ahead and do the certificate in time!
Kennel Club Certification
Most dog owners have heard of the kennel club called “American Kennel Club”, also known just as AKC. This club has the largest registry of purebred dogs in the United States.
Also, this kennel club promotes and sanctions events for purebred dogs. They have started to review events for mixed-breed dogs in recent years, too.
The American Kennel Club offers titles in various competitions, as well as certificates as proof of heritage. There are strict rules and requirements for the dog to get a purebred certificate.
Moreover, there is another kennel club known worldwide – the United Kennel Club, the largest dog registry in the world. It registers dogs from all 50 states in the US, as well as 25 other countries. They host around 16,000 events every year for licensing and issuing certificates.
Kennel clubs issue various certificates which are required for competitions, dog shows, and breeding. The prices vary, but generally, they don’t cost more than $100.
Purebred Heritage Certificates
American Kennel Club can issue certificates confirming the purebred heritage. For those that want to breed their Corgis, having a heritage certificate is a must.
Purebred, certified Corgis cost a lot more than those without certificates. The price for a purebred Corgi can be over $1,500, while the uncertified Corgi can cost a few hundred dollars.
So, the American Kennel Club can issue two types of pedigrees – an AKC Certified Pedigree, which goes back 4 generations. The other type is an Export Pedigree, which you need if you want to export your dog or do dog shows in another country.
The 4-generation certificate costs $34, and it provides information about the registered names of ancestors, registration numbers, and the available coat colors – up to 30 immediate ancestors in the Corgi’s family tree.
The 3-generation export costs $69, and it provides all the information of the standard AKC pedigree. Also, it provides information about the ownership so you can register the dog in a foreign country’s registry.
Keep in mind that the AKC will have to examine the Corgi thoroughly to determine whether he meets the high standards they require. If he does not, for any reason, the kennel club will refuse to issue a heritage certificate.
Kennel Club Titles
There are various titles a kennel club can issue for a Corgi. The usual cost for each title is $25, but the requirements for each title are different. So, the titles are:
Conformation Titles
Conformation titles are related to dog shows. Judges examine the pets to see if the dog fits in the kennel club’s standard for that breed. The judges will examine the coat, outline, size as well as body proportions.
Dogs are examined when they are standing and walking. The temperament is also examined and compared to the breed’s standards. If the Corgi, or any other dog breed, wins 15 points with a minimum number of judges, the dog earns the title “Champion”, and the designation “CH” precedes the dog’s registered name. If your Corgi wins more shows, he can earn the title “Grand Champion” – “GCH”.
Rally Obedience Titles
Rally obedience is a dog sport regarding the dog’s obedience. Competitors will take their pup through 10 to 20 stations and the pup will be expected to perform a behavior. There are conventional obedience titles and competitions, as well. In conventional obedience competitions, handlers are allowed to encourage their pup during the competition, while, in the rally, they are not.
Canine Good Citizen Program
This is a test by AKC, and it consists of real-world skills that all well-mannered dogs must have. Every dog can participate in this program, even mixed-breed pups. Some insurance companies might even offer a coverage plan for dogs with the CGC title, even if the dog wouldn’t otherwise be covered.
Dog Agility Titles
The agility competitions usually consist of dogs racing together through a timed course of weave poles, tunnels, pause tables, jumps, and teeter-totters. The American Kennel Club offers over 50 agility titles.
In the title, “A” stands for agility, “F” for fast, “C” for a century, “S” for silver, “X” for excellent. The highest title overrides the lower titles, so if the dog has earned various titles, they will likely not all be listed under his name.
Therapy Dog Titles
The dog’s nature is that he is a natural-born therapist. Most of the dogs on this planet can be considered therapy dogs, but only some can be titled a therapy dog. In reality, there are various requirements for a dog to earn this title.
However, do note that passing the test for a therapy dog doesn’t earn a title. The title is given to a pup that is actively working as a therapy dog. There are a few titles, and they vary on the number of completed therapy visits.
What Is The Difference Between A Certified And An Uncertified Corgi?
Well, the Corgi with all the certificates and a fantastic heritage comes with a certain, high price. That’s not all – the purebred Corgi comes without genetic diseases, and they will produce quality puppies, too.
For the “backyard” pups, you can never be sure what you’re getting. For a few hundred dollars, you cannot be sure if the dog is prone to various diseases, and whether he or she will produce high-quality puppies.
The potential health risks come with financial risks. Backyard Corgs can get illnesses that could set you back a few thousand dollars every year. Medications, vet exams, a variety of treatments for Corgis can cost a lot of money. What’s worse, for many diseases, you can only treat the symptoms, while the disease cannot be cured.
Backyard, affordable puppies can end up costing a lot more than a purebred puppy. We strongly recommend that you invest in a purebred, certified puppy – even if it sets you back over $2,000. Those pups are a result of breeding champion parents therefore, they don’t carry genetic diseases.
If you think that the vet bills cannot be that high, let’s check out the average cost of vet bills for the most common Corgi diseases:
| Cardio Myelopathy | $1500 – $3500 |
| Degenerative Myelopathy | $2000 – $4000 |
| Hyp Dysplasia | $1500 – $3500 |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | $1700 – $2300 |
Keep in mind that these numbers are the usual costs, but it could cost more, or less, depending on the area where you live. Some Corgis could get milder or worse symptoms, and it could end up costing even more.
Bottom line is – keep in mind the emotional cost of seeing your Corgi ill. Seeing your Corgi’s health deteriorating can be very depressing for the family.
So, consider all these factors before you decide to get a cheaper puppy. It could cost you a lot more money in the long run. Besides that, it could take an emotional toll on all family members.
Also, seeing your pup passing away long before his time could be the worst thing of all. Not all dogs pass away from old age, especially if they carry a genetic disease.
Bottom Line
To conclude, a Corgi certificate can vary… a lot. The titles are pretty affordable, but you have to pay a small fee for each one, provided your pup fulfills the kennel club’s standard requirements.
As for the health certificates, the price can vary a lot. It depends on many factors, like whether your pup is up-to-date with all his vaccinations.
Purebred heritage certificates aren’t very expensive. However, keep in mind that your pup has to come from a good family and a respectable breeder to obtain a heritage certificate!