After about 18 months of discussion and paying off outstanding debts etc, we finally have enough disposable income to get a dog (and I've just been offered a full time job working from home!)

I've had my heart set on owning a Corgi for years now. I wanted to get to know a few breeders but unfortunately they're not a hugely popular breed in this neck of the woods. So, I've found one very reputable breeder near by (KC registered, Cruft's Qualifiers, they even run a Canine Hydrotherapy Centre that is used by local vets) and we've been in contact since January. She had a litter of 7 on the 17th May. Hopefully we'll be going to visit the puppies in the next few weeks, and then every week until we can take one home - but I've never bought a puppy before. I've had them as kids, and remember the work involved in training and raising them, but I've never been there with the breeder before.

I trust this breeder, but I'd really like some guidance as to what questions I should be asking? The father isn't owned by the breeder - do I need to request to see him? Or will photos/videos/paperwork be okay? What vaccinations should I expect the puppies to have had prior to being homed? I know I should ask for a "contract" - what do I need this contract to cover? Is it mainly a health contract with regards to the puppy suffering any genetic issues that were previously unknown?

Also, this might be a silly question, but I know you should ask for a blanket or toy that has been kept with the puppy and it's parent, so they can smell them once you get them home - but then I've also read that another option is to wear an old t-shirt for a few days, and leave it with the puppy whilst it's still at the breeders, and that gets the puppy used to your scent prior to being taken home. Which of these do you think is better?

I just want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible and that this little pup's transition is as smooth and as non-scary as it can be.

Congratulations on your decision to add a pup to your family!

The main questions I would ask a breeder about are:
Temperament.
Although environment can play a part in a dogs temperament, so can genetics. Find out as much as you can about the parents and grandparents of the pups. Are they aggressive, shy etc or are they bold and outgoing?
If they show their dogs then odds are they breed for good temperaments but it still always pays to ask.

Health.
Corgis are a pretty healthy breed overall but there are still a few things that need to be tested for.
PRA is a disease that causes blindness later in life, it is 100% testable and both parents should be clear of the disease before mating.
Hip displaysia is determined by x-raying and scoring the parents hips.

As for the father, you can ask for photos so you know what he looks like, and his health records but I doubt you will be able to physically see him.
A lot of big breeders will use dogs from other kennels at stud and viewing them is just not possible, there is nothing wrong with this, it's just logistics.

Vaccinations are something that has a wide range of opinions.
The minimum the pup should have is Parvo, Distemper and Hepatitis. Many breeders will vaccinate for a lot more though, it is personal preference.

If the breeder is willing to give you an old blanket that the pup has slept on or if you are willing to give them a blanket to use for a week or more then I would go with that option. Either one is a good idea though so it's entirely up to you.

I think that covers everything, if I have missed anything or you want to ask anything else just let us know.
We have several other pet experts here so hopefully they will see this and give their opinions as well.

I would ask about the health guarantee. In my area breeders ENCOURAGE people to take the "new" puppy to the buyer's Vet to be checked and also guarantee against hereditary defects and problems.

I don't know if this is standard practice.

Thanks for the advice guys! I've been to meet the breeder today and all is looking good. We should have a new addition to the family in July. I'm so excited!

Congrats on getting a new addition to your family =)
When I decided to get my puppy, I visited the breeder before he was born to meet the mother then after he was born at 1week old,3week old,5 and then 8weeks old and all the other new puppy owners did the same.
I also took my own dog blanket to leave with him to take him home in so he would have his moms scent on it also a few toys and a bottle to be filled with the tap water from the breeders because even a difference in tap water can upset a puppys tummy and leaving his mom n littermates is stressful enough without a upset tummy.
My breeder gave me a 4week petplan insurance cover
Puppy pack with food,wormer and puppy milk
Also make sure you get THERE vets number... just in case.
Enjoy your puppy!