| WHERE AND HOW TO BUY YOUR SHELTIE
As you begin your search for a sheltie, you will likely find
that there are a number of sources from which a sheltie can be obtained.
It is our goal to help you be an informed sheltie purchaser. The sources
that you will likely encounter are listed below. We have endeavored to objectively
assess the different sources and provide you with helpful information regarding
each of them. We have listed what we consider to be the advantages and disadvantages
of obtaining a sheltie from the different sources.
POSSIBLE SOURCES
SMALL SHOW/HOBBY BREEDER:
The term show/hobby breeder refers to a breeder who exhibits
their dogs at dog shows, in either conformation or performance classes,
and who does so mainly as a hobby and not as a business.
Advantages: The experienced show/hobby breeder will be a breeder
who has extensively studied their breed and is familiar with the breed standard
for that breed. They are aware of any health or genetic problems that might
occur in the breed, and they will have done all the tests possible to insure
that their breeding stock is as free from hereditary problems as is possible.
In the sheltie, the tests that are usually done are: hip X-rays, eye examinations,
testing for carrier status for vWD, and thyroid function. (If you are not
familiar with these tests, the informed show/hobby breeder can explain them
to you.) Also, a dog purchased from a show/hobby breeder is likely to be
more “typey” – that is, to look more like a sheltie should
look! In addition, a knowledgeable show/hobby breeder will be your very
best source of information and education for the life of your dog!
Disadvantages: Many show/hobby breeders do not have a large
number of litters each year and you may have to be put on a waiting list
to get a puppy from your breeder of choice.
LARGE SHOW/HOBBY BREEDER:
Description is much the same as above, except that a large
show/breeding operation may be a hobby or it may be a business.
Advantages: The large show breeder will have many more litters
a year from which to choose.
Disadvantages: Puppies purchased from a large breeder may
have had somewhat less one-on-one socialization. You will need to ask questions
about the amount of socialization and “house time” that a puppy
has had.
SINGLE PET OWNER:
You may see an ad in the newspaper or be referred by a friend
to someone who has a female as a pet and who decided to breed her.
Advantages: Puppies born into a single pet household will
usually be very well socialized.
Disadvantages: Pet owners are often not aware of the tests
mentioned above that should be done before breeding their dog. In addition,
the puppies may be less “typey.”
“BACKYARD BREEDER”:
The term “backyard breeder” refers to someone who
has a few dogs, usually one male and two to four females that they occasionally
breed. Sometimes the reason for breeding is to make profit. Sometime it
is because the person is fond of the breed and enjoys having puppies.
Advantages: Probably none. While a puppy from a backyard breeder
may cost less initially, the puppy may end up costing you more in the long
run due to health problems.
Disadvantages: Like the single pet owner, the backyard breeder
may not be aware of hereditary problems that can occur and therefore does
not do the tests to monitor their breeding stock for those problems.
PUPPY MILLS:
Puppy mills are places where dogs are raised strictly for
profit and no other reason. Such places are generally filthy. They house
huge numbers of dogs and don’t want to pay for help to keep the kennels
and animals clean. The worst places are nothing more than concentration
camps for dogs! If you answer an ad in the newspaper and go to a place where
the dogs are not properly cared for, the best thing you can do is promptly
leave! If you realize that you have arrived at a puppy mill, do not even
get out of your car! You can carry away disease-causing viruses and bacteria
on your clothing or shoes! Many who have bought a puppy to “rescue”
it from a puppy mill, have ended up spending huge sums of money on veterinary
bills only to have the puppy die due to distemper or some other disease.
Advantages: Absolutely none!!!!!
Disadvantages: Disease, poor quality, bad temperaments, and
no socialization.
PET SHOPS:
Most puppies offered for sale in pet shops have come from
puppy mills! Reputable breeders do not sell their puppies to pet shops!
Advantages: See “Puppy Mills” above.
Disadvantages: See “Puppy Mills” above.
Please remember that we are dealing with living creatures
and things can “go wrong” in spite of a breeders’ best efforts.
There are health problems that can occur for which we do not currently have
tests to predetermine a dog’s possibility of carrying that problem.
Any reputable breeder who has sold you a puppy who develops a hereditary
or genetic problem should be willing to work with you to reach a solution.
When talking to persons from whom you are considering buying
a puppy, you will need to ask the following:
What shots have the puppies been given?
Have the dewclaws been removed?
Have the puppies been wormed or wormed checked?
Have the puppies been raised in the house or in a kennel or
outside pen?
Have the puppies’ parents been checked for hip dysplasia,
vonWillebrands disease, thyroid function, and eye diseases?
If the proper tests and treatments have not been done, you
should not buy the puppy!
We hope the above will be of help to you in your search for
a sheltie!
BEST WISHES!
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