Experienced breeders choose their breeding stock very carefully, selecting the best suitable parents of each litter to improve on attributes and minimize faults in the offspring. A reputable breeder is committed to improving the physical and mental health of their breed with each new generation they produce.
Choose a breeder who specializes in the particular breed of dog you are interested in obtaining. Begin the process by visiting as many qualified breeders as possible before you make your final decision. This gives you the opportunity to interact with not only the puppies available, but also the dam and possibly the sire as well. From these visits, you can form a general impression of the temperament of the puppy you eventually take home.
Buying a puppy from a breeder also gives you the opportunity to examine the breeder's premises to make sure they are clean and that the puppies appear to be healthy. A healthy puppy should be clean, well-fed, friendly and lively, with no visible signs of illness (such as runny noses, sores, etc.). No fleas should be in evidence. Try and also meet some of the other adult dogs on your visit. They should also appear healthy, groomed and fit, with good temperaments.
The breeder may ask you questions regarding your home and family. These questions help assure a responsible breeder that their puppy is going into the proper home, and may include the following:
- Is this your first dog (Sheltie)?
- Why did you choose this particular breed?
- Are there any children in the household?
If so, what are their ages? - Is your yard securely fenced?
- Do you have a swimming pool?
- Do both adults work full-time?
By the same token, don't be afraid to approach the breeder with your own questions and concerns. Some of your questions might be:
- What tests do you do on your breeding stock?
- What type of hereditary problems are found in this breed of dog?
- How long have you been breeding dogs (Shelties)?
- Do you show your dogs (Shelties) in conformation?
- What type of health guarantee do you offer?
- What kind of genetic problems have you experienced in your years of breeding?
The breeder should be honest and straightforward with answers to your questions, and should be happy to provide proof of any tests (such as hip x-rays, eye exams, etc.) you request. Any evasiveness or resentment of your questions on the part of the breeder could be a warning that they might have something to hide.
The following is an excerpt from an article entitled To Test or Not to Test, written by Mary E. Galloway, DVM, Health Chairperson of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA). The entire article can be found on the ASSA website.
"... I am interested in buying a Sheltie, But when I hear about all the tests my puppy's parents should have, it worries me ... Should I look for a healthier breed? When I spoke with one breeder, I was told about all the tests her dogs have had ... I can get a Sheltie from another person who told me they don't have to test for problems since they don't have any in their lines ... What do you think?"
"... Testing for diseases and monitoring the occurence of diseases by breed clubs and breeders does not indicate that problems exist in that breed or line. In fact, it is a positive indication that the people who breed these dogs are trying to produce the healthiest puppies they can ... don't be afraid of a breeder that is active in ... testing of their breeding animals. This indicates the acceptance of responsibility and an ongoing effort to produce beautiful, healthy Shelties."
You may locate a breeder with whom you feel comfortable and you like his/her dogs, but they may not have any puppies available at the current time. Isn't it better to place your name on a waiting list for a puppy from your preferred breeder than to purchase a puppy from a breeder with whom you are not completely satisfied? Your purchase of a healthy dog, one who, with proper care, will be a part of your family for the next 12-15 years, should always be your main criteria. The delay of a few months against a lifetime of a healthy, happy dog should not (in our opinion) be of to great a concern. You and your dog will be all the happier for your wisdom.
A Breeder's Poem - Author unknown
She is my very sweetest little friend; I never feel alone.
She makes me smile. She makes me laugh. She fills my heart with love . . .
Did some person breed her or did she fall from above?
I've never been a breeder; never seen life through their eyes.
I hold my little puppy and just sit and criticize.
I've never known their anguish; I've never felt their pain,
the caring of their charges, through snow or wind or rain.
I've never waited the whole night through for babies to be born.
The stress and trepidation when they're still not there by morn.
The weight of responsibility for this body in my hands,
This darling little baby, who weighs but 60 grams.
Should you do that instead of this . . . or maybe that was wrong?
Alone you fight and hope, one day, he'll grow up proud and strong.
You pray he'll live to bring great joy to someone else's home.
You know it's all just up to you; you'll fight this fight alone.
Formula, bottles, heating pads, you've got to get this right.
Within your heart you dread that you will surely lose this fight,
To save this little baby, but God willing . . . you just MIGHT.
Day one, he's in there fighting; you say a silent prayer.
Day two & three, he's doing well, with lots of love and care.
Day four & five . . . he's still alive; your hopes soar to the heavens.
Day six he slips away again, dies in your hands, day seven.
You take this little angel, and bury him alone.
With aching heart and burning tears, and an exhausted groan,
You ask yourself, "Why do this? . . . Why suffer through this pain?"
Yet watch the joy your puppies bring, and everything's explained.
So, when you think of breeders and label them with "Greed,"
Think of all that they endure to fill another's need.
For when you buy your puppy, with your precious dollars part,
You only pay with money . . . while they pay with all their heart.