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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. This is provided as a service only and, in no way guarantees any breeder or puppy.

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 and eye examinations. (If you are not familiar with these tests, the informed show/hobby breeder can explain them to you.)

The Mid-Arizona SSC Code of Ethics requires that members have hip x-rays and eye examinations done on all dogs used for breeding and to make copies of these tests available to puppy buyers and others with whom they do business.

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 breed. Often the reason for breeding is to make profit. Sometimes, it is because the person is fond of the breed and enjoys having puppies.

SMALL SHOW/HOBBY BREEDER
Advantages:
Probably none. Backyard breeders generally do not test their dogs for hereditary diseases. 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.

Large Commercial Breeders
Large Commercial Breeders are often called puppy mills. These are places where dogs are raised strictly for profit and no other reason. They house huge numbers of dogs and 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 large commercial breeders. Reputable breeders do not sell their puppies to pet shops!

 

Advantages:
See "Large Commercial Breeders" above.

Disadvantages:
See "Large Commercial Breeders" above. In addition, you will often spend more money than you would buying from the small or large hobby breeders that tests their dogs.

No matter where you buy your puppy, you should get a written health guarantee. Any reputable breeder will be glad to give you one. However, 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 based on their written guarantee.

The Mid-Arizona Shetland Sheepdog Club is glad to provide you with the names of our members who currently have puppies. However, the Club cannot give you a guarantee on those puppies. The guarantee must come from the individual from whom you purchase your puppy.
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 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, 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!
From the members of the Mid-Arizona Shetland Sheepdog Club, Inc.

Adapted from a document created by Greater St. Louis Shetland Sheepdog Club