Finding a Reputable Breeder
Puppy Considerations
LOOKING FOR A SHELTIE?
Member Breeders Directory
The Shetland Sheepdog Club of Northern California is proud and confident in our mission to advance the quality of Shetland Sheepdogs through careful breeding and exhibition in accordance with the official ASSA Breed Standard. We are determined to protect and preserve the unique characteristics of this wonderful breed.
Choosing A Reputable Breeder
As a pet owner, finding the perfect furry companion for your family can be one of the most exhilarating experiences, especially if you want to purchase a Shetland Sheepdog. However, with so many breeders out there, finding a reputable breeding facility that can provide you with a credible and healthy Sheltie can take time and effort.
What should you do next if you’ve decided that a Sheltie is the perfect dog for you? It’s important to think carefully about this decision since you’ll be bringing a new family member into your home for many years. Finding a trustworthy breeder to buy your puppy from is key.
When searching for a Sheltie puppy, selecting a breeder dedicated to producing healthy, stable dogs with the breed’s delightful traits is crucial. The American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA) suggests asking the following questions to ensure the breeder is trying to conserve and defend the breed they adore. Remember that you should be just as interested in interviewing the breeder as they are in interviewing you. The breeder will be your guide for the next 15 years of the dog’s life, so make sure you can trust them and feel at ease contacting them for advice.
- Are they involved in a sport such as conformation, agility, obedience, or herding?
This proves that the breeder has a goal for every litter and is not just doing it to make money. It also tells you that their dog’s temperaments are stable enough to withstand the pressure of competition as well as traveling regularly. - Do they perform the recommended health tests on their dogs?
Ask what testing they have done on the parents to be sure they are clear of any genetic diseases. - Are they knowledgeable about the breed? Are they willing to discuss the breed’s strengths and weaknesses with you?
Finding someone who is dedicated to studying the breed and has a wealth of knowledge is immeasurable if you hit any road blocks with your puppy. The right breeder is willing to answer any questions to ensure their dogs thrive in their new homes. - Are you able to meet at least one of the parents?
This is a great opportunity to see what your puppy’s personality and appearance will be like when fully grown. Pay close attention to temperament to ensure it is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Considerations When Looking For A Puppy?
If you’re considering getting a puppy, it’s important to observe their physical health to ensure you’re getting a healthy pet. Make sure to check for clear and shiny eyes, with no discharge, as well as a glossy coat without flaky skin. Along with physical appearance, pay attention to their behavior too. A good puppy will be alert and playful. Furthermore, take a look at the entire litter and mother dog to ensure everyone looks healthy and well-fed. Lastly, it’s important to consider the cleanliness of the puppy’s surroundings and look for any fecal matter. A clean environment coupled with a healthy and robust litter is a great indicator of a healthy puppy.
Mother's Temperament
When acquiring a new puppy, evaluating the mother’s temperament is crucial. It would be best to observe the sire and dam’s behavior if they are available. Research shows that inherited behavior plays a significant role, so it is crucial to take note of their temperaments. Furthermore, the pups’ surroundings and experiences contribute significantly to their personality development. Keeping this in mind, it is advisable to consider the parents’ personality traits while making a puppy selection since they are a good indicator of the future temperament of your new furry friend.
Health Testing
Breeders should prioritize the health of animals they breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia are prevalent in this breed and have genetic roots causing arthritis and joint problems. To safeguard future generations of pets, breeders should screen both parents and relatives for X-rays before breeding. Taking these precautions guarantee both parents are radiographically free, and future generations will be dysplasia-free too.
Eye Health
Show vs. Pet Quality
If interested, it is important to determine whether this puppy possesses show, agility, herding, or obedience potential. Even with high-quality pedigrees, not all puppies may possess the desired traits for competition. Seek advice and opinions from other experienced breeders to ensure the best possible outcome. Carefully examine the pedigrees to identify the lines that produce superior animals.
Vaccinations
Ask the breeder for a certificate of vaccination with vaccine details, dates, and administering entity. Multiple vaccinations are crucial for your pup’s protection. Consult a vet for appropriate care.
Deworming
To learn about the puppy’s deworming history, ask what medication was used and when it was given. If the puppy wasn’t dewormed, ask about a fecal exam. Ask the breeder about worm-related issues in previous litters or the dam. This helps ensure proper care and treatment for the puppy and identifies any problems early on.
Puppy Nourishment
Selecting the appropriate type and brand of food, determining the adequate feeding amount, and establishing a feeding frequency are crucial factors in properly nourishing a growing puppy. Typically, breeders will suggest the most viable food options and feeding schedule based on their experience and expertise. However, monitoring the puppy’s food intake is imperative to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
Heartworm Disease Prevention
Heartworm disease can be transmitted by mosquitoes from dog to dog. It is important to begin administering the appropriate heartworm preventative medication to puppies at an early age, and to continue to do so each year during mosquito season. This proactive approach can greatly reduce the risk of heartworm disease and its associated health complications.
Guarantee
When getting a new pet, read their guarantee terms to avoid misunderstandings. Schedule a vet appointment to ensure their health and learn how to keep them healthy and happy. Healthy puppies mean happy years together.