FINDING A SHELTIE ..

Is a Sheltie the breed for you?

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 16:26:54 -0600

The Shetland Sheepdog, or ‘Sheltie' as they are often called, generally resembles the Collie in miniature. Because of the similarity, they are often called a Miniature Collie, but the Sheltie is actually a distinctly separate breed, and was not bred down from the full- size Collie. The breed evolved from hardy ancestors which lived on the Shetland Islands off the northeast coast of Scotland. The Sheltie developed as a hardy herding dog, alert guard dog, and an intelligent and affectionate companion. Their attentiveness and his willingness to obey were qualities desired by the crofter and the shepherd.

Shelties have an intense desire to please their owners and an enormous capacity for love and affection, although they can be a bit reserved or reticent with strangers. They are not recommended for people, or very young children, who would not appreciate their sensitive nature.

As a Sheltie matures, he often learns to respond in an almost human fashion, and becomes a real member of the family. The Sheltie is exceptionally trainable and responsive, plus being an outstanding worker in obedience, herding, and agility trials. Shelties raised as pets develop a great deal of loyalty to their owners and seem to have a natural affinity for children, being gentle and loving companions for them. Unlike some other breeds, there is little difference in temperament between male and female Shelties, although some feel that males are more affectionate and make better pets. Early socialization experiences will help a young Sheltie mature into the desired companion. Shelties are very alert and protective, and will bark to let you know something is different in their realm. According to the standard of the breed, the ideal Sheltie should stand between 13" and 16" at the shoulder, and will generally weigh 20-25 pounds. Both oversize and undersize Shelties can appear in the same litter, and can make great pets. Another common fault is incorrect ear carriage - the top of the ears should tip forward, and a good breeder can give you advice on proper ear care through puppyhood. Although a breeder cannot predict accurately that a young puppy will have correct ears or be within proper size range when grown, they can give you an educated guess about those qualities. Although both of these aspects are important for the show/breeding prospect, they will have no effect upon your Sheltie’s qualities as a good pet.

The Sheltie comes in five acceptable colors, all set off by white markings: The most common color is Sable ranging from golden brown to mahogany, with touches of black; Tri-color with black, and tan; Blue Merle with blue-grey, black, and tan; Bi-blue with blue-grey and black; and Bi-black with only black and white.

Shelties have a double coat, the outer layer consisting of long, straight, coarse hair, and the undercoat being short, furry, and very dense. Mature males have a more impressive coat than females. How much grooming your Sheltie will need depends on the individual dog. Overall, the Sheltie is a very clean dog, and on the average needs only a weekly brushing (it's helpful to spray mist with water when brushing). Be sure to check for mats behind the ears, under the elbow on each front leg, and in the pants' under the tail. Toenails and hair between the pads need to be trimmed every several weeks. Start your puppy at a young age learning to be groomed once a week including opening the mouth and checking and cleaning the teeth. Your vet will be very pleased if you accustom your dog to handling on examining. Correctly guided and encouraged, most Shelties learn to love grooming and look forward to it as a special quality' time.

A Sheltie needs a fair amount of exercise but will adapt himself to your way of life. They will do well in any environment: as long as the necessary exercise is provided. Between 12 and 20 weeks of age, a puppy should be given various socialization experiences, including trips to the park, playground, shopping center, a friend's home, or other places where your puppy is welcome. This socialization will help the puppy develop a friendly temperament and become used to strange circumstances.

With high-quality food and regular vet care, Shelties can easily live to be 14 years old. Be sure to place your puppy under veterinary supervision, and be certain that it receives its inoculations and is regularly checked for parasites. Your dog should have all its protective shots before exposing it to the general canine population. The breeder should provide you information on feeding, caring for your dog,vaccinations and a written contract covering the conditions of sale as a pet. Pet quality dogs should not be used for breeding, and most are sold with a spay/’neuter' contract. Sometimes the AKC registration is withheld until the dog is neutered, or the breeder may opt to use the AKC's Limited Registration option. It is a medical fact that spayed bitches are healthier and live longer than un-spayed bitches. After neutered most males will become more tolerant of other male dogs and cannot develop testicular cancer and they will be less susceptible to prostrate cancer. The best way to find a Sheltie is to contact a Breeder Referral representative of an established Sheltie breed club. You should investigate the availability of an ASSA member club in your area to see what they offer in the way of education and Sheltie performance events that may include: herding, agility, tracking, obedience and conformation. If you have a chance to visit a dog show, the Sheltie exhibitors there may have puppies at home for sale, or can direct you to a good source.

Before buying a puppy, the ASSA recommends that you ask to see both parents, or at least the mother; and, if at all possible,evaluate the temperament and socialization of the mother and puppies. Also ask if the parents have had their eyes and hips checked, and if any genetic problems have shown-up in any of the dog's ancestors or relatives.

Enjoy your Shelties with their sweet, will-ing-to-please nature and expression, and that special ‘something' that makes them a joy to be around and own.

Here are some books, and two magazines, you might want to obtain, to find out more about Shelties:

Sheltie Talk , Revised edition, by Betty Jo McKinney & Barbara Rieseberg, Alpine
Publications, Inc., P. O. Box 7027, Love-land, CO. 80537; (800) 777-7257

The Book of the Shetland Sheepdog, by Anna Katherine Nicholas, TFH Publications, Inc., 211 West Sylvania Avenue, Neptune City, NJ 07753.

The CompIete Dog Book, An Official Publication of the American Kennel Club, Howell Book House, 866 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With, Clarice Rutherford & David Neil, Alpine Publications, Inc.,
P. O. Box 7027, Loveland, CO. 80537; (800) 777-7257

Color Color
Sheltie International, P.O. Box 6369, Los Osos, CA 93412; (805) 528-2007.

Sheltie Pacesetter, 117 Park Hill Ave., Millbury, MA 01527; (508) 753-8500.

If you have access to the Internet and want to learn more about Shelties, visit the new ASSA Web site at: http://www.assa.org

Wholesale Breeders and Brokers

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 21:05:39 -0600

Wholesale breeders are classified as Class 'A' Dealers with USDA. Anyone who breeds and sells puppies for the wholesale pet market (pet stores), is a wholesale breeder.

Before the invention of microwave ovens, we had 'ovens'. Now the 'old fashioned ovens' are called Conventional Ovens. Before the invention of push button phones, we had 'phones'. Now the 'old fashioned phones' are known as Rotary Phones. Before the 'invention' of puppy mills, we had 'breeders'. Now the 'old fashioned breeders' are known as Reputable Breeders. Throughout this site I refer to the word 'breeders' many times. Please be advised that unless I say Reputable Breeder I am referring to Wholesale Breeders. You can read the Animal Welfare Act for a more detailed description of wholesale breeders.

Color Wholesale breeders normally sell their puppies to brokers. Brokers are classified as Class 'B' Dealers with USDA. A broker can be a breeder also, and more often than not, they are. Their primary business is buying all of the puppies that a breeder can produce. They sell the puppies to the pet shops. Some brokers put restrictions on puppies with defects such as, underbite, overbite, cryptorchid, hernia, etc. but normally a breeder in good standing with their broker can sell these puppies at a reduced price to the broker. A breeder will not normally sell puppies 'out the door' (to buyers like you and me) unless the puppy has been rejected by the broker or the breeder knows that a puppy has a problem. An example:

The breeder has a Maltese puppy that has a small umbilical hernia. The breeder normally gets $240 for each puppy but the broker docks the puppy $100 for the hernia. Maltese are selling for $500 in the local newspapers, the breeder advertises the puppy for $300 in the newspaper (and of course it sells right away because it is so cheap) and even with the cost of the ad, and the repair of the hernia, the breeder still makes more than the broker pays for the 'good' puppies.

One of the biggest problems that a breeder faces is the size of their puppies. I'II stick with the Maltese for an example. The broker will not (and can not) buy any puppy before it is 8 weeks old. Most breeders live in rural areas and buyers for the brokers meet the breeders at a local establishment. In my small town, the brokers meet everyone at a small gas station on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Maltese puppies must be under 2.5 pounds at 8 weeks or they are docked in price. If you are so unfortunate as to have a litter born on Wednesday morning, your puppy will be a day short of going to the brokers on the pick up day. Obviously, most puppies will grow quite a bit in a week's time so the puppy will be larger and docked in price the next week when it is old enough to sell.

The solution is quite easy. Make all puppies birth dates on Tuesdays! If you have a female that usually produces large puppies, make their birthdate a week earlier! This is why so many young puppies (under 8 weeks) are often seen in pet stores with papers that show they are 9 weeks or more. I know that this happens. Many know that this happens. I can't say if AKC knows that this happens, but I can assure you that if they checked the breeds that have weight restrictions from the broker (almost all the toy breeds), they would find that a huge percent of the brokered puppies were born on the same day of the week as the date of transfer to the broker. I know one breeder whose puppies were ALWAYS born on Tuesday. I can't believe that she got away with it for so long.

Most broker days are on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The reason is quite simple. The brokers are required to hold all dogs for 5 days. A puppy bought on Tuesday is ready to leave the broker's on Sunday and is to the pet shop by Tuesday. A Thursday pup is at the pet shop by the following Thursday and even has a few days to break the stress induced diarrhea before the weekend shoppers arrive. There are many tricks of the trade that draw in unsuspecting buyers like you and me. Pet shops, for example are using new advertising tricks by saying, "We buy only from reputable breeders" or "We buy only from local breeders". I called one such ad I saw in Tucson and told them I was from Missouri and was traveling out there for the holidays and I heard I could sell puppies directly to them. The said, "Sure!" They went on to say that while they required that the puppies have AKC papers, they only destroy them. They said that all puppies are spayed/neutered before they leave the pet shop. Does this make them better than other pet shops? If I were a puppy mill in Missouri, and the pet shop in Arizona spays/neuters the puppies, does it make any difference to the caged parents of the puppies? Now if that same pet shop required proof of the spaying of the dam of the litter....I'd give the green light to buy from them!

Another trick of the trade is co-ownership. Pet shop owners across the United States have gone into co-ownership with breeders across the Midwest. Since the pet shop owners are selling their own puppies, the Midwest breeder is not wholesaling they are retailing, and therefore they do not have to be licensed. And still yet another trick is Dog Farms. You can see proof of this yourself by picking up any major newspaper. In it you will find many different ads with the same phone number. beagle puppies: 555-I212 Keep scanning and you will find poodle puppies: 555-12I2 Usually 5-10 breeds will be represented by the same phone number but since you are only looking for poodles, you don't notice the other ads. Usually the person running the ad will meet you somewhere, "(Uh, I have to go right by there to deliver a puppy to a handicapped lady" You never know any difference. If they do allow you to come to their place, they only bring out the breed of dog that you called about. You can hear the dogs in the other room but you don't ask. What you don't know.... These puppies are shipped in from the Midwest, just like the pet store pups. Just another trick of the trade.

For those of you living on the East or West Coasts, you know how hard it is to find a good breeder. The internet has become a wonderful tool for both breeders and buyers. My personal belief is that in the very near future, the internet will replace pet shops. The question is, how do you know if you have found a good breeder on the internet? For every good breeder that is now using the internet, there are puppy mills that also have a website. Some are so bold as to list all their breeds on one site. This should be a red flag to you. Some even state with pride that they are USDA and State inspected/licensed. Another red flag. Unfortunately, if life was full of red flags, we would never make mistakes. Many of the puppy mills are now making separate web pages for each and every breed they have.

I get email all the time from people who are looking for a purebred puppy. All I can say is that most of the time you 'get a feeling'. Don't ignore that feeling and always consult with a veterinarian before buying a puppy. He can usually refer you to a good breeder, as well as set you up with your all important 'first visit'

Source: http://www. nopuppymills.com

Choosing a Sheltie

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 20:49:17 -0600

The dog you buy will be with you throughout his life (about 15 years) and he will need to fit into your lifestyle. Before you buy, think about how you want the dog to fit in. Will he be your companion, a child's pet, a show dog or a foundation for your future kennel? Do you expect him to be a watch dog or a stock dog? Don't buy a Sheltie if what you need is a Doberman or a Chihuahua. Knowing what you want and starting out with the right individual to fill your needs is the most important factor in successful dog ownership.
HISTORY & ORIGIN
The breed evolved from hardy ancestors which lived in the Shetland Island, off the coast of Scotland. The early Shelties were used as sheepdogs and as protectors of their owner's home and property. Due to the harsh living conditions and close association with the people of the islands, the Sheltie evolved into a miniature herding dog,small and sturdy, a true working dog with a "special something" still evident in his personality today.
DESCRIPTION
The Shetland Sheepdog is a sound, sturdy, rough coated dog,with color ranging from Sable (gold to mahogany), TriColor(black with tan points and white markings). Blue Merle (merle with tan points and white markings) and a black or blue Bi-Color (without the tan points on face or legs). The Blue Merle is allowed to have one or two "blue eyes" He may have a full shawl collar and white face blaze or may be plain-faced, may have white markings just on his chest and feet. Either variation is perfectly correct. Size should be between l3"-16" at the shoulder. However, Shelties still vary considerably in size and weight. Size may vary in any given litter between 12-18 inches and weight between I5-35 Ibs. The Ideal size is 14 1/2 " and about 20 Ibs.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
The most outstanding characteristic of the Sheltie is his unique temperament. He has an intense desire to please his owner and an enormous capacity for love and affection. The Sheltie is exceptionally trainable and responsive, characteristics which make him an ideal pet and companion, and an outstanding worker in obedience trials. Shelties raised as pets develop a great deal of loyalty to their owners and are natural stay-at-homes, with little desire to roam. They seem to have a natural affinity for children and are gentle and loving companions for them. Because of his sensitive nature the Sheltie reacts negatively to harsh treatment. He seeks and expects response from you and responds best when you respond to him. It takes proper training, socialization and play on your part to enable your Sheltie to develop his personality to its fullest potential. There is a certain charisma about Shelties. They are loving, loyal,openly communicative and never sneaky. They have a very real sense of humor and exhibit a certain gaity without being foolish. The Sheltie with true character is capable of establishing a relationship with his master based on mutual respect and understanding. This Sheltie may seem to others to be "just another dog" because he "turns on" only to his special person, but the relationship becomes obvious when dog and man are working together. If you cannot appreciate the refinements and communication of this kind of relationship between person and dog, you might want to consider another breed.
FOR A PET
The most important criteria in selecting a pet is temperament and good health. Your pet must be compatible with the people in your house - a bouncy, active Sheltie for a house full of children; a quiet dignified one for Grandma. Pick a steady, sensible puppy that appeals to you. Trust the breeder's judgment, as he is the one that has raised and lived with those puppies for 8 weeks and knows their individual temperaments and will be able to help you choose the one that will be best suited for you.
If you are looking for an attractive family pet you must decide whether it is a male or female that you want. Unlike some other breeds there is little difference in temperament between the male and female Sheltie. Both are gentle, loving homebodies whose main desire is to please you. The female comes in season once every six to nine months. She should either be spayed or must be kept away from male dogs at this time. Sheltie males are just as affectionate, tractable and gentle as females and make fine pets.
The age of the Sheltie you buy will vary with the purpose of the dog and the lifestyle of the family. If you lead a somewhat unusual life style or if you have a number of small children, a young puppy is probably best. If your child is just a baby, perhaps you should choose a 3 or 4 month old puppy. He can take more rough housing but is still young enough to adjust easily. An older puppy or dog is usually partially trained and housebroke. He may be ideal for the person who doesn't want the hassle of a young, impish puppy. Shelties of any age usually adapt to their new owners with little problem.
FOR AN OBEDIENCE DOG
There is only place to go to buy a prospective obedience puppy-a reputable breeder. Seek a breeder who has bred dogs that have achieved what you are attempting to achieve. Of prime importance is the role of the breeder from the time the pups are born through the first 12 weeks of life ... this is the most important time in a dog's life. Socialization means the dog is to experience as many new adventures as is possible under the most controlled of situations. This, quite obviously, requires a knowledgeable dog person. The top working dog is sensitive and exceptionally responsive to his owner; he is steady and reliable in the midst of strange noises,people, and circumstances. Pick the puppy who is active, quick to respond, willing to please,has a natural curiosity, and shows an affinity for people.
FOR BREEDING OR SHOW
Shop with care, there are many "kennels" advertising show quality puppies for sale that have never bred a Champion or even owned a real show quality dog. Price is no indicator of quality . . on the other hand, do not expect to find a show quality dog at a bargain price. A Show Dog is one who is good enough to win . .. if he is well conditioned, trained and handled properly. Puppies are selected on the basis of their head and body structure, the size, shape and placement of their eyes and ears, their expression and other subtle qualities obvious only to the trained eye. The puppy that may be most attractive to you because it has a full white collar and a nice blaze may well be the least promising show prospect!
MARKINGS ARE ONE OF THE LEAST IMPORTANT FEATURES OF A SHOW DOG! A pick of the litter puppy also is not necessarily a show prospect. It may not be a very good litter! A show prospect is a puppy that the experienced breeder feels will conform closely enough to the breed standard ideal to one day acquire the coveted title of Champion.
The purchase of breeding stock will be one of utmost importance to your future success. It is not an undertaking to be approached lightly. Your foundation stock will heavily influence the type, quality and consistency of Shelties you produce in later years. You must know the breed standard, the various bloodlines and subtypes and KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BEFORE YOU BUY.
WHERE AND HOW TO BUY A PUPPY
Buy your Sheltie from a local, experienced, breeder-exhibitor! His ultimate aim is to produce the perfect Sheltie, and he spares no expense in trying to breed the best Sheltie he can. His breeding stock will be of good quality and his dogs, receive fine care. The kennel will be clean, the dogs healthy and alert and of sound temperament and he will be happy to show them to you. Make an appointment in advance so he will have ample time to show you his dogs. You can see the puppies' pedigree before purchase and you should expect to see numerous champions in that pedigree. When you purchase a puppy you will be given his diet, a record of his inoculations, his pedigree, and his registration application or certificate. The breeder will probably suggest that you have the puppy checked by your veterinarian within 48 hours for your mutual protection. Breeding top quality dogs is an expensive hobby! If he is lucky the income the breeder receives from the sale of his puppies and stud fees may cover his expenses. For all of the above, you will pay no more ,and probably less than you would at a pet shop.

Who Can You Trust??

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 14:17:39 -0600

$450 vs $900?

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 21:13:00 -0600

Author Unknown

Litter A -The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an oversized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of an AKC/CKC written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.

Litter B -Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top Quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written AKC/CKC standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement one another.

Litter A -The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The breeder's hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.

Litter B -Before this breeding ever took place, both male and female had test including hip x-rays, eye tests and heart tests to determine that there were no physical genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed, and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.

Litter A -These puppies are born in a box in the garage and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because
advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without having had their dew claws removed, without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees of information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky, he may receive a AKC/CKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with
full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen or heard from again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.

Litter B -This breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breeding, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, handler's fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both mother and pups are fed the highest quality, State of the Art dog food. May trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimulus. They are touched and talked to and even cuddled and sung to. They are never sold before they are seven weeks old. Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantee, a vaccination record, minimum three generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC/CKC and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of such quality as it will better the breed, the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding registration and new owners agree to neuter/spay the dog at the appropriate age. Owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life.

IN SUMMARY

The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often. Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why prices are so much higher than those in the paper, this article comes to mind. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice, quality healthy, and trusting animals and a breeder they can count on.