Shetland Sheepdog > I Am Looking for a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie Puppy) Breeder to Buy a Puppy Any Suggestions?

DP September 9, 2007 at 4:14 pm

Have you checked Sheltie Rescue in your area?

Shadow's Melon September 9, 2007 at 4:18 pm

A rescue is a good option, but if you are set on a breeder, then contact the breed club and get referrals for breeders. Then research those to ensure you actually have a reputable breeder.

Breene September 9, 2007 at 4:20 pm

There are over 1000 Shetland Sheepdogs and Shetland mixes waiting to be adopted on Petfinder.com. I have included a link for puppies specifically. Enter your own zip code to find shelters near you. You can increase your matches by changing the age from “baby” to “young.”

http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=Shetland+Sheepdog+Sheltie+&pet.Age=baby&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=94102+

Please consider saving a life by adopting instead of buying.

grandma hoppy September 9, 2007 at 4:24 pm

hi did you ever look in the daily record paper that’s where my daughter got her sheltie and he is a friendly and lovable so try and keep your eyes open in paper

Sharon F September 9, 2007 at 4:51 pm

First off, I would recommend that you check around your local area shelters and rescues. You can also find specific Sheltie rescues, according to states at: http://www.geocities.com/thesheltiepage/roster.html
A dog from a rescue is your best option. Rescue dogs have been vetted and treated, socialized, and evaluated as to temperment, aggression, how they do with other animals and children and more.Plus, adopting a bit older dog saves you the hassle of housebreaking and living thru the chewing stage.
I would STRONGLY recommend you NOT buy from a breeder, unless you are very very careful, & have consulted with someone in the know, like an SPCA official. Many people in many states, over and inbreed dogs just for the profit making factor! Backyard breeders and puppy mill owners frequently do not keep good records, are negligent in the care and treatment of their dogs. Due to over breeding, inbreeding, and mixing breeds to get “designer” dogs, many of the offspring can have undesirable traits, medical issues, behavioral problems, and more. If you insit on buying from a breeder, here are a few tips! Insist on seeing the mother and sire of the litter, see where and how they are housed, note their reaction to the breeder. Are they happy and anxious, or do they seem unfriendly, withdrawn, nervous, scared or timid of him. Insist on see the parent dogs medical records to determine they are up to date with everything. Ask to see the papers documenting how many litters the mother has thrown and exactly when was the litter born that you are thinking a pup from. Take time to sit and play with the pups, observe them, how they walk, act, feed them a treat-do they take it aggressively? Compare all the puppies together. Does “yours” seem to be as happy and healthy as the others. Strong, able to keep up?

Jennifer T September 9, 2007 at 5:20 pm

I’m sorry to hear of your loss.

Stay away from petshops and backyard breeders is my most important suggestion. You can try rescues and locate responsible breders by going to http://www.assa.org . I know a few rescues that have pups currently. Also visit http://www.everythingsheltie.com/

Remember a responsible breeder will 1) test all their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia through OFA or PennHip, eye problems through CERF, VonWillebrand’s by Vet Gen, and have them T4 tested for thyroid. If a breeder doesn’t know aobut those things, or doesn’t care, do NOT buy there. 2) Will always accept their own pups back at any time for any reason. Some might refund you, some won’t, but the dog is always welcome back.

Joanne O September 13, 2007 at 12:43 am

I know for a fact that Sheltie Rescue just took in a large
number of Shelties from a puppy mill in Maine. I believe
they are being shipped to IL, but you can certainly inquire
about adopting. Rescues are the best.

Joanne & Lukas, Crystal, & Jasmine

Sheltie Nation September 13, 2007 at 5:10 am

Do not get a Sheltie (or any dog, for that matter) from a pet store! Shelties should be bred in a clean home by an experienced breeder who checks for genetic disorders, and gives the puppies all the necessary medical attention and socialization they need. Breeding Shelties should always be screened for eye problems, vWD, hip dysphasia, and thyroid function.

Finding a responsible breeder from whom to purchase your Sheltie is paramount, and not always easy. Many reputable breeders do not advertise in newspapers, and few would post public notices about litters available. “Backyard breeders,” who mate their pet Shelties to pick up extra cash, may be well-intentioned, but they know little of producing consistently sound purebred dogs. They do not provide written guarantees for their puppies, nor potentially be available later to act as a resource. Beware of breeders that tell you things like “Oh, that doesn’t run in my dogs,” or “That test isn’t accurate.” It is a pretty good sign that they have some problem in their dogs, or don’t want to pay the money to find out. Buying from a responsible breeder means you will have someone to turn to throughout the dog’s life who will continue to be interested in its welfare and ready to offer advice.

Also be wary of breeders that want you to take the puppy home real early, like 6 weeks old. Not only is this illegal in many states, it also can have long-term repercussions for the puppy. Even though they may be weaned, it is at this age that puppies learn to socialize and relate to other dogs by playing with their littermates. They learn bite inhibition and begin to relate to humans as well.

Your best approach to finding a responsible breeder is through your local all-breed kennel club, your area Sheltie club, or the breeder referral services of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association. When you write out a check to such a breeder, you are not just paying for a puppy. You are also buying access to the breeder’s years of experience, the extensive pedigree research they do prior to each breeding, and the assurance that comes from submitting both sire and dam, not just to extensive medical tests and exams, but to the judgment of AKC judges and other experts in the breed. You are contracting the services of an expert, who will provide you with advice and information in the years ahead, and who on appropriate occasions can refer you to a network of knowledgeable people: other breeders, judges, trainers, veterinary specialists, etc.

Another good possibility is to rescue a Sheltie. Check the National Sheltie Rescue Page for more information.