Agility

[HopeShelties]

I just like bettering the odds of getting what I want by going with lines that are proven in agility. Sadly not all conformation lines make good agility dogs. I've met too many I wouldn't touch.
That litter unfortunately was available during akc agility nationals. I was at the top of the list until nationals.
Most of mine are from lines proven iin agility though the main line isn't quite as known... though the more I and a few others in this area are out there the more people are recognizing them.

 

[Hurtseverywhere]

I agree I would rather be the new Unknown Kid on the block any day rather then the son or daughter of So and so, with the implications and expectations that might go along with that. I have seen both sides of the coin some pups from agility champs that are either awesome or totally horrendous, and unknown pups from pure conformations lines that arrive on the agility scene and steal the show. An agility pedigrie doesn't necessarily make for a good agility dog, my 2 are clasic examples of this Cosmo is from a proven agility line and while he is OK and works to please he has very little drive and need to be coersed to do almost anything Storm on the other hand is from a pure Conformation line, the breeder has never put a sheltie of her's into agility Storm is the first, she has a natural drive that most agility people would kill to have in thier dogs maybe too much so, so that she can be difficult to handle and control at times but when she's working right it's a sight to behold. Given the choice I much perfer the dog with natural drive for the Sport.

 

[Sharon]

My trainer(and personal friend) has had numerous chances to get a Rush puppy, but she honestly doesn't like their structure that much

Don't you worry, Rush isn't the end all of Shelties. There are tons of amazing Shelties out there, no one has even heard of. Just because it's a special name, doesn't make it's babies all perfect agility prospects. Honestly I'd rather not have a puppy from a famous name. Too much pressure to be perfect and to show constantly if you ask me.

I agree Rush isnt the end of all shelties but he is one hell of a dog and some of his namesakes are gonna be just like him.Also,I agree not all the pups are going to be like him.I have seen a couple that were soso.I love my friend Anna's pup from a breeder in NY and Charlie is so awesome and she has another one comming out named Elvis from the same breeder who is going to be awesome.

 

[romeosangiovese]

I think I got this link from one of the posts on Sheltie Forums before - http://www.barloshelties.com/

I don't think it's a comprehensive list (I'm not sure really) nor do I know if it's updated regularly, but there's a list of shelties with beauty AND brains! It lists out their all titles. Good place to start maybe, looking for a sheltie who will rock the show and agility rings?

I have been looking at Triune kennel. Holy cow those guys seem to do it all and well! Check out their website - http://triunecanine.com/sheltie.html
It's not everyday you see a kennel that states "We only sell to individuals who allow the dogs to live in their homes and be a part of the family and want to work them in some type of competitions." :LOL:

 

[HopeShelties]

It's because Joan (triune) is an agility competitor herself and the agility crowd typically doesn't keep dogs as kennel dogs and the agility breeders usually want to sell their puppies to working homes.
Sure, there can be bad agility dogs coming from proven agility lines and good ones that come from conformation lines.... I've seen it as well. It's just there is a higher likelihood of me getting an impressive agility dog from someone who breeds for agility than to go out and randomly pick from conformation lines, especially when so many of the conformation people don't get what is needed in a good agility dog. I will not allow them to pick dogs for me or ship me dogs sight unseen as I have been burned before and sold dogs completely unsuitable for any kind of work.
I guess I am the opposite. I don't mind having dogs with famous parents in agility. I don't mind the expectation to do something in agility with the dog. People around here have Rebound kids and they are watched by the people who know them. I have a Rebound grand kid and like being part of such an impressive legacy. I can't wait to have him grow up more and be ready to compete. He is indeed fast and driven and I think when he is ready will make his grandpa proud.

 

[helps]

Lately I've noticed that a lot of people are going from large (BCs, belgian shepherds, etc) to medium or small category. I think that especially medium category is getting popular over here. There's not that many handlers, but there are some of the best handlers in the country running medium dogs. It's interesting that Linda has got a sheltie. I'm curious how they're gonna be.

As for purchasing new puppy, I'd also rather choose dogs that are "proven". I don't know about US&Canada, but it's kind of tough to get your hands on sheltie w/ good personality and temperament. I've met too many shelties that were fearful and/or lacked drive. I wouln't leave out show dogs, but I'd watch out for dogs that are succesful and good at the sport. We have one dog over here who has never run agility, but he's father of wonderful group of shelties who have icredible speed and great drive.
Mine dog's father also never stepped into the ring (he's actually grand champion at dog shows) and even when his mom competed few times, I was told she's nowhere this lively, fast and wild. A lot of people told me that my dog is a one million dog and I should cherish him, because there are not many shelties with such a great friendly attitude and happy open temperament. Though, it was really just luck on my part. I knew I wanted a sheltie back then, but I didn't know what to look at and I had no idea that some shelties are so timid or w/o drive. I didn't even know for sure if I would do agility, but when we arrived to breeder to pick him up, she handed him over and told me that I need to give him a chance at agility that he's going to love it and be great at it. Later on, I learnt that not all shelties are like my boy and since then I've been watching all shelties around, learning about different litters etc.
The point is even when I was lucky for the first time, I wouldn't do the same thing again. If I decide to get another sheltie, I know I'll look for a puppy w/ certain traits, so the chance of getting another happy agility dog is higher.

EDIT: I should also mention that I believe that owner plays the role, too. I know some people who have dogs from different breeders, totally different parents and background and they still project similar behavior (usually unwanted).