PitterPatter
Forums Enthusiast
Hopeshelties has excellent advice. And realize that in order to be a good breeder there are associated costs with tests, etc. So this pup will probably cost you more than the ad run on Craigslist. So I guess what I'm saying, is if the pup is really cheap, there may be an issue with just what kind of breeder you are dealing with.
If you do go with a breeder spend time with the parents. Their disposition will give you insights into the pup. If the breeders dog seem to have a good disposition your not only getting the genetics but also the breeders knowledge of how to raise dogs. If they have done a good job with their dogs, then a puppy, even an older one, shouldn't be an issue.
Realize that the rescue pups came with the bad manners(or lack thereof) of their previous owner. No one spent the time to train the pup from the very beginning. That's why you see rescue dogs with issues. So plan on spending the extra time with your new puppy so you will have a more well adjusted dog. Don't let a pup start a bad habit. If you do get a rescue pup, then you have to put in time to retrain.
And breeders have said that on the Sheltie you don't see the difference between male and female. Personally, I prefer a female dog in the house. Females seem to be more home bound and more reserved. Males seem to have more boundless energy. Males in general seem to have more guard dog traits, but don't know if that is true for a Sheltie. Males will have a more luxurious coat than a female. This is just my observations of various breeds of dogs which were house dogs and working dogs.
If you do go with a breeder spend time with the parents. Their disposition will give you insights into the pup. If the breeders dog seem to have a good disposition your not only getting the genetics but also the breeders knowledge of how to raise dogs. If they have done a good job with their dogs, then a puppy, even an older one, shouldn't be an issue.
Realize that the rescue pups came with the bad manners(or lack thereof) of their previous owner. No one spent the time to train the pup from the very beginning. That's why you see rescue dogs with issues. So plan on spending the extra time with your new puppy so you will have a more well adjusted dog. Don't let a pup start a bad habit. If you do get a rescue pup, then you have to put in time to retrain.
And breeders have said that on the Sheltie you don't see the difference between male and female. Personally, I prefer a female dog in the house. Females seem to be more home bound and more reserved. Males seem to have more boundless energy. Males in general seem to have more guard dog traits, but don't know if that is true for a Sheltie. Males will have a more luxurious coat than a female. This is just my observations of various breeds of dogs which were house dogs and working dogs.