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Trixie unexpectedly said goodbye

Discussion in 'Sheltie Angels' started by Katrina, Jul 28, 2022.

  1. ghggp

    ghggp Moderator

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    Just from my experiences... YES, there is a difference in sheltie temperaments...
    I wanted a lay-back pup. That is what I got.
    Some people want a border quality type that is high energy for agility.

    If you want a show-quality pup you will be asked to show. Cost: $2.5k vs $4k and up.
    Also, consider if you have your heart set on a female they will most likely want you to breed her!

    Just some points to consider... I am sure others will chime in.
     
    Piper's mom, Sharon7 and Ron Atkinson like this.
  2. Katrina

    Katrina Forums Regular

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    Yes, both of my dogs had sweet gentle temperaments laid back but would be fun and playful too but yes, I guess then I could say laid back as I do not want a border collie type - a friend has one of those and nope. And yes, I do have my heart set on a female. I had a male and I don't want that again. It's just a personal thing for me. Thanks for direction.
     
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  3. Ron Atkinson

    Ron Atkinson Premium Member

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    Think about the job you want your new pet to do. All Shelties need a job that is theirs to do. My dog Teddy is my companion and keeps a eye on my BP. He is very happy to be quiet and keep his eyes on me wherever we go. When my wife walks him is is more active. When my dog walker has him he is high energy. I believe he gauges the energy level based off of who he is around. He is an only child so we make sure he is well socialized and has a variety since he doesn't have any playmates living here. Just my two cents. Good luck with your search. :)
     
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  4. Katrina

    Katrina Forums Regular

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    Yes! My Trixie was my right hand man. She was my depression therapy dog as for the last 10 years of my life with the last 5 being the worst trauma I have had emotionally as our lives went through one trauma after another. That was how Trixie became even more important in my life and in the lives of my two daughters. It is a void that will need to be filled and will be filled by our future Sheltie. The pulse of my emotions. My constant at my feet and never alone companion. For sure! But I wouldn't want to tell a breeder that they would think me nuts. ;) But you know what I mean, I think from my talking through the past weeks here.
     
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  5. Sharon7

    Sharon7 Moderator

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    Others with more experience from the breeding side will hopefully reply here. I will say, reputable Sheltie breeders are also very concerned about where their dogs go and what's expected of them. I think those questions that breeder asked are very typical. There is a variety of energy levels even within Shelties of the same line. Of the 4 girls we chose from, one was VERY active, one was VERY mellow and the other two (one of which was Meadow) were in the middle. My guess is you'd have a hard time getting a show dog as an individual who has never done it before, and isn't even committed to it. Nothing wrong with that, I have no interest in showing conformation either.

    I know you want what you want and that's fine, great to know your requirements, but if you come off in a very intense manner it may be off-putting. For instance, not wanting much black in the coat. Being open to something maybe not exactly what you are picturing will open more doors. I bet most breeders have their email boxes overflowing with inquiries. But being a previous Sheltie owner is definitely a plus. Good luck, I hope you find the dog you want.
     
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  6. Katrina

    Katrina Forums Regular

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    Thanks for your advice! I have learned that what I had first was more of a tricolor so I am just leaving that black marking part out as when I say sable white I am saying it fine. Plus, seeing the parents and what dogs a breeder has rules out things anyway because I can tell from genetics what sort of puppies they will have. That part is definitely most flexible. And from what I've been educated about here today I am learning about temperaments which has also helped me. :) I love all of you and honestly I have been super helped as I got through this last month. It was such a shock but we are looking forward and loving our past baby. All in good time. All in good time.
     
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  7. Piper's mom

    Piper's mom Moderator

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    I think if it were me I’d initially reach out to see if an6 pups are available and ask them about what kind of breeder are they…do they show their dogs, how many litters do they have per year (are they a small hobby breeder or a puppy mill type breeder) and what do they test for. Also I’d want to know are the pups raised in their home (more handling of them). I’d tell them a little about myself but not too much, just that I’ve had Sheltie’s for years and know what their requirements are. I wouldn’t ask to be put on a waiting list initially until I’ve heard back from all of them. I would suggest you check out ASSA for a list of reputable breeders and either email or phone from there. One more suggestion, I would hesitate to be on more than one waiting list…believe it or not it’s a small world and all of them know each other. If your on 2 or more wait lists they may find out and it may make it harder for you to get a pup.
    I do remember when I got Piper I was so worried the breeder wouldn’t sell me a puppy! Believe it or not they are really good at telling our character and they’ll know your a good person! I now have 3 Shelties all from the same breeder!
    And remember it’s just as important that you vette them as they do you. Ask if you can visit and see the dam and sire (sometimes it’s not possible to see the sire, quite often they use a stud dog from another breeder) but it would definitely be a red flag if they won’t let you visit!
    Good luck…I’m certain you’ll have no trouble finding yourself another puppy!
     
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  8. Sharon7

    Sharon7 Moderator

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    Just a quick thought - you probably should make a new thread on this topic so more people will look at it.
     
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  9. Ron Atkinson

    Ron Atkinson Premium Member

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    When I got Teddy I had been talking to the breeder for 3 weeks. The Breeder knew that this will be my 3rd Sheltie, I prefer a male, my use was companion animal, and I needed the dog not to be afraid of my bad arm.
    I loved the pictures of the one we did not get. When we got there I played with the mom and she was very sweet. Then I sat in the playpen and watched and waited to see who came to me. Turned out to be his sibling They had named him Kenny but we had a neighbor named Kenny so was renamed Teddy. We thought the neighborhood should have thought I was crazy if I started calling Kenny in our backyard.
     
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  10. Ann

    Ann Moderator

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    First, I'd want to know where you're located. Different areas of the country have more or fewer breeders. Start with the ASSA website (American Shetland Sheepdog Association). That will have a list of breeders you can email. The AKC website also has a list of breeders. I would email as many as you can and, as Sharon said, specify that you want a female sable and white, no more, with the information you have about your home and family and experience with Shelties. As a breeder, I'd eliminate your email as soon as I saw the no-black requirement. Even my pure-for-sables have touches of black on them.

    Next, see if there's a Sheltland Sheepdog club near you (you can find this out at the ASSA), or go to a dog show even if you have to travel a bit. Talk to the Sheltie people there (after they show at the grooming area, not outside the show ring). It's fine to indicate that you may be interested in showing, but breeders typically place show dogs with people who are going to campaign the dog and yes, breed the girls although not always. Shelties don't have large litters, and if you get one show dog from a litter it's like winning the lottery. You have to prove yourself for a breeder to invest their show puppy with you. I know, it took me years to do it. I followed my breeder around to shows for two years just watching and learning before I was trusted with an adult show dog, not a puppy, and I was a long-time Sheltie owner too. It's wonderful if you do have an interest in showing, and fine to indicate that. But it's not likely a reputable breeder will sell you a show puppy out of the gate if they don't know you.

    Keep in mind that breeders don't just breed for conformation. Some breed for performance (agility, flyball, etc.) No responsible breeder breeds just to make companion dogs. A good breeder wants the best representative of the standard they can create. Companion dogs are wonderful, and are just as gorgeous as their showing or performance littermates; they may just be too large or small, or have some other tiny fault that you wouldn't even notice if you weren't a show judge. So don't eliminate companion dogs from your search.

    I've thrown a lot at you here. Keep asking questions...this is the place to do it before you search. There's a lot of experience here finding puppies! Do develop a relationship with a breeder or two now...that's the best way to do it. Every breeder I know has a long wait list; if they know you, you have a better chance. Also good to start now!
     
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