I admit, I wasn't really looking for "anything" except a moral breeder and a sound dog. With that said, here was my ideas about my first and second dog.
First dog, Miko.
I wanted a male. I wanted him to be sable (think Lassie, but also because my first Sheltie ever in my life, Prince, was sable). I went to a local ASSA meeting (or chapter meeting), met about 8 breeders. Got their contact numbers and called around when I was ready. Oh, I only called those I really felt were good breeders. So this is going by instinct only.
I initially didn't find anyone, mostly because they either just had a litter and most of them were wait-listed. Or they weren't planning on having any litters anytime soon. Duh for me for not contacting them months earlier, lol. I'm learning, right?! When I found a recommended breeder with puppies I went to go see her. It was her first litter and the dams first litter. There were two pups there. One from the litter and a "half brother" from another dam, but same sire. She basically asked me what I was looking for in a dog (as she knew their temperaments - both dogs were about 2.5-3 months old). Did we want an independent dog or one that would follow you around. I chose the latter.
Healthwise, honestly, I didn't even check or ask. No wait, I asked. Don't recall the answer. Miko was who we chose. He has the sweetest temperament. Doesn't really bark, is loyal and a snuggle bug. He's very obedient, but such a softy. One bad tone from my voice and he sits down cuz he thinks I'm mad at him. And although he was sable (well, still is), he's turned dark and I am so in love with that color.
Second dog, Koji
Because I knew the kennel by this point, I went to go see the owner of the kennel (the woman I bought Miko from was a co-owner of the dam/litter, I went to go see the main owner). Anyhow, we were at a dog show. I noticed one very large difference between her 5 dogs and the rest. They weren't barking at everyone and everything and were very well mannered. They basically all were exactly like Miko. lol. So, I went with that breeder again.
She said she wasn't going to breed anymore and I was devasted. So when she offered me her last male pup, I honestly didn't care about anything. I knew I wanted one of her (and may likely always want one of her pups). Her pups all have the same type of temperament. They are all very easy-going, not really barkers. Which is what I love. I also loved her basis for breeding. She says, "I breed dogs we can live with first and foremost and if they turn out to be winners, great!" And all her dogs are great family dogs first.
Koji is a terror, but honestly, I think we did that to him. His upbringing and training. Ugh! I have more to learn in that department.
So, when it's time to buy another Sheltie. I will most likely ask my breeder who, locally, has her dogs and is breeding them. I love the color they mature into, I love their base temperament that all her dogs have. Unless I want a different color (tri/merle), I'll probably find a Daval somewhere.
I love this thread. Thanks. I love that some ppl do all the in-depth research and others get referrals. I also think it's a great place, here on the boards, to get recommendations. Now, if only some people would live out here, that'd be great.
And lastly, for a dog on a wait-list. Since my dogs are pets, I don't care to wait on a list. I'll only wait if I'm trying to find a dog specifically for agility or confirmation. But I'd rather find a pet first and if he does agility, great! If not, oh well.
