Breeder Websites?

You guys are all so helpful on here; it's wonderful, thank you :)

Final quick question: as I understand it some breeders- especially ones that have a smaller numbers of dogs/don't breed very often- would have a waiting list of some description that could mean a long wait for a puppy. Seeing as I'm looking at two/three years minimum before I can get a pup, would I be an annoying timewaster if I started contacting breeders now? I was just thinking about the potential of being put on a waiting list the other day and it occured to me that if I wait even a couple of years and then start emailing off to breeders, I could end up having to wait even longer.
 
There isnt really a culture of testing here, outside of perhaps the retriever breeds. I dont believe there are the same health problems here as were shown in the Pedigree Dogs Exposed doco, plus I do think with a smaller community where breeders know other breeders they are less likely to use dogs with problems in the breeding programs. And AKC membership is more closely guarded so its much more difficult for dodgy breeders to

Definately keep an eye on litters at Dogzonline.com.au (only registered breeders are allowed to advertise litters). Also watch out for local sheltie shows so you can go and see the different lines, breeders are usually willing to chat to you about litters and types of shelties - they may even be able to give you an idea of what time of year they usually have litters. If you are looking for a performance dog its always worth checking agility catalogues and results to see where competitors get their shelties from. There are quite a few shelties competing in Qld and northern NSW. Also your local dog club can be a good source for members with shelties.

It might be worth collecting info on what sort of sheltie you want. British or American line, type of coat (in Qld you might not want any lines known for heavy coats, given the humidity), sex or colour. There have been threads here on most topics. Even though Barb hasnt finished the Buyers Guide its worth checking out the thread http://www.sheltieforums.com/showthread.php?t=4368
 
I had a look at the agility catalogues from previous trials and I barely came across any shelties at all; I was quite shocked, since I swear that I see more at trials than there was listed. Only one kennel name came up so I checked it out on Dogz Online and the only contact available for them is a phone number; I might give them a ring after I've done some email rounds with a few other breeders. There's a breeder in Perth that looks really good (oodles of info on puppy raising policies, health testing, breeding policies, etc, etc on their site) but with them being all the way over in Perth it'd be a bit awkward organising transport and whatnot. I'm working my way through Dogz Online and looking at the breeders there, giving a quick look over sites and making up a list of the more promising looking ones to email.

I've number crunched and over thought and asked my parents about maybe getting my pup before I move out, some time within in the next twelve months depending on what breeder I go with and when they have a puppy to suit me available. I was just wondering why I was waiting so long, until I'd be working full time and supporting myself, to get a puppy. It's pretty stupid when I've got a good paying job now and, being homeschooled, I'm home all day everyday except for my shifts at work and dog training/trials, the latter which the pup would go to anyway. I'm in a situation that will be far more beneficial to a puppy. My dad's fine with it- which was one hurdle to get over- and he's going to chat to my mum over the weekend, so it's looking more and more like I'll be getting her sooner than I originally thought.
 
Don't foget that not all breeders have websites. If a breeder you contact does not have a puppy available, ask if they can refer you to another reputable breeder who would have. As for the waiting lists, sometimes the list can be longer and not enough puppies depending on the litter size. But I would imagine that sometimes people are on waiting list and have their circumstances change or the puppies that come up are not what they are looking for. Ask the breeder how often this happens. Good luck and I hope you find your forever puppy soon. And when you do, don't forget to post pictures. Take lots and lots of pictures - I didn't with my Noah and regretted it.
 
Thank you for that Emmasmom :) I'll keep the breeder referring in mind.

And I know about the pictures; I was only seven when we got our old staffy mix and there are zero pictures of him when he was a puppy :( I've got tonnes of pics of my kelpie cross from nine weeks to now, but no videos unfortunately, which is quite pathetic since I have the setting on my camera. So loads of pics and videos of the new pup for sure :)
 
Well thats true, if you are home now the pup will always have someone there while its young, and of course it will benefit from having a couple of older dogs to learn from. And one of the trainers at my club did the same thing just a couple of months ago. He decided it was better if his daughter got the sheltie pup while she was still at home and had the support of her parents whiile it was young. Sounded the logical thing to do. And its sooooo hard to wait.

I think there are more shelties competing in ADAA agility in Qld - because they have separate height categories (wish we had ADAA here). The Shetland Sheepdog Nationals were in Qld last year and they had agility, obedience and confirmation trials, here's a link to the results. http://www.shetlandsheepdogclubofqld.com/files/Obed_Agility_Trial_PRINT_RESUTS.pdf The next Nationals will be in NSW in 2012, and we will definately be there!
 
having dog with titles in agility mostly means that it has a dedicated handler. You don't know what it took to get that dog to titles- some dogs are easy agility dogs and some will take tons of time of very experienced handler to get there. It is helpful sign when breeder has a lot of dogs with titles on both ends.
What is most important IMHO is good body structure and great temperament- steady, team player, will do anything for cheese and liver, not noise sensitive.
Glad to hear that things might work for you rather sooner than later- beware that Shelties are like chips- can't have just one:wink2:
 
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