Looking for a puppy? Consider these breeder guidelines.

I love the guidelines. Without knowing them, I did research on the breeder before I got Emma and she fits every one and more. Because I did my research beforehand, I was quite comfortable getting Emma from her and she has been a great source of support over the last few months when issues came up with Emma's health (heart murmur, suspected drug reactions, etc).
 
I don't think it matters whether one is breeding "for show" or not...every breeder should adhere to these standards. Otherwise, the breed becomes diluted with substandard dogs who go on to produce more substandard dogs. Every breeder should strive to improve the breed, not just make puppies.

I think these guidelines are spot on, and wholeheartedly endorse them. Thanks, Kelly!
 
Another List for "rescue" pups?

Hello Kelly (and all): Your list appears to be a very wise one to me and if I were to be looking for a pup from a breeder I would certainly use it. However, I am hopelessly into "rescue", and all three of my shelties (past & present) have been rescues. I fully understand that I cannot hold rescue groups to the same standards as breeders, and that most rescue dogs, including shelties, usually have issues - in some cases quite serious ones. My suggestion is this. How about a list of "cautionary" points for those of us into rescue dogs that we can use when we are looking to add that new family member. I might even be able to suggest a few points myself from our experiences. For instance, we have insisted on any and all medical records from the rescue group vet, and then take the pup to our own vet for further checks before we "sign the papers". At least then we we know what we are getting into. -------------- In any case, thanks for this list, and lets work on another for "rescues". Kind regards, Will
 
Will said:
Hello Kelly (and all): Your list appears to be a very wise one to me and if I were to be looking for a pup from a breeder I would certainly use it. However, I am hopelessly into "rescue", and all three of my shelties (past & present) have been rescues. I fully understand that I cannot hold rescue groups to the same standards as breeders, and that most rescue dogs, including shelties, usually have issues - in some cases quite serious ones. My suggestion is this. How about a list of "cautionary" points for those of us into rescue dogs that we can use when we are looking to add that new family member. I might even be able to suggest a few points myself from our experiences. For instance, we have insisted on any and all medical records from the rescue group vet, and then take the pup to our own vet for further checks before we "sign the papers". At least then we we know what we are getting into. -------------- In any case, thanks for this list, and lets work on another for "rescues". Kind regards, Will
Click to expand...


I would be very interested in a list for people like me who would like to rescue a Sheltie or any breed for that matter! I have always wanted to rescue, but have been afraid of the unknowns that usually accompany a rescue.
 
Having done rescue in some capacity since our first dog (who is now 13 1/2) I would go with these rules:

1. Find a rescue who knows the dogs well. This does not mean the dog has to have been in foster care for six months, just that they are able to tell you the quirks of temperament.

2. A rescue with a waiting list is a good thing.

3. Avoid rescues with 100 question questionaires. Those are the ones that will not give up control of the dog. They tend to be the ones that have "guardian agreements" where they try to retain legal ownership of the dog and have you foot the bill. Dogs are property, they can not be "adopted".

4. Stay away from rescues who will not allow your name to go first on the microchip. Again with the control.

5. Understand that if you are super specific about your requirements, you will be on the waiting list for a LONG TIME. 6-8 month old bi-black girls don't come in very often.

I'm sure others can think of some, but those are the ones off the top of my head.
 
ClantyreSheltie said:
Having done rescue in some capacity since our first dog (who is now 13 1/2) I would go with these rules:

1. Find a rescue who knows the dogs well. This does not mean the dog has to have been in foster care for six months, just that they are able to tell you the quirks of temperament.

2. A rescue with a waiting list is a good thing.

3. Avoid rescues with 100 question questionaires. Those are the ones that will not give up control of the dog. They tend to be the ones that have "guardian agreements" where they try to retain legal ownership of the dog and have you foot the bill. Dogs are property, they can not be "adopted".

4. Stay away from rescues who will not allow your name to go first on the microchip. Again with the control.

5. Understand that if you are super specific about your requirements, you will be on the waiting list for a LONG TIME. 6-8 month old bi-black girls don't come in very often.

I'm sure others can think of some, but those are the ones off the top of my head.
Click to expand...


You're right with the ownership thing! In fact, I just Googled "what to look for in a dog rescue", the points you mention plus a few others were on the list.

Before we got Megan, I ran into a Golden Retriever Rescue just like what you described above and in my internet search :cool:
 
Cautionary Points In Adopting a Rescue Sheltie (or other):

Here are some that occur to me on the basis of my experience.
1. Adopt only from a rescue group with impeccable credentials. Those would include "corporations status" under state law, 501c3 not for profit status from the IRS, and squeaky clean reputation from local governmental officials.
2. Get to know the people who are the rescue group over a period of time. Try to discover their motivation to be doing what they are doing. How are the dogs in their care treated, where did they come from?
3. Identify the goals of the rescue group (usually on their web site or printed), and determine if they are compatible with what your own goals for a dog are.
4. Does the group do inspections and check references?
5. Does the group want to get to know you - particularly in regard to making a good match between you and the dog you are considering?
6. Has the group provided the highest possible degree of medical evaluation and treatment for the dogs in their care and are they willing to disclose any and all problems a particular dog may have? This should also include behavioral issues.
7. Rescues are often of indeterminate age (obviously). You should get the best possible "guess" from a qualified vet - and maybe more than one.
8. Has the rescue group gathered the most complete history of the dog which is possible and are they willing to share that history with you?
9. Are the adoption charges reasonable? This should take into consideration the dogs age, medical condition, and "other".
10. A few rescue dogs may even have "papers". Will they be available to you?
Probably more important are the questions you must ask yourself.
1. What is your motivation for adoption of a rescue? It has to be a lot more than to just feel good about yourself.
2. Are you willing to deal with the "issues" (medical, behavioral, etc.) that most rescues will have, and can you be sufficiently persistent in dealing with those issues over sometimes lengthy periods of time?
3. Do you have the personal energy, time and space for being a dog parent?
4. Do you recognize that an adoption is, in almost every case, a commitment for the life of the dog?
5. Do you have the financial wherewithal to meet the costs of taking first class care of your new family member?
6. Are you willing to face the emotional stress of caring for your dog right up through its last days?
Think about these things. Regards to all, Will
 
I think it's all brilliant!

And I'm reminded that many moons ago, I promised to do write this up and failed on my commitment.

Kelly, I think you did an excellent job of providing balance. I'm sure I could come up with some arguements to soften or toughen certain statements, but lets face it, we know its a grey area.

And remember, its only a guideline, folks. If you can't answer YES, there may be a BECAUSE.....
 
Just as a side note, no rescues can pass papers. Section I: D & E of the Rules for Registration matters is the specific sections that apply. Because our rescue does blind adoptions, we don't pass papers, but will pass a copy of a pedigree if one exists. We will also sign the ILP papers as representatives of the national club, certifying the dog is a Sheltie.
 
Passing papers

Although I do not consider myself to be an expert on AKC dog law, I believe the papers of any AKC registered dog can be transferred to a new owner simply using the transfer process on the back of the registration "certificate". I do not see why this could not apply to rescues, although getting the cooperation of the original owner (if that is known - which is not likely) is the greater problem. Please correct me if I am in error (and provide the appropriate reference which demonstrates my error). Will
 
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