Miniature Sheltie Inquiry...

Silaria said:
When I was looking for a Sheltie and was asked what color I wanted, my answer was 'I'd prefer a sable but I'm more interested in the dog's personality than the color'.

Some folks know what they want, I guess.
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I said the same thing... "I'm not nearly as concerned with colour as I am with temperament" ... I didn't even really care about sex either... I just wanted a confident and social puppy. Now that I've had Miko for a month, even though he's not as social and confident as I'd hoped (we're working on that!!), I could NOT imagine having any other puppy... I adore him!!!
 
Recapping....

Jennifer....

Did we answer your question? Sometimes our threads seem to wander sometimes off the original topic. Suddenly we got into colours, sex, etc.

I think the real questions is what did she mean by "miniature". If she meant "miniature collie" - then we can forgive her ignorance as to what a Sheltie is. But if she meant she truly wan't a miniature "sheltie", then thats where we draw the line, because no reputable breeder would purposefully bread a toy sheltie.
 
BarbV said:
Jennifer....

Did we answer your question? Sometimes our threads seem to wander sometimes off the original topic. Suddenly we got into colours, sex, etc.
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Yes Ma'am, my question was answered. I am pretty sure I used most (if not all) suggestions in my reply to her, and here is what I sent her this morning.

"I am sorry it took a little while for me to finally get a reply to you, but I had to inquire for help on how to respond without seeming rude. I do not breed for "miniature" sheltie as it is not so much a breed as a genetic anomaly, though what is the ideal size you are looking for? As a reputable breeder, I try to adhere to the AKC breed standard: "The Shetland Sheepdog should stand between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder." However, the Shetland Sheepdog is still considered a new breed that one litter may get a puppy that turns out undersized at 12" and another puppy turn out over-sized at 17". Even if you go to a breeder who actually claims to breed "miniature" shelties cannot breed them 100% of the time, and I promise you will not get a good quality as far as health goes. I suggest you also ask for copies of the parents' genetic test results, as Shelties are prone to several health issues such as dermatomyositis (DM), Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), and Multi Drug Resistance Gene (MDR1), all from the close cousin, the collie. Regrettably, there is no DNA test for DM, however if you see the parents and notice flaky bald spots, then it is likely that the parent has DM, and there is a good chance that the puppies may end up with DM as well. However, if you are looking for a puppy that will probably end up being undersized, you are more than welcome to wait and see if any of my litters produce a "house mouse" (as we sheltie people call the undersized). I will be happy to inform you when I have one available. I can also point you in the direction of some reputable breeders who may also have one available.

Do you have a color/sex preference?

Thank you for your time,
Jennifer Campbell
Anu Kennels
http://www.anukennels.net/"

I have yet to get a reply from her, but once I know, I will post it. Thanks again everyone for your help. :)
 
Jennifer, I think you nailed it with your response. You have been fair to both yourself, your Shelties and the person making the inquiry. You have been clear as to breed standards, what that person can expect, and what you breed for and expect from your litters.

It will be interesting to see how she responds.
 
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