Waiting to hear back from breeders...

Chins-n-Sheltie · Jan 10, 2011

We have been in contact with a few different breeders, mostly via email, and at this point, I haven't heard from any of them in about a week and a half. My last email, of course, was asking for phone numbers so I could get ahold of them to arrange a time to meet them. So-- what's your usual experience with breeders? It is just weirding me out that we were emailing back and forth religiously, then all of the sudden, they vanished. 1. I hope they're okay-- and 2. I hope they get back to me as I sit here wondering how long to wait for them!

I figure it's rude of me to just move on to talking to other breeders, but I'm not sure how long I'm supposed to wait without finding other options. Opinions? Experience? Am I psychotically in a hurry here? I have the patience level of a two year old, so it is DEFINITELY possible.

Calliesmom · Jan 10, 2011

no advice here- didn't have that problem- but wasn't looking before the puppies came along either :winkgrin:

corbinam · Jan 10, 2011

It could be a coincidence, it's hard to say.

But, I don't think there's anything wrong in contacting multiple breeders. When we got our last puppy I was emailing at least 4 breeders. It's so hard to say when they will have litters that I found it was best for me to contact several.

I never committed to any of them, just wanted to get some background information and get to know them (I told them as much). I don't think any of them were offended that we chose the breeder that we did. They are all respectable breeders and I built a rapport with them, and would not hesitate to contact any of them in the future.

There's nothing wrong with choosing one breeder over another, whether it's because the timing of the litter was best, or you felt more comfortable talking with one over the other, etc...

danisgoat · Jan 10, 2011

When I was looking for my girls I contacted many breeders at the same time. I don't see any harm in doing that. It is better to get a good feel/fit for the breeder anyway. The more to choose from the better the fit will be for you.

seashel · Jan 10, 2011

It could perhaps be they have been busy with litters or sick dog or even lots of shows/holidays and have been away from home. It does seem a bit odd that you haven't heard from any of them, but it is a busy time of year...

I don't think there is anything wrong with keeping your options open with several breeders either if you have not made any agreement to purchase a puppy. Most breeders here will be happy to pass on enquiries if they are unable to help with a puppy and this is helpful too.

Personally however I think it is worth waiting for the right puppy. If you have looked around and decided on these breeders because you like their dogs, it is probably better to stick with them. It might be worth just sending another e-mail if you haven't heard back after a couple of weeks to be on the safe side.

Will · Jan 10, 2011

Try Rescue - Again

Bless you for your rescue of Sada. There are so many great Shelties in rescue waiting for forever homes, perhaps you might consider looking for your next Shetie by contacting one of the great Sheltie Rescue groups out there. I do admit to my bias in that regard. In any case, blessings and kind regards, Will.

Mikos_Mom · Jan 10, 2011

corbinam said:
It could be a coincidence, it's hard to say.

But, I don't think there's anything wrong in contacting multiple breeders. When we got our last puppy I was emailing at least 4 breeders. It's so hard to say when they will have litters that I found it was best for me to contact several.

I never committed to any of them, just wanted to get some background information and get to know them (I told them as much). I don't think any of them were offended that we chose the breeder that we did. They are all respectable breeders and I built a rapport with them, and would not hesitate to contact any of them in the future.

There's nothing wrong with choosing one breeder over another, whether it's because the timing of the litter was best, or you felt more comfortable talking with one over the other, etc...

ITA... I was in touch with at least 3 or 4 breeders. I contacted the Shetland Sheepdog Club of BC for breeder referrals. They sent my email address and info out to all of their member breeders and I communicated with all of the ones who contacted me that they either presently had or would soon have puppies available. Once I made my final decision, I contacted evereyone to let them know and they all wished me the best with my new puppy and said that I could contact them any time if I had any sheltie-related questions, etc. They were truly wonderful people that obviously love the breed very much.

In hindsight, I don't know if I would do it that exact way again as it ended up getting very confusing and throwing me off track. I was confronted with too many decisions. I thought I wanted a tri female... but then I was presented with sable males, tri females, bi-black male & female, 6mos olds, 10wk olds, 14wk olds.... AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!... I went a little crazy trying to decide which route to go.

In the end I chose an 11wk old sable male and I feel like it was definitely meant to be. Although he's had some tummy issues from day 1 and has caused me hours and hours of lost sleep in worry... his temperament and energy level couldn't possibly be any better suited to our family. He fit it immediately... he's perfect!!! (and I didn't even meet him 1st... he was shipped to me from another part of the province)

Anyway, best of luck in your search!!

Chins-n-Sheltie · Jan 10, 2011

Will said:
Bless you for your rescue of Sada. There are so many great Shelties in rescue waiting for forever homes, perhaps you might consider looking for your next Shetie by contacting one of the great Sheltie Rescue groups out there. I do admit to my bias in that regard. In any case, blessings and kind regards, Will.

Unfortunately, there are no rescues in the state of Idaho (at least, not in my hours of research have I been able to find one). Also, the nearest rescues will not adopt out of state. We're on a list in OR and have considered Utah, but a 13 hour drive is a long way and they don't have the right dog for our situation. It's hard to find a rescue that doesn't have social issues and we need a dog with confidence that will help Sada as she gets more and more isolated due to loss of eyesight and hearing.

Also, the last three dogs I've owned (other than our puppy foster) have been senior rescues... It is an awesome thing to do, but I think it's time to actually own a healthy, young dog who can grow old with me. We'll always have at least one rescue, but for once I'd like a dog I trained and can do agility with, etc. Our plan is to have two dogs at a time, one special rescue, one special purchased dog.

So don't worry! I agree that rescuing is always a great idea, but in this case, it's an option we keep open for just the right dog.

We'll keep waiting to hear back from breeders-- From what I can tell, the top two breeders I'm waiting to hear from are worth it. Aaah! So hard to wait when you're thinking about a puppy. :eek2:

SheltieChe · Jan 10, 2011

Problem with serious breeders that they could be traveling showing their dogs and sometimes they take back to back shows and be on a road for couple of weeks, some of them act as handlers for other people dogs too, anything possible. Be persistent. Breeders do want to know that you are serious about looking for pup and not wasting their time. Personally I would not contact more than 1-2 breeders, good breeder if they do not have one pup for you themlseves will refer you to the one that does have what you are looking for.

Hurtseverywhere · Jan 11, 2011

ITA... I was in touch with at least 3 or 4 breeders. I contacted the Shetland Sheepdog Club of BC for breeder referrals. They sent my email address and info out to all of their member breeders and I communicated with all of the ones who contacted me that they either presently had or would soon have puppies available. Once I made my final decision, I contacted evereyone to let them know and they all wished me the best with my new puppy and said that I could contact them any time if I had any sheltie-related questions, etc. They were truly wonderful people that obviously love the breed very much.

That was pretty much my experience when I got Cosmo, but using the ontario SS club & when looking for the latest pup it was the same thing, once I had made a selection I just let everyone know. I only had one negative experience and that was with a breeder that Quote , I WOULD NEVER ALLOW ONE OF MY DOGS TO BE USED FOR AGILITY, OH man.