Wanting a mentor
I have been breeding and showing for over 40 years and i am here to tell you that often times sheltie people are not friendly at dog shows as they are busy grooming, exercising dogs, or getting ready to go in the ring. I know of several breeders in pa that would probably help you out. In the meantime, you need to buy the book sheltie talk, go visit websites, and then visit the kennels, and don't buy the first "show dog" you see. You need to buy the best of the best which means you will pay good money...$2000 to $3000 for an outstanding puppy with guarantees....you must have the guarantees as a sheltie puppy can do several things: Go over size, bite may go off, hip dysplasia, eye problems, von willibrands, personality may go off out of the blue, or just flat does not turn out. Read, read, and read it again and then memorize the sheltie standard so that when you do go look at puppies you will know what you are looking at and can make a somewhat educated purchase. Consider buying a "teenage" puppy that has already been shown and maybe already has points. This is a very hard breed and it is not for the soft hearted. Go to lots of dog shows....see who wins consistently in your area. Approach them after they are done....not when they are trying to get in and out of the ring. Ask if you an go to their kennel and help them groom, bathe, or exercise dogs.....hands on is one of the best ways. Join the area sheltie club and go to meetings and work.....help out at the specialties, at the all breed shows, and get to know the local breeders.....you can make a better choice that way. If you start with a mediocre dog you will not win alot and you will get discouraged very easily. I wish i lived closer to you as i love to mentor people and have been on mentoring committees.
