Licensed Cross Breeders? Aka(Non-Puppy Farm)

[MrSquish]

Sorry my posts are a bit dry, I work at the same time, and didn't mean to judge you in any way or form. Maybe I skipped the bit where you put your dog expectations.
About puppy mills I wrote in general, I have a feeling that you think it was addressed to you. It wasn't

Hey Fedra, I should have realised I was taking what you wrote the wrong way.

Thanks for your suggestions, and yours Billy (and yes you'd already given me the link, I think in another thread ). We went to the dog show I'd mentioned and spent a nice morning looking at all the doggies (and trying not to get ticked off by their owners - I think some take it WAY too seriously!).

At the moment our shortlist (subject to change without notice ) is Sheltie or Australian Shepherd. As far as the indoors outdoors thing, any dog we would get would be indoors most of the time, out doors to sleep.

a.

[Fedra]

Both sheltie and ASD are great choice. I wanted to recommend, but didn't as you said moderately active. In my opinion both of these breeds are a bit on hyperactive side. Maybe sheltie is a bit less then ASD.
What about bearded collie, they're quite nice, lovely personality, very intelligent. But very hairy

[Billy]

Hi Adam,

If you decide to go for a purebred pal, go with a recomended RB who breeds for health and temperament rather than the showring

Great to check out the doggies, i know what you mean with the ridiculous antics of the showring!

B

[MrSquish]

We are going to attend the Pet Expo at Caulfield racecourse this sunday. Hopefully we'll get to talk to some Sheltie and Australian Shepard breeders.

Billy do you have any pointers to working out the good from the bad as far as pure bred breeders are concerned? And are they typically pretty open about what they breed for (for show vs for pets).

Cheers.

[Billy]

Hi Adam,

Great idea to go and have a look and meet registered, repuatable breeders.

I would research your breed really, really well before you go so you have the heads up! google a great sheltie site.

Ask if they are in fact registered and with whom, you could ask for their breeders prefix and follow that up later as well.

Get the number for the Sheltie club in your area and call them for further info and recomended breeders, give them the names of breeders you have spoken with, if they are good they will know them and vice versa. The dog world is so small!

Ask-

Are you able to view and meet both parents?

Where are the puppies raised? A good RB will raise puppies in a clean, comfortable home.

What health testing do they do? look for screening of hips, eyes, and thyroid in particular.
Look out for people who say "oh that doesnt run in my dogs!" or "that test means nothing, just makes the puppies more expensive"

What medical and socialisation needs are met?

Some breeders simply adore the breed and work on the best health and temperament for family companions. Others compete in the show ring and sadly that at times means the dogs health is comprimised for the "perfect look". I would simply ask them Adam....

Breed "standards" have changed over the years in some breeds due to this and smaller gene pools.

For example brachy breeds (pugs, bulldogs etc) shorter the nose the better for the ring, though now many are unable to breath and have soft palate problems. Cooling mats are used during showing to ensure they do not overheat and suffer from breathing problems. (Dogs regulate body temp through their breathing)

Cocker spaniels, longer the ears the better in the showring but ear problems are rife along with heart conditions.

German shepards HD .Rottweilers arthritis, cancer and HP the list goes on.

Dont worry about asking so many questions as this is a good indication of a brilliant home. Be prepared to answer just as many once you choose a breeder! as a good breeder will ensure the perfect home for their babies.

You should hear all the questions i ask for rescues!! it is actually embarrasing at times, i also do house checks before hand and have a two week trial period and if anything changes through the life of the dog they come right back to me.

Follow up support and guidence is also crucial, i find most people really appreciate this and i am sure you will too. It is very reasuring.

Hope that has helped. Oh, also there is a sheltie rescue group if you are interested. Beth on 9782 2950.

Keep in touch!

B

[ozeymum]

You can also register with the canine control council...they send out a mag once a month....it also has a list of reg breeders

[Fedra]

Billy, I am so happy to read what you wrote! Your post should be placed somewhere visible, so everyone could read it and think about it. It's great to know that there are more people who think that way!

[ChoppaChop]

Yep! Great post B

[MrSquish]

Thank you Billy and everyone for your advice.

I'll try and get some more research done before Sunday

Chat soon.

[MrSquish]

So we went to the Pet Expo today and talked to Sheltie and Aussie Shepherd breeders and finally made a decision on an Aussie Shepherd.

We spoke at length to the breeders at the Expo and they directed us to the club website where puppy litters are listed. Luckily enough for us there are quite a few at the moment, and in fact there was one on Saturday.

So I've emailed the breeder and hopefully we will be chosen to get one of the 9 born on Saturday. Fingers crossed.

We can use the next 8 weeks to get everything ready!

I'm very excited!