Breeding

Question

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Thanks for the reply.  Yes, the pups did come with a health guarantee for hip dis. I really want to get into breeding and raising shelties ins conformation, obedience, and agility.  I have the perfect property, am able to pay for all expenses, have tons of time, and most importantly, the love, dedication, and patience required.  These 2 pups will not probably be ideal show quality but they do have many desirable characteristics and wonderful, outgoing personalities.  I already have alot of people interested in their puppies just as pets.  I would have them fixed and get show quality puppies, if I could find a nice breeder who would be willing to sell me show quality pups for between $500-$750 or even an older female. However, since I am unknown and alot of the breeders seem to be "snobby",they don't want to take the time to help a new breeder out.  I can understand local breeders because of competition factors not wanting to help out.  I live in Michigan.  I would be willing to travel to find a breeder further away who might take the time to get to know me and see how serious I am about this.  Do you know of any breeders who are willing to help start new breeders out provided they promise to represent their lines with the utmost concern for their reputation?  Otherwise, how do you become a breeder if everyone wants spay/neuter contracts!  We need future breeders especially ones like me who love the breed and want to get into it not for the money! Please give me some suggestions without discouragement!   Jennifer Wiker  

Answer
Jennifer,

Ever seen the movie "Best In Show"?  The truth is stranger than fiction.  Dog breeders are an odd lot and a bit paranoid too sometimes, and with good reason.

I avoid breeding questions because of the nature of my online work and because I personally despise mills.  It sounds like you would make a good breeder based on what you have written here.  However a lady in Franklin Tennessee with a very nice $250k house was a mill breeder (http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/1942/TN/US/1) in her upscale neighborhood, that was a huge mess.  Unfortunately for that means good breeders have to prove themselves in that world.  I hope that part helps you understand my position and those of other breeders.

The wall is difficult to climb to protect the breed.  

The best suggestion and most difficult is to scour the world for a copy of the book Sheltie Talk by McKinney and Riseburg.
(second edition was printed in 1985 by Alpine Publications Inc, Loveland CO).  That book is EVERYTHING you need to breed  including knowing who NOT to breed.  It's out of print but the web is spectacular in locating rare items.

That book is the key to doing it on your own.

My other suggestion would be to join or start a Shetland Sheepdog club in your area.  Get to know the good breeders.  Also contact the agility people for info as they will likely know Sheltie breeders.

'sneezes
Dave