So You Think You Want A Miniature Collie?
If you think you want a miniature Collie, you dont, you want a SHELTIE. While the Sheltie is the image of a small Collie, it is an error to refer to them as a miniature. Likewise, the Collie is not a giant Sheltie. The Shetland Sheepdog and the Collie have a common ancestor in the Scotish Border Collie, but they are two completely seperate breeds. If you decided you want a Sheltie, you may have made one of the most rewarding decisions in your life... but be Sure. Know the Facts! The Sheltie is one of the most beautiful breeds on Earth, possessing an exquisite expression. They have the highest intelligence possible and hearts overflowing with love. They are steadfastly loyal to "their people", young and old. They ask only to please you, and are eager to learn. The Sheltie has the endearing quality of sensing your needs and adapting to your moods. Keep in mind, that because the Sheltie is a sensitive breed, they will not stand harsh treatment of any kind! The Sheltie was bred to live with people! The Sheltie was also bred to bark. Some bark very little, but most bark a lot. The Sheltie of today inherited his barking from the Sheltie of the Shetland Isles, who not only herded sheep, but warned their owners of intruders and frightened stray animals away from the garden. Barking is a natural instinct that can be controlled with one or two Shelties in residence. However, more than that can develop into a major problem.
Below is something that is included in my contract... It describes the character of shelties perfectally...
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1. Shelties are reserved by nature and early socialization is needed to keep them from being shy. They are extremely loyal to either one person or one family.
2. Shelties are VERY verbal. They are sound sensitive and sound reactive.
3. Shelties will chase (in an attempt to herd) anything that moves, from a rabbit to the local garbage truck. A fenced yard is a must!!!.
4. Shelties are very bright and need to be given something to occupy their mind and their bodies...many will invent a job if you don’t provide them with one, and in most cases it is not exactly a job that would be of your choosing.
5. Shelties do not like to spend time away from their people. A Sheltie that is left alone too long is usually not a very happy little dog.
6. Shelties are, what I term, an emotional breed. They are very sensitive to the moods of their people and do best in a home where gentleness is the “way” of life.
7. Shelties are an active breed and need exercise everyday...more than just a 10 minute walk around the block. An adult dog is recommended to have a walk that approximately a mile in length.
8. Shelties need regular brushing and profressional grooming at least twice yearly but no more than once a month. They shed extensively almost year-round.

Shelties demand to be an integral part of the family to which they belong. They stick their little noses into absolutely everyone’s business and feel compelled to make comments on their observations. They will follow their person to the corners of the earth and always to the bathroom. They consider your leaving them behind, for any reason whatsoever, as an aberration of proper behavior and will voice their disapproval...loud and long...often accompanied by frantic twirling and jumping. They are selective as to which of your friends they consider worthy of their affection, and which are to be observed from a distance, before a verdict is rendered. They will steal food right out of the mouth of mere babes, and show no shame. They will give chase, if not properly restrained, to any and all moving objects...and most especially to your jogging neighbor who hates all dogs. They will sense your every mood and be happy or sad along with you. They love attention and they love to learn. In short, they demand nothing less than to be a FULL member of your family...they do not consider themselves mere dogs, but a person on all four legs. It is also recommended that if a family vacation arrises, you consider going to a place where a dog is welcome, otherwise, plan ahead and try to find a pet-sitter (either in your own home or theirs) instead of an excellent boarding facility. So, if you you are considering bringing a Sheltie into your family, be prepared to spend a lot of time, energy and love on this new member...for that is what they need. In return, they will give you some of the most wonderful moments of your life, and memories that you will cherish forever. If you are looking for a very laid back, not particularly sensitive, doesn’t really care whether you are leaving or coming home, low maintenance, average intelligence dog...you would find a Sheltie totally exasperating, to say the least.
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So, if you believe a sheltie is right for you, lets talk about breeders...
Choosing a Quality Breeder
Having decided to own a Shetland Sheepdog, you should try to find the best available specimen of the breed. Many sources offer purebred puppies and dogs for sale, but locating the best source requires time and research. Local pet stores will often carry several popular breeds. These dogs often come from backyard breeders or puppy mills, and are not in the best state of health, nor are they from the best possible breeding lines. Your local newspaper will also run advertisements for purebred puppies. Careful research may prove a few of these to be well bred, healthy animals which will make good pets. The majority, however, are likely the result of backyard breeding by neighbors looking to make a small profit.

Hobby Breeders
Hobby breeders are usually the best source of good, purebred dogs, but they are also the most difficult to locate. Hobby breeders do not often advertise to find homes for their puppies, because they usually make such arrangements before the actual breeding occurs. Nor will the hobby breeders puppies be found in pet stores, because such breeders often personally screen each potential buyer to ensure that the puppies end up in the best possible homes.

Breeder Referrals
Here are some tips on how to locate responsible breeders and what to expect when you contact them to purchase one of their animals:
1. Ask an acquaintance who owns an admirable dog of the breed you wish to own where they obtained their dog. If they purchased their dog from a breeder, ask about their experiences with that breeder.
2. Also, ask if there were any unexpected health or temperament problems with the dog they received.
3. Finally, ask their candid opinion of whether or not they recommend you visit this breeder as the source for your new pet.
If you do not know anyone who owns your desired dog breed, consult your veterinarian. Ask your vet's opinion of the general health and temperament of the breed you have chosen. If you are still confident about your breed preference, ask your vet to recommend local breeders and, more importantly, to identify which breeders to avoid. If your vet is not aware of any local breeders, ask to speak with one or more of his or her clients who own a dog of that breed. From there, proceed as discussed above.
Local dog clubs are another good source of information. Check the local telephone directory for breed-specific, all-breed, or obedience training clubs. They should be happy to put you in contact with a responsible member breeder.

Contacting Breeders
Now it is time to contact the breeders to whom you have been referred. Do not expect to get a puppy or dog right away. A responsible breeder will want to meet you and your family. They will also want to ask questions about your lifestyle and living arrangements. The responsible breeder will want to know about your past experiences with dogs and other pets. Most importantly, the breeder will want to know why you have chosen this particular breed. They should ask if you have been informed of any inherited health or temperament problems known to this breed. They will also want to know if you are aware of the commitment of time and care required to keep this breed in good health. You should be prepared to answer all of these questions and more, and you should have a list of your own questions to ask the breeder.

What To Ask Your Potential Breeder . . .
Your questions should be offered to determine whether this is the best person from whom to purchase your new pet. Here are several questions that we recommend:
Ask to see the breeders grounds. A responsible breeder takes extremely good care of his or her animals and grounds, and should not hesitate to show both to a visitor. The grounds should appear clean and the animals should look active and healthy. Ask to see the parents of the puppy. Sometimes the sire is not owned by the same person as the bitch, so the sire may not be on the premises when you come to visit. However, you should always see at least the mother. Ask to see other offspring from the same parents, if any are on the premises. Seeing the dogs of previous litters will give you a good picture of what your puppy will become.

Things To Get From Your Chosen Breeder . . . After meeting with as many breeders as possible, decide which one will provide you with the best possible puppy. If that breeder does not currently have any puppies available, ask to be placed on the breeder's waiting list for the next available puppy. When the time comes to get your new puppy, you should request as many of the following items as possible:
Signed receipt
Signed pedigree
A diet sheet saying amt., when, & what the pup eats
A health record
Hints on grooming for this breed
Other notes on the specific care of this breed
A Kennel Club registration card
A signed health agreement that guarantees The agreement should require the breeder to give a refund or replace the puppy if any serious problems arise. It should also require the breeder to take back the original puppy or to find it a new home. *To make your puppy feel more secure away from its mother and littermates, you may also wish to ask to take with you some article such as a piece of cloth or a toy that has been in the nesting box with your puppy.

Contracts
The breeder may also request a contract stating that the puppy will be spayed or neutered when it reaches the appropriate age. REMEMBER, the responsible breeder only wants the best possible specimens of the breed to contribute to future generations, so you should be willing to accept this agreement if it applies to your puppy. Spaying or neutering your dog also decreases the risk of some future health problems.