Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi in the future I would like to breed Collies-were talking years from now. I've found some information on responsible breeding and am willing to work very hard and devote myself entirely to doing my chosen breed justice, but I'm having a hard time finding out where to begin-I'm guessing the first thing I will need to do is find a respected breed mentor to work with so how do I go about that? Any advice to this newbie at breeding is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Crystal

>>I'm guessing the first thing I will need to do is find a respected breed mentor to work with so how do I go about that?

You are quite right, that's the first step! I did it because I had a pet of the breed I wanted, and then was able to go to "fun days" and local gatherings if my breed and meet people. Then the breeder of my first show dog became my mentor, but I'd been "hanging around" for years at that point. I went to shows, held dogs, went to their houses, etc. It was a great time for learning.

Good luck and congrats on thinking ahead!
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Christie Keith
Caber Feidh Scottish Deerhounds
Holistic Husbandry since 1986
www.caberfeidh.com/

It's also good to save your money and buy champion dogs. Not just champion stock, but actual finished dogs and bitches that are under three years of age. Visit the breeders and make sure their dogs are very similar in appearance, and don't just throw out a champion every now and again. They will cost you thousands to start, but will save you money in the long run. Study the genetic diseases of your chosen breed, and be on the look out for scammers. Sometimes even the best known show breeders will pass off a so-so dog or one with a major fault with words like "He's not perfect, but comes from a good line" or "he's not perfect, but will produce some nice dogs" Don't go with the breeders who will sell you a puppy, and will co-own the dog until it finishes either. If the dog doesn't finish, you just wasted a lot of time and money for a pet. Tell them you'll be interested in purchasing the pup, after it IS finished. And last but not least, be prepared to meet some of the nastiest people on earth. They are the ones who believe they are the only one with the God given right to breed a dog. It's like they were born breeding dogs, and since you were not, you should go away. Just like you, they started out as a newbie in their breed at some point also. Ignore these people, and find an old timer who will help you out and mentor you. These people are gold, and are not always "show people". I once met a woman who had the most gorgeous show dogs in my breed, but had not shown any for 20 years. I have yet to meet anyone who had a whole kennel full of perfection. Good luck, and be sure to take something for your nerves, as you'll need it. Check back again, and report on how well your search is going.

Best place to start: The research for a WONDERFUL mentor. The best thing a person can have is a wonderful, RESPONSIBLE mentor.

You want someone who has the thought of the breed on their mind, not just quick $$$$> Someone who does more than just breed, whether it's herding, showing, obedience, agility. Someone who tests their dogs(CERF and Thyroid I believe are problems in Collies, and think they should be OFA'd, but won't bet on that LOL) Someone who researches the bloodlines, pedigrees. Someone who breeds rarely, and not just to 'sell puppies'. Someone who weeds throught the bad people for Collies, and finds the good homes. They sell on S&N, and have a comes back to breeder clause if something should happen and the owner can't keep them.

Stay away from people who
1. Never have pets(all breeders have pets in their normal sized litters)
2. Don't require S&N on pets
3. Trash all other breeders as not having good dogs, only their dogs are good.
4. Constantly has puppies or young adults for sale.

Good luck. . .i know there'll be plenty of good advice thrown your way.
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PHBorzoi

Mielikki's Hunt Borzoi
http://www.mielikkishunt.com

Treasure the past, don't mourn it.
A balanced dog has a title on both ends.

Thank you all for the wonderful advice-My goal is not only to breed Collies that can hold their own amongst their breed peers in the conformation ring, but that can perform as well in herding. Another big focus of course is genetics as the Collie definately has their share of genetic problems. (CEA, Microphthalmia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hyperthyroidism, Hip Dysplasia, and Epilepsy are what I know of off the top of my head-and I want to take every precaution to reduce the risk of genetic problems that is possible). Temperament is important as well to me-I want ensure that wonderful temperament and intelligence the breed is cherished for. I'm willing to work very hard in doing my breed justice. I know this is not going to be an easy path-I have a lot to learn so it looks like I'll have to start attending shows and events and find a responsible mentor-I will work hard and do the breed justice-there is no other option. Improve the breed or don't breed is my take on this.
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~*Crystal*~
Lad-Collie
Hunter-Golden Retriever

Good luck My aim is kinda the same as yours, I want a dual purpose dog And they're proving their worth on both fields of play!
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PHBorzoi

Mielikki's Hunt Borzoi
http://www.mielikkishunt.com

Treasure the past, don't mourn it.
A balanced dog has a title on both ends.

Hi there,
I am sorta' in the same place. I have found that after 8 years I am still in the same place as you. Ha Ha. I just found a couple of really nice people by chance. People I bought dogs from. They have been really helpful. Websites are hard to find for someone such as us. I have Pugs. I have 10 pugs right now. I have been through the ringer for sure. I have only had pugs for a few years. Babe is three and she is just now pregnant! Due any day... like really any minute. Her due date is tomorrow....Aug. 17... well that is today. She is having my first Litter of Pugs. I have had Boxers but that was years ago. Before three children!
My email is fowlerok@citynet.net.
email me any time. Would be really great to have a pal. For sure.
Breeders can rip you to shreds. This site is the nicest and most amazing site! I just found it last night. I love it. Keep in touch. Kim
West Virginia