Chapter 8 - Choosing Your Collie
Your breeder will be an invaluable resource when it comes to finding the right individual dog for you, whether that dog is a puppy, an adult or in-between.
When you visit a kennel, there will be many things to see and a great deal of information to process: adult dogs, puppies, seniors, pedigrees, photographs, and the general ambiance and style of the place. The breeder will be your tour guide. Ask all the questions that you like and let the breeder know about any specific activities you would like to do with your dog, such as therapy or a dog sport. Be prepared to answer the breeder’s questions. It is all part of the process of matching your family to an individual dog in the breeder’s kennel. You want to find the best possible dog for your family—and the breeder wants to find families that will take the best possible care of a dog for the dog’s entire life. When a successful match of family to dog occurs, it is a definite win-win situation for the family, the dog, and the breeder that will be well worth the time and effort that went into it.
Puppies: A Work In Progress!
Most Collie puppies join their new families after 8 weeks of age, which is developmentally appropriate for this breed. At this age, Collie puppies are not miniature versions of adults in either appearance or behavior. Healthy Collie puppies should be interested in people and not shy or fearful. Beyond that basic premise, the puppy behavior you see in a visit is only a snapshot rather than the total personality. As a visitor you may not be able to tell puppies apart, nor be able to identify the nuances of their personalities. The breeder, on the other hand, has known the litter from the beginning and has probably raised at least one parent and grandparent as well as puppies from previous litters. As you talk with the breeder about your concerns and priorities, your needs will be cross-referenced with the available puppies. The breeder’s detailed knowledge of the personality of each puppy and their ability to predict how a puppy will grow up will help to ensure a successful partnership.
Ready To Be Part Of Your Family Life
The best match for your family might not be a young puppy. In families where all the adults work during the day, an older dog may actually be a better candidate. Collies retired from show/breeding careers have many great years of love to add to a family. A Collie in a home with its own personal family will thrive on the individual attention. The level of socialization of an older puppy or adult is an advantage over a younger puppy. For those without the time or desire to train a puppy, an older Collie can be a better fit. A phone call and/or visit is an important element when adding a Collie to your family.