Questions about buying from an OESCA breeder
As some of you know, I lost my sheepdog of 14 1/2 years, last April of 2013. He was my first OES and I bought him from a lady I knew in my town who had sheepdogs. She had the eyes and hips checked of her sire/dam (I'm not even sure if it was certified, may have only been by our local vet, whom I know) but at the time I didn't know much about good dog breeding, etc. since I was a young 'pup' myself.  Now, I'm older and wiser and understand the importance of breeding good dogs for their temperament/health etc. If I knew last year what I know, now, I would have started looking for a dog as soon as I lost my big guy. I had no clue that there were so few breeders on the OESCA list (especially locally), waiting lists, etc. and I dunno, I feel like my husband and I are going to be waiting a long time for a new family addition. I've checked rescue sites as well but we would prefer a dog at least under 5 years of age because the last few years, I really had to help my sheepdog in his elderly years and I don't feel I can go through it again, so soon after losing him. I guess my question is two part: 1. Is it really expensive to have the hips/elbows/eyes/thyroid checked on your pets? I ask because so few people seem to do it, other than those who are listed on the OESCA site and obviously show their sheepies. I don't understand why ALL people should not do this type of testing? I have no interest in breeding my pet but if I did, I would want to know that I am giving someone a good puppy and have these tests done on my breed. Are there people out there who are not OESCA members but do this testing? I haven't found one yet, so the search continues.  2. Is it hard for people who show their dogs to sell a puppy to someone who does not intend to show the dog? I could see someone's argument that they put a lot of work, money, effort into showing their dog and they hate seeing the 'line' stop at someone who just wants a companion dog. If I had more time, I think showing a dog would be something I would love to do but I just cannot see it happening for me due to a family business, which I own/operate. It's one of the reasons my dog always went to work with me, plus I loved having him around. Right now, I have spoken to a few breeders from the OESCA list, so we'll see what happens, hopefully, things will look up, soon. I've been spending some of my time helping out at the local shelter so I can at least be around dogs until my new addition comes along.  Thanks for listening and for answering any of my questions. |
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| I have just a few thoughts to share in response to your questions. First - yes it is expensive to have all the proper testing done to your dogs. This is a large part of why it seems like a reputable breeder gets high prices for their dogs. Breeding dogs is not a money maker, and often breeders are doing so at a loss. They are doing it for the love of the breed and they are breeding to standards set by the oesca. If they are on the breeder referal list they have agreed to certain standards of practice. It is not hard for people showing their dogs to sell them. The people you contacted from the referal list have shown their dogs. Conformation is one way they know their dogs are fit to breed. We all think our dogs are cute and great, but only the ones representing the standard should be considered for breeding. Otherwise within a few generations you end up with a dog that isn't really what the oes were meant to be. Now - having really skipped a huge amount of argument and terribly oversimplified... Having recently gone through the heartache of losing a dog and understanding the horrific impact a sick dog can have, you certainly want a dog from a great breeder. You really don't want to go through any of this again any time soon right? You will likely have to get on a list, you may even have to drive a distance or have the puppy shipped. But as hard as all that is to wait for, trust me it is well worth it for the peace of mind you will have with a good breeder. It will not illiminate every health problem - anything can happen - but you can minimize all those worries with a reputable breeder. As for breeders not on the list - yes there are some. Maybe someone here can help out with that- I'm not in that loop. There are also a few on the list that may be questionable- or so I have heard here. Also something someone else here can probably guide you on. Maybe that is better handled through PM though so we don't get any battles raging. I haven't helped much I know - but I am hoping some of our own great breeders will chime in here. You can also go to the "getting a puppy" part of the index and get loads of great info - some from recent discusssions. Good luck! Shellie |
| Thanks for the response, Shellie. There is no doubt in my mind, I want to go with someone who has done all of the health testing & had it certified on their breeding parents. I have no issue paying extra money for my own peace of mind. If anything, they deserve the extra money to help with the costs. I was curious if it was expensive because it seems so few people do the testing. Your answer helps to explain why so many people, sadly, do not get their dogs tested & certified. I guess in a way, it makes me sad that people are breeding their dogs and have no idea about that dog's general health. I consider myself pretty lucky that my dog had no issues until he reached about 12 years old. A fatty tumor was affecting the nerves in his spinal cord causing him to have leg issues. He was tested for hip dysplasia and showed good hips. When we found the fatty tumor, we had it removed. A year later he had what we believe to be a stroke. At first the doctors were not sure if it was vestibular disease or a stroke but treated them the same. It was a grueling six weeks of recovery for my dog, which we also had to make him pot roast and vegetables because it was the only thing he would eat, we're still not sure why he became a picky eater. The dog loved scrambled eggs but wouldn't touch it after his stroke. Such an odd thing! I was at the point where I thought we were going to have to put him down and had it scheduled but he suddenly got better. He was good for a year, other then some arthritis, then he had another stroke. I decided at that point that we could not put him through it again, we spent a few days with him & sent him peacefully over the rainbow bridge. I have written and met some of the people on the old English sheepdog club of America list. They seem like super nice people and I will wait for a puppy, I guess I'm just a little worried that I'm looking for a companion rather than show dog & I hope that doesn't hurt my chances. I actually feel a little guilty not showing a dog when it comes from such a beautiful creature. |
Did you contact Madeline Erickson or Amber in Canada just over the boarder near Niagara Falls??? I know someone else was asking recently for this area and I believe one of them might have a puppy or is planning a breeding. I know Madeline personally and she is great. Helped me find my rescue girl  I'm pretty sure both are on the OESCA website. Not sure who you contacted but you wouldn't be too far for either of them. |
| We got our Caitlyn through the Ken-Bear's Kennel based out of MI. Cathy and Marilyn, (Marilyn is on here) are great and their dogs speak for themselves. The Ken-Bear's kennel has produced dozens of Ch and GCh dogs - all health tested and certed. Don't over look them on the OESCA list as they're likely a short drive depending on where you are in Indiana. Vance |
| Hi and thank you to everyone for your help and suggestions. Vance, I actually met Cathy at the dog show in Indianapolis, LOVELY lady! I also contacted Marilyn through email, again, super nice and helpful and her posts on here have been very helpful and informative for me and my husband. Things MIGHT be looking up for us (I hope I don't jinx anything)... one of the ladies on the OESCA list sent me an email today and she is having a litter next week and has asked me to check back with her to see what she has available. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we may have a new furry bundle of joy in our near future. We're ready for puppy breath! |
| I'm so happy you've done your homework and now it sounds like your work will be paying you back in spades!!! Can't wait to hear more!!! And see dozens of photos!! Vance |
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