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Choosing Homes For Our Puppies
At Skyehaven we try to accommodate each family’s preference when deciding on the individual homes for our puppies. A number of factors will however affect our decision as to which puppies are available, and which ones are not. We are serious breeders of Shetland Sheepdogs, and take great pride in our breeding program, our show record, and our breeding stock. All Skyehaven Shelties are tested at the appropriate age, for eye and hip disorders, and only those which have tested clear are bred. We grow up our litters to at least 8 weeks of age, and may elect to hang onto our puppies until 12 weeks of age, in order to continue our assessments of structure, temperament, and fitness for the show ring.
The gender, colour and temperament preferences of a prospective purchaser are important to us; however, we also have to consider whether a given puppy has show and breeding potential. If in our estimation a puppy does indeed have show potential, it usually stays here or is shared with another breeder, in order to produce the Shetland Sheepdog puppies of the future. Occasionally we will place a puppy with show potential in a home where the puppy will obtain a championship and may be bred. In this scenario, we almost always co-own the puppy.
Our pet puppies are just as healthy and beautiful as a show puppy! However, buyers
must realize that a show puppy has to meet all the criteria set out by the Canadian
Kennel Club in order for it to compete successfully in the show ring and become a
Champion Shetland Sheepdog.
The temperament of each individual puppy is often innate, and will also affect how and where the puppy is placed. A quieter puppy would for example do well with an older couple, whereas an outgoing or boisterous puppy will adapt more quickly to a busy, noisy family. Since we are with the puppies from the time they are born we get to know them very well and feel that a puppy cannot be chosen from a picture or even a visit to see the litter as they may behave differently during a brief visit, or around strangers. It is our goal that every puppy and family be as perfect for each other as possible, which is why we encourage potential buyers to visit often during the 4-8 week age period, but to not set their hearts on a particular puppy. The families with which we have placed a puppy tend to keep in touch with us.
If you have any questions about our placement policy please let us know and we will do our best to answer you.
If you wish to be considered for a Skyehaven puppy, please click on the appropriate link below, complete the questionnaire, and send it to us via e-mail.
