[Mvons]

Exciting, a litter born! At first I wanted a female and was worried at the recent litters of 4 males and 2 females. I was told by a breeder that I would have a greater chance of a puppy if I would be willing to take a male because the females usually are saved for breeders. Now we are hoping for a male! But as I told the breeder, personality is higher priority if there is a choice.

What are you looking for pricewise? Price is no object. I'm not asking until we know if the puppy is pet quality for physical reasons (like Pepper had a turned out paw which was a lower price) vs just not meeting standard - too small, ears too big which wouldn't reduce the price much at all. Besides if the mother has a c-section the breeder may have to raise the price. If no price is set yet, no one feels restricted. After all what we pay for a puppy is a drop in the bucket compared to the costs during it's life. Pepper lived the same years as our toyota and cost a lot less for the enjoyment she gave. Now if our toyota without a running engine would only sell.

I researched on-line the lineage by typing in the dog's name, but also typing in the breeder's kennel name - the first part of the name. That helped on the 4th generation out where some photos are no longer posted. What was also fun was to see some of the siblings of the grandparents or parents. Such variety of colors.

The breeder decides when the puppies go home. Do let them know about the herding and agility as that may help determine which puppy is best for you.

I recommend a variety pack of nylabones to see which type the puppy likes to knaw. They never go bad if they don't like a type. Pepper liked the nubby one as a senior and wouldn't touch it earlier. You never know.

Merrie