I just want a Pet. Why do I need to talk to a breeder and why are dogs from breeders so expensive to purchase or adopt? "Just a pet" encompasses an awful lot! You want your pet to be healthy right??!!- no crippling hip problems, no potentially fatal heart defects, no chronic skin and ear problems, good eyes, strong heart, and most of all - you want that temperament that you've heard so much about! There are no guarantees in dog breeding, but as with most other things, a person's skills improve with experience and study. A responsible hobby breeder knows that breeding means much more than putting two intact dogs together and waiting 9 weeks for puppies. It involves carefully researching pedigrees, screening for defects, proper care of the dam (mother) while she's pregnant and skillful handling of the new puppies during the critical first 8-12+weeks of life. Finding a responsible breeder who has become a student of the breed(s) and has the level of knowledge necessary to make good decisions significantly raises your chances of finding the healthy, stable pet you are looking for. As far as expense, you are adding a new member to your family for the next 10-15 years. Now is not the time to penny pinch! The breeder you are seeking will have considerable expense involved in the selection, raising, competition and screening of their dogs. They will rehome a dog for a price that covers their expenses incurred to insure you are getting the best they can provide. A pet store puppy often costs as much, if not more, then a well bred one and a "bargain" puppy from Craigslist etc., is frequently NO bargain when you take into account the possible costs involved with serious medical or temperament problems. When you divide the purchase/adoption price of your puppy into the many long wonderful years you will have with it, you will see you are not spending... but investing... next to nothing, much less then that daily Starbucks adds up to in a year!

What are the main differences between a male and a female? Should I get a male or female? The breeds we raise are not breeds that have significant advantages in one gender or another--the males are just as good with children and other pets as the females, are as easy to housebreak, and are not more aggressive. The experienced breeder will be able to advise you which puppy's temperament meets your needs--they don't want to put the go-go-go puppy with a retired couple who want a couch potato, nor the quiet puppy in the home with 4 children and a position waiting on the soccer team! The fewer requirements you place as to color and gender, the easier it will be for breeders to locate just the right dog for you. Temperamentally,  we feel there is little difference between the sexes in our chosen breeds, this is not true of all breeds, but we have found it to be with ours. The only real difference we have noticed is the males are mellower and more loving/cuddle bugs, females tend to be a bit more independent. Both are equally intelligent and affectionate. Both are excellent with children, and both make excellent companions. Problems of aggressiveness, which males of other breeds may exhibit, should not occur in the Shelties, or Rats, but may occur in the Corgis if you have more then one intact male. We require altering of your pet, so you should never have to experience this anyways. Sex-related behavior such as mounting and marking may be exhibited by some males, particularly if other males are present or if the male has been used for breeding. Neutering a male before a year of age will not only help to alleviate these problems, but will also eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. Since there is no responsible reason NOT to spay a bitch (unless she was bought from a serious hobby breeder specifically for showing or breeding), the estrous cycle in the female need not be a consideration.”

I have children, how are your dogs/your breeds with children?
Generally, they are usually very good with children, if the kids are not too aggressive and are considerate of the dog. Early socialization at the breeders' homes and early basic training also help. A lot of our puppies/dogs are raised in home with children. Our chosen breeds can be wonderful family dogs, however parents need to be aware of a few precautions. First and foremost, children need to be taught how to interact with a dog. Each year many children are victims of dog bites and this can be due to ongoing mistreatment of the dog by children or because the dog and family were not properly matched by the breeder or rescue. A responsible breeder or rescue organization will make sure that any puppy they place with children is temperamentally suited for an active family. Many dogs become homeless due to the fact that an adult has added a dog to the family for the wrong reasons:
As a gift to a child with the expectation that the child will be the primary caretaker.
To play with the children and keep them occupied, giving the adults more free time, without plans to supervise the interactions.
Adding a dog to the family can be wonderful, but adults must understand the responsibilities that are involved. The feeding, grooming, exercising, formal obedience lessons, etc are the entire family’s responsibility but must be supervised and coordinated by an adult. Being the primary caretaker for a dog is not a job that can be left to the children.
You should be certain that your busy life leaves time for an active dog before you purchase or adopt one.

How are your dogs/your breeds with other pets?
Most love other dogs and cats. All of our puppies/dogs are very good with all our other animals, including our livestock. They will herd the goats, pigs, chickens if asked or even given the chance lol, but are never vicious. They adore our cats. However each dog is different and some relish time with another dog and others are more solitary. However, even if the dog is more solitary it is VERY important to socialize your puppy when they are young and continue to do so throughout their lives. Socializing means exposing your puppy to a variety of other puppies and dogs, people, places, things, sights, smells and sounds. Many breeders have cats and other pets who have close relationships with their dogs, and others make an effort to introduce their puppies to other species during their early socialization. Common sense is needed in introducing the puppy to a small cage pet so that no one gets nipped, and Pup understands that the ferret or bunny is a pet and not something to be "dispatched" esp. with a Rat Terrier & remember that Corgis are farm dogs, and ratting is one of the jobs! Corgis living with other dogs, especially larger breeds, generally become the "boss" and herd the others around (sometimes to their annoyance). They are also happy to herd up errant children, especially if they're running, and the parents must be consistent in correcting this behavior from the beginning to prevent a later problem with "nipping heels." It may be cute in a baby puppy, but a pinch on the heel or calf from a larger and still enthusiastic herder hurts!

Are they easy to train?
Most are generally easy to train; however training takes time and repetition. It is highly suggested that you sign up for an obedience class. Methods have changed throughout the years and training in general will help to bond you and your dog. Learning how to communicate with your dog will ensure a successful relationship. they respond very well to positive reinforcement of good behavior. Use treats and praise to train, never harsh punishments.