Hello we are a family of 5 looking for a bearded collie puppy in time for christmas. We are not familiar with this website and what we would like to do is find a breeder who is expecting bearded collie puppies. We are very keen for the puppy to be slate instead of sandy brown. If you have any useful information which is relevant to our query please email us- cculpin@hotmail.com or leave a message on this message board. Many thanks.

I am sure I will not be the only person to say this; but Christmas is not a good time to take in a new puppy! Introducing a new puppy into the household should be done in a quiet relaxed atmosphere, when you will be able to devote all your time to helping him adapt to his/her new surroundings. The general hustle and bustle of Christmas, especially where children are involved means that the pup will not have 100% of your time and attention. Please think long and hard about this timing. I personally would not let a puppy go at Christmastime, and i think that alot of other caring breeders will agree with me.

Hi Guest and Kez

Deffo support what Kez says. Many reputable breeders will not let pups go "for Christmas". Too many end up in resuce and especially if you have children the hustle and bustle associated with Christmas is just too much and unfair on a young pup. One of the main problems is the lack of routine around that time and that nothing is where it belongs. Toys are everywhere and it is so easy for pup to get something he shouldn't and not only ruin a new toy - but more importantly, swallow something that could be very dangerous.

Would be better to delay the arrival until things are quiet and in the normal routine. Also better for you - you get much more time to enjoy your new family memebr without any other distractions.

Sorry to be a spoil sport, but I have to agree too. TH was 8 months old last Christmas and my sister and her 3 kids arrived. And she was totally overwhelmed. It was too noisy, there was too much going on and she was very unhappy. We were lucky that we had a crate (not a cage!!!!) and she could be put away for a rest.

Get the kids a soft toy and an IOU for christmas. A good breeder should let you choose your puppy before Christmas and keep it for you over the period. Or you could choose one afterwards. And you can all sit down and discuss settling in, routines etc. This dog is for the next ten years or more, so it's welfare is worth more than one christmas day.