How do I know who is a reputable breeder? What sort of questions should I ask? I have always lived with dogs in the family, but this will be only the second time I have had to choose the best person to buy from. I want a new friend and companion, not a show dog.

You will be looking for the same things what ever you require of your dog, that is a healthy pup from healthy parents who have had all the available tests for the breed, the grandparents and the G Grand parents should also have been tested. All the stock the breeder owns should look clean and healthy and look like the breed they are supposed to be, they should also be aproachable and frendly. The premises should look clean but not too clean if there are pups about, I would prefer the pups were reared in the home even if penned out during the day. The breeder should be happy to answer any questions and should ask you lots, it should appear that they are interested in the home their pups are going to.

Most important IMO is to visit at least 3 breeders of the breed you are interested in and then you have some idea what you are looking at, if possible choose someone who you get on with and whom you would be happy to leave your children with for a few hours.

Thank you so much! Thats a nice idea, someone I would be happy to leave my children with.I just hope I get things right in a month or two.I am going to the show in Malvern to get some idea of people I wouldn't mind dealing with.

If you need to know more about the breed and which heath checks are required, it would be worth contacting the breed club.  They may even have a website with a lot of information on it, most do.
Sandra

I'm looking for a rough collie and thankfully they don't seem to have many problems.My parents had one before I was born,she lived until she was 14. Then came another girl who lived until she was 13, finally came another girl called Lassie,of course, who lived until she was 12.Then I had my own and didn't take enough care in my research and she died at just 6.Hence 2 years on I am being very fussy.My main concern is that I've seen a lot of small types, is this the trend now? does anyone know a web site specifically on this breed.

Try this website http://www.collienet.com/roughcollie_breed_club.htm

There are different clubs listed according to where you live. Most have a link to a website.  I am sure they will tell you about the health checks, I am sure you have to be careful with eye problems.

Going to a breed show like you intend will be very informative and you will be able to see the current size there.

Good luck
Sandra

Thanks very much, I love dogs, but I am only learning computer skills and finding the correct web site is not one of my strong points, so your help is gratefully received. Caz........