[coolie buyers guide]

• Research the breed and ensure a coolie is suited to your way of life
• Get to know as many breeders as you can – ask around
• Research the breeder before making a final decision. If possible speak with people who have dealt with this breeder before.
• Choose a breeder with a long history with the breed and a good reputation
• Ask the breeder to provide accurate information on the parentage.  If any of the dogs involved were purchased, speak to previous owners to confirm the accuracy.
• View the parents. It’s best to do this in person as photos can be misleading. See them working.
• Know what you want. If your pup is to be used for working, it’s best to buy a pup from working lines. Same goes for agility and so on.
• Ask the breeder to explain what they mean. Some breeders claim their pups are from working lines when they really mean the parents have spent a weekend at a herding clinic chasing sheep. If you require a dog for working, it’s advised to buy from a long line of coolies that work stock for a living. Same applies for other disciplines.
• Enquire about previous litters (from same parents) Any deaf, blind or faulty pups in this litter or previous litters? These defects are hereditary and should be avoided.
• Inspect the kennel. Are the dogs and pups kept in a clean and happy environment?
• Take note of the breeders other coolies. Are they nice looking specimens? This is a good indication on what standards the breeder adheres to.
• Inspect the pup (and litter mates). Ensure he is fat, shiny and healthy looking.
• Choose a pup with minimal white. White nose can get sun burnt.
• Enquire about a returns policy and ask if any pups have ever been returned before.

Remember, your coolie is for life so ask all the right questions now to avoid heart-ache later.