Breeder-visit checklist — Shetland Sheepdog
What to ask, see, and take with you
1. Identity and rearing
- Breeder's full name and address
- Whelping date and number of litters the dam has had in the past 24 months
- If a registry breeder: kennel name and litter registration number (VDH / FCI / specialty or other club) — not required as long as all health tests are documented
- EU pet transport rules: puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and dewormed/vaccinated before handover
2. Mandatory tests for both parents
For each test, ask to see the original certificate — date, vet, result.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collie eye anomaly (CEA) (CEA) | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| Merle coat pattern (M) | No Merle-to-Merle breeding | ☐ | ☐ |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| MDR1 gene mutation (drug sensitivity) (MDR1) | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| von Willebrand's disease (vWD) | Clear or Carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Recommended tests
Relevant in addition depending on line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canine cyclic hematopoiesis (GCS) DNA | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Microphthalmia | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Corneal dystrophy (CD) Augen | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Distichiasis Augen | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cataract (HC) Augen | CLEAR | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) Roentgen | FCI Grade C or better | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cryptorchidism Physisch | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) (CDA) Haut | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Dermatomyositis (DMS) Haut | CARRIER | ☐ | ☐ |
| Congenital deafness (CHSD) Physisch | BILATERAL_HEARING | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Husbandry and rearing
- Puppies raised with the family / in the home (not in a kennel)
- Socialization plan: which stimuli before handover? (children, car, vacuum, other dogs)
- Deworming and vaccination protocol (min. 2× deworming, 1× core vaccine before handover)
- EU pet passport and microchip present
- Written sales contract with take-back clause