So you have a new sheltie! 

Once you select (or are selected by) a sheltie, take him/her to a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible for a full physical examination. Prior to picking up your puppy, you should have acquired a crate (airline kennel), food, toys, bowls, grooming equipment and other necessities that you will need. Have an area in your home specifically for the puppy. Place the crate in a calm, low traffic area. This will be the puppy's haven and safe place. A crate is a wonderful tool when used appropriately, it SHOULD NEVER EVER, be used as a place for punishment. This is to be the puppy's SAFE & SECURE place. 
 

Health & Family 
        
Your Breeder should have provided a puppy health record as well as health certifications for both the sire and dam. Responsible breeders who are interested in producing only structurally/conformationally sound and tempermentally sound healthy representatives of the Shetland Sheepdog breed have spent a great amount of time, money and testing their dogs prior to consiseration of breeding. There have been many advances in the genetic testing fields to screen for genetic traits present in the breed and to have their dogs certified clear of all genetic defects. Also all breeding stock should have had their hips x-rayed for certification from the OFA (Orthapedic Foundation for Animals) as to the quality of the animals hips. This will help (but not entirely eliminate) determining an animals chances of hip dysplasia. 
 

Looking for a puppy! 
        
Take your time and look at as many litters as possible. DO NOT BE INFLUENCED BY THE FIRST CUTE FACE YOU SEE. Make sure that the breeder has accurate records of both the dam and sire and proper health certificates. Someone who has "just bred their dog with a friends dog because they are just so darn cute" is not someplace you want to get a puppy from. These people are generally referred to as Backyard Breeders or Puppy Mills. They have not invested the time and money into the proper health screening and maintenance of the parents to ensure as healthy and sound puppies as possible. Remember the adage - You get what you pay for! Most responsible breeders will require a contract and most likely references to assure themselves that their puppies are going to lifetime homes where they will be loved and well cared for.