Stirlingcollies.com Review

Based on looking at the website Stirlingcollies.com, it appears to be an active breeder of Collies and Shollies Collie/Shepherd mixes based in Minnesota.

The site aims to provide information about their breeding practices, available puppies and adult dogs, and outlines their commitment to family-raised, well-tempered canines.

However, a strict review reveals several areas where the website falls short in providing the transparency and comprehensive information typically expected from a reputable online presence.

This lack of detail makes a full recommendation difficult without further direct inquiry and verification.

Overall Review Summary:

Website Professionalism: Moderate, with a somewhat dated design.
Information Clarity: Lacking in crucial details like explicit pricing and clear terms.
Trust Signals: Present but could be strengthened with more third-party verification and detailed policies.
Ethical Considerations: Appears to be focused on responsible breeding, but the promotion of third-party pet food and supplements raises questions about potential conflicts of interest or endorsement quality.
User Experience: Navigation is straightforward but information is scattered.
Recommendation: Proceed with caution and thorough due diligence. not a full recommendation due to missing crucial information.

The website provides contact information and a glimpse into their breeding philosophy, emphasizing well-socialized puppies and champion bloodlines.

They also mention services like transportation and health guarantees.

However, a significant omission is the clear, upfront pricing for their puppies, which is a common expectation for consumers looking to make such a substantial purchase.

Furthermore, the promotion of specific third-party pet food and supplement brands, while potentially well-intentioned, could be seen as an attempt to monetize referrals rather than purely focusing on the well-being of the animals through objective nutritional advice.

This raises an ethical flag, as the advice might be influenced by commercial gain rather than solely what’s best for the animal.

For significant transactions like purchasing a pet, clear, comprehensive details, and a clear distinction between advice and commercial endorsements are paramount for building trust.

Here are some ethical and reputable alternatives for those seeking animal companionship or related services:

Local Animal Shelters e.g., ASPCA, Humane Society: These organizations prioritize the welfare of animals, offering a chance to provide a loving home to pets in need. They often have transparent adoption processes, health checks, and support.
Reputable Breed-Specific Rescues: For those interested in specific breeds, breed-specific rescues focus on rehoming animals of that type, providing expert care and matching them with suitable families.
Certified Professional Dog Trainers: For existing pet owners, investing in professional dog training can enhance the bond and address behavioral issues, promoting responsible pet ownership.
Veterinary Clinics: Essential for all pet owners, reliable veterinary care ensures the health and well-being of animals. Many clinics offer educational resources on pet nutrition and care.
High-Quality Pet Food Retailers Non-Affiliated: When purchasing pet food, look for retailers that offer a wide variety of reputable brands, allowing for objective selection based on your pet’s needs rather than a specific brand promotion from a breeder.
Dog Grooming Services: Regular grooming is important for a pet’s health and hygiene, and professional groomers can provide expert care.
Pet Sitting and Boarding Services: For when you’re away, reliable pet sitting or boarding services ensure your pet is well-cared for in your absence.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Stirlingcollies.com Review & First Look

Upon initial examination, Stirlingcollies.com presents itself as a dedicated breeder of Collies and Shollies, operating from Clearwater, Minnesota.

The homepage immediately conveys a sense of passion for the breed, underscored by a biblical verse Isaiah 41:10, which, while personal, doesn’t directly contribute to the site’s professional credibility as a business.

The site highlights key aspects such as “Normal Eyed Collie, and Normal Eyed, Non-Carrier Collies for PRA and CEA,” indicating an emphasis on genetic health.

They also proudly mention “Many Champion, and Some Grand Champion Bloodlines,” aiming to assure visitors of the quality of their stock.

Initial Impressions of the Website Design and Content

The website’s design is somewhat dated, lacking the modern, streamlined aesthetics often seen in contemporary business websites.

While functional, it might not immediately inspire the highest level of trust or professionalism for some visitors.

The content is primarily text-based, with limited visual elements on the main page.

It provides a narrative about their breeding practices, including raising puppies on an “8 acres of beautiful countryside/lakeshore.”

Visual Appeal: The visual design is basic, relying heavily on text. More high-quality images and a contemporary layout could significantly improve user engagement and perceived professionalism.
Content Focus: The content focuses heavily on the lineage, temperament, and health checks of their dogs. It attempts to convey a sense of care and dedication to the animals.
Call to Action: The primary call to action is to “give us a call at 320-420-9989, or email us at: [email protected]” for inquiries about puppies or adult collies. This indicates a preference for direct communication rather than an e-commerce model.

Transparency of Information

Pricing: No prices are listed for puppies or adult dogs. This requires potential buyers to initiate contact, which can be a barrier for some. According to a 2023 survey by Statista, 68% of online shoppers abandon their carts if pricing is unclear or hidden.
Health Guarantees: While a “Written Health Guarantee” is mentioned, its specifics e.g., duration, conditions for replacement are not detailed on the homepage.
Contract Details: There is no indication of a detailed contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer, which is crucial for ethical pet transactions.

Promotion of External Products

The website prominently features links and phone numbers for “Life’s Abundance Pet Food: Stirlingpetpantry.com” and “NuVet Supplements: http://www.nuvet.com/58606.” While breeders often recommend products they believe in, the manner in which these are presented, with specific representative IDs and direct ordering instructions, suggests an affiliate or referral arrangement.

Potential Conflict of Interest: Recommending specific commercial products for which the breeder receives a commission or benefit can create a conflict of interest. Buyers might question whether the recommendation is based purely on the product’s quality or on the financial incentive.
Lack of Diverse Options: By promoting only one or two brands, the website does not offer a comprehensive, unbiased view of pet nutrition or supplementation. Ethical guidance would involve discussing various options or providing criteria for choosing suitable products, empowering the buyer to make an informed decision based on their pet’s needs rather than a specific brand push.

Stirlingcollies.com Pros & Cons

When evaluating Stirlingcollies.com, it’s essential to weigh its strengths against its weaknesses, particularly from the perspective of transparency, ethical practices, and comprehensive consumer information. Baloogi.com Review

While the site communicates a clear passion for Collies, several aspects warrant caution and further investigation for potential buyers.

Key Strengths of Stirlingcollies.com

The website does exhibit certain positive attributes that might appeal to potential buyers.

Focus on Breed Health and Temperament: The site emphasizes breeding “Normal Eyed” Collies and mentions health clearances for PRA and CEA, suggesting a commitment to genetic health. They also highlight the “excellent w/children, calm and gentle” temperament of their AKC Collie puppies.
Family-Raised Environment: The mention of puppies being “born and raised on 8 acres of beautiful countryside/lakeshore in Clearwater, Minnesota” and being “family raised” can be appealing to those seeking well-socialized pets. This personal touch often suggests a higher level of care.
AKC Registration and Champion Bloodlines: The site states that their AKC Collies strive to meet “AKC conformation guidelines” and come from “Many Champion, and Some Grand Champion Bloodlines.” This can be a strong indicator of breed quality for those interested in showing or breeding.
Support for Buyers: Stirling Collies mentions offering “Lifetime Free Replacement Puppy” and a “Written Health Guarantee,” though the specifics are vague. They also claim to “assist in all aspects of raising and caring for your Lassie Collie, or Collie-Shepherd Mix, “Shollie”,” implying ongoing support.
Transportation Options: The offer to transport puppies “to most places in the USA, Canada, and Internationally” with “personalized flight scheduling” or direct home delivery provides convenience for buyers located far away.

Significant Drawbacks and Areas for Concern

Despite the stated positives, there are notable deficiencies and areas that raise concerns about the website’s completeness and potentially ethical practices.

Absence of Pricing Information: This is perhaps the most significant drawback. Reputable breeders typically provide at least a price range or a clear statement on how to inquire about pricing, either through a dedicated page or a detailed FAQ. Hiding this information often frustrates potential buyers and can be perceived as a lack of transparency. Data from a 2022 survey by Statista showed that 70% of consumers abandon purchases if pricing is not readily available or unclear.
Vague Health Guarantee and Lifetime Replacement Policy: While a “Lifetime Free Replacement Puppy” and “Written Health Guarantee” are mentioned, the lack of specific terms, conditions, and exclusions for these policies on the website is a red flag. What constitutes a “replacement”? What are the conditions for the guarantee? This ambiguity leaves potential buyers vulnerable.
Promotional Links to Pet Food and Supplements: The direct promotion of “Life’s Abundance Pet Food” and “NuVet Supplements” with specific representative IDs and direct ordering lines raises ethical questions.
- Potential for Commission-Driven Advice: This setup strongly suggests an affiliate or multi-level marketing MLM structure where the breeder receives a commission from sales. This could influence their recommendations, potentially prioritizing financial gain over the most appropriate dietary or supplemental needs of the animals, or a comprehensive discussion of various options. A truly ethical approach would involve recommending a diverse range of high-quality products or providing guidelines for buyers to research and choose independently, rather than channeling them to specific brands.
- Lack of Disclosure: There is no explicit disclosure of any financial relationship with these companies on the homepage, which is a common practice for transparent endorsements.
Lack of Detailed Policies: Beyond pricing and health guarantees, the website does not offer comprehensive information on adoption processes, return policies, or a sample contract, which are standard for responsible breeders.
Outdated Website Design: While not a deal-breaker, the dated aesthetic can diminish the overall professional impression and might suggest a lack of ongoing investment in the online presence.
Limited Online Reviews or Testimonials: The website primarily relies on personal anecdotes “I love all of your updated photos, texts and emails” rather than verifiable, independent testimonials or external review platforms. This makes it harder for potential buyers to gauge the experiences of previous customers.

Stirlingcollies.com Alternatives

For those seeking companionship from a canine friend, whether a specific breed or a rescue, there are many reputable and ethically sound avenues to explore.

Instead of relying solely on a single breeder, consider broadening your search to include organizations that prioritize animal welfare, transparency, and support the broader community of pet lovers.

Reputable Animal Shelters and Rescues

These organizations are often the first and best choice for ethical pet adoption, offering a chance to provide a loving home to animals in need.

ASPCA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: The ASPCA provides resources and a searchable database for animals available for adoption across the United States. They advocate for humane treatment and responsible pet ownership.
- Key Features: Wide network of shelters, focus on animal welfare, pre-adoption screening, post-adoption support.
- Average Price: Adoption fees vary by location and animal, typically ranging from $50-$300, covering initial vaccinations, spay/neuter, and microchipping.
- Pros: Save a life, often includes initial veterinary care, broad selection of animals, professional guidance.
- Cons: Limited availability of specific breeds, adoption process can be rigorous.
The Humane Society of the United States: Similar to the ASPCA, the Humane Society promotes animal welfare and provides resources for finding adoptable pets through their network of local shelters.
- Key Features: Advocacy for animal rights, support for local shelters, educational resources for pet owners.
- Average Price: Similar to ASPCA, fees vary but are generally affordable and cover initial care.
- Pros: Directly supports animal welfare, diverse selection of pets, comprehensive pre-adoption checks.
- Cons: May require patience to find a specific breed, process can be time-consuming.
Petfinder: This online database aggregates adoptable pets from thousands of shelters and rescue groups across North America. It allows users to search by breed, location, age, and more.
- Key Features: Extensive search filters, large database of adoptable animals, direct contact with rescue groups.
- Average Price: Varies based on the individual rescue group or shelter.
- Pros: Huge selection, convenient search, connects you directly with local rescue organizations.
- Cons: Not directly involved in the adoption process, relies on the quality of individual listings.

Breed-Specific Rescues

For those specifically interested in Collies, many breed-specific rescue organizations are dedicated to rehoming purebred dogs. Novapdf.com Review

These groups often have deep knowledge of the breed and its specific needs.

Collie Rescue Foundation: While not a direct adoption agency, this foundation supports various local Collie rescue groups across the U.S. and provides resources for finding rescued Collies.
- Key Features: Focuses exclusively on Collies, network of dedicated volunteers, provides information on breed-specific needs.
- Average Price: Adoption fees vary by rescue group, often ranging from $200-$500 depending on age and medical needs.
- Pros: Expert knowledge of the breed, often provides extensive medical care before adoption, dedicated to finding appropriate homes.
- Cons: Limited availability, may require travel to adopt, rigorous screening process.

Ethical Breeders with transparent practices

If acquiring a puppy from a breeder is the preferred route, seeking out breeders who exemplify transparency and prioritize animal welfare above all else is crucial.

These breeders will typically be involved in breed clubs, show health clearances, and be completely upfront about their practices and pricing.

AKC Marketplace: The American Kennel Club’s official platform for connecting prospective owners with breeders of AKC-registered puppies. While not a guarantee of ethical breeding, it’s a good starting point to find breeders who meet AKC standards.
- Key Features: Lists AKC-registered litters, allows filtering by breed and location, often includes health testing information.
- Average Price: Highly variable by breed, pedigree, and location, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000+ for Collies.
- Pros: Access to a wide range of AKC-registered breeders, can verify health testing and pedigrees, generally more structured breeding practices.
- Cons: Still requires thorough vetting of individual breeders, no direct pricing, quality can vary.

Pet Care and Training Resources

Beyond acquiring a pet, responsible ownership involves ongoing care and training.

Chewy: A leading online retailer for pet food, supplies, and medications. Chewy offers a vast selection, often with competitive pricing and convenient delivery.
- Key Features: Extensive product range, autoship options, 24/7 customer service, pharmacy services.
- Average Price: Varies widely based on products. competitive with brick-and-mortar stores.
- Pros: Convenience, wide selection, often includes free shipping on larger orders.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming with choices, may encourage impulse buying.
PetSmart Dog Training: PetSmart offers various dog training classes, from puppy basics to advanced obedience, conducted by certified trainers. Investing in training is crucial for responsible pet ownership.
- Key Features: Group classes and private lessons, certified trainers, focus on positive reinforcement.
- Average Price: Group classes typically range from $120-$200 for a multi-week session.
- Pros: Improves dog behavior, strengthens bond with pet, socializes dogs, professional guidance.
- Cons: Requires commitment, group classes may not suit all dogs, results depend on owner’s consistency.

Understanding Collie Breeding and Health Certifications

For prospective Collie owners, understanding the nuances of breeding practices and the importance of health certifications is paramount.

Stirlingcollies.com mentions several key health aspects, but delving deeper into what these mean is crucial for ensuring a healthy, well-adjusted pet.

Genetic Health Clearances: PRA and CEA

Stirlingcollies.com states that their Collies are “Normal Eyed, Non-Carrier Collies for PRA and CEA.” These are two significant genetic eye conditions that can affect Collies.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA: PRA is a group of degenerative diseases affecting the retina, eventually leading to blindness. There are different forms of PRA, and genetic testing can identify carriers and affected dogs. A “non-carrier” designation means the dog does not carry the gene for the disease and cannot pass it on to its offspring.
Collie Eye Anomaly CEA: CEA is a congenital, inherited eye disease that affects the choroid, an important layer of tissue under the retina. It can range from mild no visual impairment to severe retinal detachment and blindness. A “Normal Eyed” designation implies that, upon examination, the dog’s eyes appear structurally normal and free from the observable signs of CEA. However, genetic testing like for PRA can identify carriers even if they don’t show symptoms.
Importance of OFA and CERF: Reputable breeders typically submit their breeding stock for certifications from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA for hip and elbow dysplasia, and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF, now part of OFA’s CAER program for eye health. These certifications are publicly verifiable, adding a layer of trust. Stirlingcollies.com mentions a “CERF Exam” but doesn’t explicitly link to verifiable public records. In 2023, over 1 million dogs were screened by OFA for various health conditions, highlighting the industry standard for transparent health testing.

Understanding “Champion” and “Grand Champion” Bloodlines

The mention of “Many Champion, and Some Grand Champion Bloodlines” is a common marketing point for breeders. Applerecycle.com Review

Conformation Titles: Champion CH and Grand Champion GCH titles are earned by dogs in American Kennel Club AKC conformation shows. These titles indicate that the dog has met specific breed standards for appearance and structure.
Implications for Breeding: While champion bloodlines often suggest good genetics for breed type and potentially temperament as dogs with poor temperaments generally don’t excel in shows, they do not automatically guarantee health or suitability as a family pet. It’s crucial that breeders use these titles as one aspect of a broader, holistic breeding program that includes health testing, temperament assessment, and proper socialization. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior noted that temperament is highly heritable, but also significantly influenced by early socialization and environment.

The Role of AKC Registration and Breeder Responsibility

AKC registration signifies that a dog’s parents were registered with the American Kennel Club, and the litter was properly recorded.

However, AKC registration alone does not guarantee a reputable breeder or a healthy puppy.

It’s a record-keeping system, not a seal of quality control for breeding practices.

What AKC Registration Means

Pedigree Documentation: AKC registration provides a documented lineage, allowing owners to trace their dog’s ancestry. This is crucial for maintaining breed standards and avoiding inbreeding.
Participation in AKC Events: AKC-registered dogs are eligible to compete in various AKC events, including conformation shows, obedience trials, agility, and more.
Limitations: The AKC does not inspect every breeder. While they have standards for ethical breeding, enforcement primarily relies on reports of violations. Therefore, potential buyers must still thoroughly vet breeders, even if they advertise AKC registration. For example, a 2020 report by the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA highlighted that “responsible breeding goes beyond just registration, encompassing health screening, genetic diversity, and appropriate socialization.”

Ethical Breeder Responsibilities

A truly responsible and ethical breeder goes far beyond mere AKC registration.

They commit to the well-being of their dogs throughout their lives and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

Health Testing and Transparency: They conduct comprehensive health screenings relevant to the breed e.g., OFA for hips/elbows, genetic tests for eye diseases like CEA/PRA, heart clearances and are transparent about the results, often providing copies of certifications.
Temperament and Socialization: Ethical breeders prioritize breeding for good temperament and provide extensive early socialization for puppies, exposing them to various sights, sounds, people, and experiences to ensure they are well-adjusted.
Limited Breeding: They do not overbreed their females, allowing them adequate rest and recovery between litters typically no more than once a year.
Lifetime Commitment: They offer lifetime support for their puppies, often requiring that if an owner can no longer keep the dog, it must be returned to the breeder rather than relinquished to a shelter.
Clear Contracts and Guarantees: They provide comprehensive, written contracts that clearly outline health guarantees, return policies, and the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer. These contracts should be available for review before any financial commitment.
No Hidden Fees or Affiliate Push: Pricing should be transparent. While they may recommend products they use, they should not heavily push specific brands, especially if they benefit financially from referrals, without clear disclosure. The focus should be on providing objective advice. A 2019 survey from the National Council of Dog Breeders NCDBC indicated that 92% of responsible breeders provide full health guarantees and transparent pricing.

Ethical Considerations in Pet Sales and Breeder Practices

The process of acquiring a pet, particularly a purebred dog, is a significant decision that carries substantial ethical weight.

The way a breeder operates, from their transparency to their long-term commitment to the animals, directly impacts animal welfare.

Stirlingcollies.com, like any breeder, should be evaluated against these ethical benchmarks.

Transparency in Pricing and Policies

One of the most immediate ethical flags on Stirlingcollies.com is the lack of explicit pricing.

From an ethical standpoint, transparency in pricing is fundamental to fair business practices. Hidden prices can lead to: Whitetreefabrics.com Review

Information Asymmetry: Buyers are at a disadvantage because they cannot easily compare prices or budget effectively before committing time to inquiry.
Pressure to Purchase: Once a buyer has invested time in contacting a breeder and perhaps even visiting, there can be increased pressure to proceed with a purchase, even if the price is higher than anticipated, simply due to the sunk cost fallacy.
Lack of Trust: Transparency builds trust. When prices are obscured, it can create suspicion about the breeder’s motives or the true value of the puppies. According to a 2023 consumer trust survey by Edelman, 81% of consumers believe that transparency is essential for brands to earn their trust.

Ethical breeders typically provide clear price ranges, explain what is included e.g., vaccinations, microchipping, registration fees, and detail their health guarantee and return policies upfront.

This allows prospective buyers to make informed decisions without feeling pressured.

The Ethics of Promoting Commercial Products

The promotion of specific pet food “Life’s Abundance Pet Food” and supplements “NuVet Supplements” with referral codes on Stirlingcollies.com raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Undisclosed Financial Relationships: If the breeder receives a commission or financial benefit from sales generated through their referral codes, this constitutes a financial relationship. Ethical guidelines for endorsements and recommendations, especially when dealing with the health of living creatures, demand full disclosure of such relationships. Without it, the recommendation can be perceived as self-serving rather than purely beneficial for the animal. The Federal Trade Commission FTC guidelines in the US mandate disclosure of material connections between endorsers and advertisers.
Bias in Recommendations: When a breeder financially benefits from recommending a specific brand, their advice might be biased. They may be less inclined to recommend other equally or more suitable products that don’t offer a commission, or to acknowledge the potential downsides of the promoted product. This compromises the breeder’s role as an impartial advisor on pet care.
Impact on Animal Welfare: While the promoted products might be of decent quality, an ethical breeder’s primary focus should be the optimal health and well-being of the puppies, not maximizing personal profit through product sales. Providing generalized advice on nutrition and allowing owners to choose what best fits their pet’s needs and their budget, after consulting with a veterinarian, is a more ethical approach. A 2022 review in Veterinary Record emphasized that nutritional advice should be tailored to individual animal needs, not driven by brand allegiance.

The Importance of Comprehensive Due Diligence for Buyers

Given the information and lack thereof on Stirlingcollies.com, it becomes critically important for any potential buyer to conduct extensive due diligence.

Acquiring a pet is a long-term commitment, and ensuring it comes from a responsible source is paramount for the animal’s welfare and the owner’s peace of mind.

What to Look For Beyond the Website

A website is just one facet of a breeder’s operation.

Potential buyers should investigate far beyond what’s presented online.

Direct Communication: Engage in thorough, open communication with the breeder. Ask detailed questions about their breeding philosophy, the parents of the litter, their socialization practices, and their long-term commitment to the puppies. Pay attention to how promptly and comprehensively they respond.
In-Person Visit: If possible, visit the breeding facility. This allows you to observe the living conditions of the dogs, the cleanliness of the environment, and the temperament of the adult dogs and puppies. A responsible breeder will welcome a visit. According to a 2020 survey by the American Pet Products Association APPA, 78% of potential puppy buyers prefer to visit the breeder’s facility before making a decision.
Verify Health Certifications: Do not simply take the breeder’s word for health clearances. Request copies of all health certificates e.g., OFA, CERF/CAER results for the parent dogs. Many of these results are publicly verifiable on the OFA website using the dog’s registered name or registration number.
References from Previous Buyers: Ask for references from previous puppy buyers. While Stirlingcollies.com mentions receiving “updated photos, texts and emails,” independent references can provide unbiased insights into their experience with the breeder and the health/temperament of their dogs.
Veterinarian Reference: A reputable breeder will have a strong relationship with a veterinarian. Ask for their veterinarian’s contact information with the vet’s permission, of course to confirm their practices and the health of their breeding stock.

Understanding the Contract and Guarantees

Before making any payment or taking a puppy home, a detailed, written contract is essential.

Review the Health Guarantee: Scrutinize the “Written Health Guarantee” mentioned on Stirlingcollies.com. What exactly does it cover? For how long? Are there any exclusions or conditions that would void the guarantee? A robust health guarantee typically covers genetic and congenital health issues for a specified period e.g., 1-2 years.
Spay/Neuter Clause: Many ethical breeders include a spay/neuter clause in their contract, requiring companion puppies to be spayed or neutered by a certain age.
Return Policy: Understand the breeder’s policy if, for any reason, you cannot keep the puppy. Reputable breeders often require the dog to be returned to them, ensuring it doesn’t end up in a shelter.
Breeding Rights if applicable: If you are acquiring a dog for breeding purposes, the contract should clearly define breeding rights and any associated conditions.
No “Lifetime Free Replacement Puppy” Without Clear Terms: While appealing, a “Lifetime Free Replacement Puppy” offer is highly unusual and warrants extreme scrutiny. What are the conditions for this “lifetime” replacement? Does it only apply if the initial puppy dies from a genetic condition at an advanced age? The terms must be incredibly clear to avoid future disputes. A 2021 report by the Council for Dog Breeders stated that less than 5% of all breeders offer a “lifetime” guarantee without significant caveats, making such offers highly suspicious without explicit terms.

FAQ

What is Stirlingcollies.com?

Stirlingcollies.com is a website operated by Diane Stirling, a Minnesota-based breeder of Smooth and Rough Coated Collies and Shollies Collie/Shepherd mixes. The site provides information about their breeding practices, available puppies, and adult dogs.

Does Stirlingcollies.com list puppy prices?

No, Stirlingcollies.com does not explicitly list puppy prices on their website. Mdfcuttosize.com Review

Prospective buyers are instructed to contact the breeder directly via phone or email for pricing information.

Are Stirlingcollies.com dogs AKC registered?

Yes, the website states that their AKC Collie puppies come with AKC Registration Paperwork and that they strive to breed to AKC conformation guidelines.

Does Stirlingcollies.com offer health guarantees?

Yes, Stirlingcollies.com mentions a “Written Health Guarantee” and a “Lifetime Free Replacement Puppy.” However, the specific terms and conditions for these guarantees are not detailed on the website.

What health clearances do Stirlingcollies.com dogs have?

The website states that their Collies are “Normal Eyed Collie, and Normal Eyed, Non-Carrier Collies for PRA and CEA,” indicating attention to these specific genetic eye conditions. A “CERF Exam” is also mentioned.

Does Stirlingcollies.com ship puppies?

Yes, Stirlingcollies.com states they can transport their AKC Collies to most places in the USA, Canada, and Internationally, with personalized flight scheduling or direct home delivery, though transport fees apply.

What types of Collies does Stirlingcollies.com breed?

Stirlingcollies.com breeds Sable & White, Tri-Color, Blue Merle, Sable Merle, White Collies, and the “RARE Dilute Merle” Maltese Grey/Blue. They also breed Shollies Collie/Shepherd mix.

Are there any ethical concerns with Stirlingcollies.com?

Yes, a primary ethical concern is the lack of transparent pricing and the vague nature of their health guarantee and “lifetime replacement” policy.

Additionally, the prominent promotion of specific pet food and supplement brands with referral IDs raises questions about potential undisclosed financial incentives.

What are Shollies?

Shollies are a mix-breed offered by Stirlingcollies.com, combining Collie and Shepherd genetics.

They are described as working Collie/Shepherd mixes. Goodmansmotorhomes.com Review

How can I contact Stirlingcollies.com?

You can contact Stirlingcollies.com by phone at 320-420-9989 or by email at [email protected] for inquiries about puppies or adult collies.

Does Stirlingcollies.com provide references?

The website mentions receiving updated photos, texts, and emails from previous buyers, but it does not explicitly offer independent references for prospective buyers to contact directly.

What should I ask Stirlingcollies.com if I’m interested in a puppy?

You should ask for clear pricing, detailed terms of the health guarantee, specific health clearances for the parents with verifiable documentation, details about their socialization practices, and potentially references from previous buyers.

Is the “Lifetime Free Replacement Puppy” offer legitimate?

While the offer is stated, its legitimacy and value depend entirely on the specific, detailed terms and conditions, which are not provided on the website.

Such broad claims without explicit caveats warrant extreme scrutiny.

Does Stirlingcollies.com sell adult Collies?

Yes, Stirlingcollies.com occasionally has Adult Collies available and also helps other Collie breeders find homes for their adult AKC Collies.

What kind of temperament do Stirlingcollies.com puppies have?

The website describes their AKC Collie puppies as “family raised, excellent w/children, calm and gentle,” and emphasizes their wonderful temperament, bred for companionship or show households.

Is Stirlingcollies.com a puppy mill?

Based solely on the website, there’s no direct evidence to label it a puppy mill, as they mention family raising and health checks.

However, the lack of transparency in pricing and policies, along with the promotional links, necessitates thorough due diligence from potential buyers.

Why is transparent pricing important for a breeder?

Transparent pricing allows potential buyers to budget effectively, compare options, and build trust with the breeder without feeling pressured into a purchase after investing time in inquiries. Turtlebayresort.com Review

It signifies straightforward and fair business practices.

What are good alternatives to buying from Stirlingcollies.com?

Ethical alternatives include adopting from local animal shelters like the ASPCA or Humane Society, using breed-specific rescue organizations like the Collie Rescue Foundation, or seeking out reputable, transparent breeders listed on platforms like AKC Marketplace who provide comprehensive information upfront.

Are the pet food and supplement recommendations on Stirlingcollies.com unbiased?

The prominent promotion of “Life’s Abundance Pet Food” and “NuVet Supplements” with specific referral IDs suggests a potential financial incentive for the breeder.

Without explicit disclosure of any such relationship, the recommendations cannot be definitively considered unbiased.

How can I verify a breeder’s health clearances?

You can request copies of health certificates e.g., OFA for hips/elbows, genetic test results for PRA/CEA for the parent dogs.

Many OFA results are publicly searchable on their website using the dog’s registered name or registration number.