We have been breeding Standard Australian Shepherds since 2000, Miniature Australian Shepherds since 2004 and we have been breeding Toy Australian Shepherds since 2006.
top
They are the same breed. Temperament is the same and health problems are the same. The only difference is the size. They still require the same activity level and attention.
top
We feed Royal Canin Medium or Small breed puppy/dog. We do recommend puppy food for the first year of your puppies life. This is the most important time in your puppies life. The best food makes a great difference in there health later on in life. As well as proper structure in there ever changing body in the first year. If feed proper food it lowers your vet bills as well as feeding less food. Not to mention the benefits to your puppy/dog.
top
The vet checks for heart murmurs, joints, navel hernias, weight, fleas, teeth, temperature and if a male testical have descended. They inject them with there first set of vaccinations as well as de-worm the puppy for the third time.
top
We de-worm them at 4,6 wks of age. The vet de-worms them at 8 wks of age. They should be de-wormed at every vet visit after this. If you take your puppy or dog out to dog parks or where there are other dogs have been present. They should be de-wormed at least every six mnths.
top
The average life expectancy for most Standard Australian Shepherd according to books is about 8yrs. I have yet to see one live any less then 12yrs plus. If looked after correctly. Once you get into the smaller breeds the life expectancy goes up. Smaller dogs tend to live longer.
top
They are offered in Red Tri, Red Merle, Blk Tri, Blue Merle. There are different variations of these colors but these are the four basic colors.
top
It covers anything that is genetically related. Hips, eyes, murmurs any hureditary disorders. If it is caused by me breeding these two adults together it is covered.
top
You get another puppy from a different breeding line.
I will never take your puppy from you though. If you decide to keep your puppy you can. If a vet of my choosing confirms your vets findings. I will replace the puppy when you feel you are ready and a litter of puppies is available of different breeding. If you opt not to keep the puppy. The puppy will be return to us and we will assume all responsibility for the puppy from the time of being returned to us. Again when you feel you are ready and another puppy is available of different breeding. At no time will money be refunded.
top
They are not technically hypo allergenic. Although I have had a few puppies go to homes for people with allergies to dogs and have been fine. It totally depend on the person. I have had one person allergic to the puppy.
top
Australian Shepherds are a truly versatile breed. Not only are they agile working dogs, they are also extremely intelligent animals and wonderful family companions. A very endearing quality of Aussies is their intense desire to please their owners; this makes them quick learners and loyal friends. Aussies are naturally reserved with strangers, but they should never be shy or timid. They do have strong territorial instincts and are naturally possessive and protective of their owners and home. When raised with children, Aussies love kids and quickly become a predictable and devoted family member. Aussies do not need a huge yard to run in, but they do need daily exercise and attention. They love to play ball and frisbee. It's hard to keep most of them out of water.
top
 Those of us who love Aussies can't imagine a more perfect breed of dog. Unfortunately, the very characteristics we value in these dogs make them unsuitable for some homes and owners. Consider carefully if your lifestyle can accommodate the exuberance of a typical Aussie.
The Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate-sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance. Many Aussies today still do the work they were bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle usually have a strong herding instinct. This means that Aussies need fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic can simply overwhelm them.
Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have individual characters and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these are high-energy dogs that need a purpose in their lives, a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors, such as digging and chewing. Running, jumping, and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.
The great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused. Aussies are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience training is highly recommended as a means of teaching owners how to channel the typical Aussie's innate desire to please into appropriate behaviors. Aussies learn very quickly, so be certain you are willing to keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit both mind and body.
Although many Aussies are friendly with everyone, the Australian Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around strangers. With Aussies of this nature, owners should encourage the dog to meet people but not force encounters. Aussies are often quite protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussies may become aggressive without proper training.
In general, Aussies are healthy dogs and can be expected to live up to twelve years or more, so ownership can be a lengthy commitment. Although minimal, there is some grooming required to keep the coat clean and conditioned, such as regular brushing and nail trimming. To maintain their high energy levels, typical active Aussies may eat more than other, more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared to feed plenty of high quality food.
Aussies are perfect for people wishing to own a highly-trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can work/play "'till the cows come home." If you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a class by themselves!
top
Make a point to look at several litters before making your final decision. Take note of the conditions in which the adults and pups are being raised. Is their environment clean? Is there adequate room for exercise, plenty of shade and shelter? Do the older dogs appear to be happy and well cared for? Ask to see the sire and dam if possible. Do they seem to be well mannered and not aggressive or fearful? Remember that the dam may still be a little protective if introduced around the pups, and her condition may not be the best since raising a family is quite demanding. The pups should be outgoing and eager to play. The puppies should look well fed, their coats should be clean and healthy, their gums should be pink, their eyes should be clear of any discharge, the inside of the ears should not be red or inflamed, and the pups in general should have a healthy, happy attitude. Spend some time playing with the puppies and get a feel for their different personalities. Ask the breeder for further background on puppies that catch your eye; sometimes a pup may have a slightly different character than the one he displays while you are visiting. A concerned breeder will be honest and candid in discussing each puppy with you since their goal is to find the pup that will most likely match your lifestyle and fulfill your expectations. After leaving, make notes on the puppies you liked and on your general impressions. Do this with each litter you visit. Then, when you feel like you have a good basis for comparison, sit down and go over your notes. Call back with any additional questions you might have, or go back and visit again if you need to. Emotions are still going to play a big part in your decision, but at least with all this information at hand, you now have the basis for making an educated decision as well.
top
Although male and female Australian Shepherds share many of the same characteristics, there are also many distinct differences between the two sexes.
The female Australian Shepherd will typically stand between 18-21 inches at the point of her withers and will on average weigh around 35-50 pounds. She does not usually carry the density and length of coat as a male, and her personality will generally be more sensitive and laid-back. Females will come into season approximately every 6 months and will need to be confined for 2-3 weeks during this time. If you are not planning on breeding your female, you should consider spaying her to avoid this inconvenience and to prevent any unwanted breeding.
The male Australian Shepherd will usually stand 20-23 inches and will weigh around 50-65 pounds. As with most animal species, the male Aussie is the showier of the two sexes, carrying longer hair, heavier bone, and a more masculine head. He typically has a very regal air about him. Males do have a tendency to be territorial and do not always take well to having to share their space with other male canines. Again, if you are not planning on using your male for stud, you should think about having him neutered to make life easier for all parties concerned.
Most of the personality differences between the two sexes are minimal or non-existent if the animals in question are spayed/neutered.
top
It is always an exciting time when you welcome a new puppy into your home. You need to remember, though, that it can also be a stressful and confusing time for the new pup. You should provide a sleeping area, preferably near the activities of the household, but also quiet and out of the way. A dog crate would be a good investment at this time. Let the puppy know this is his bed and a safe place to be. If there are children in the family, they will want to play with the new puppy a lot. While puppies play and are active, they also require a good deal of sleep. Do not fall in the trap of going to the puppy to comfort him for making noise. He will learn that crying is a good way to get attention. You might take him out to play with him and tire him out just a little before bedtime so he will be ready to sleep.
top
A name brand puppy food is the best choice for your puppy until he is over a year old. It is a good idea to feed what the breeder has been feeding and not change his diet, since changes can lead to digestive problems and diarrhea. Also, your puppy does not need table scraps, which may likewise cause problems. Never give your puppy bones or chocolate. You may either free-feed (leave food out) or put down food for the puppy three, decreasing to two times a day as the puppy matures. Fresh water should be available to the puppy at all times. Watch your puppy to make sure he does not get too fat. A fat puppy is not a healthy puppy and obesity is hard on developing bones and joints. Be sure you keep your puppy's vaccinations up-to-date. Distemper and Parvo are both killers and if your puppy should survive these (and other) dreaded diseases, they may still ruin his health for the remainder of his life. Talk to your vet about heartworm preventative. Heartgard, which uses Ivermectin, should not be used for Aussies since they are a "collie-type" breed. A brand that doesn't use Ivermectin, such as Interceptor, is recommended instead.
top
Aussies generally housebreak quite easily. The key to good house habits is consistency by the owner. The puppy should, if he must be left alone, be in the yard (with shelter and water) or in an area where he is not expected to refrain from relieving himself. When the puppy is in the main part of the house, the owner should be present. When the puppy wakes from a nap, he should go outside and be praised when he relieves himself. Watch the puppy for sniffing and circling in the house; this probably means he is looking for a place to go. Take him outside and again praise. If you catch him too late, "in the act," do not spank him but scold him slightly and take him outside or to a place where he is allowed to potty. Soon the puppy may go to the door and "ask" to be let out. Praise the puppy for this action. A crate is a handy tool for housebreaking. Most dogs do not like to relieve themselves where they sleep and this teaches some control. Remember that a puppy does not have a great deal of control and use the crate only for short periods of time. When he comes out of the crate, he should be immediately let outside and, after he relieves himself, allowed to play in the house.
top
To some people, a dog crate seems like cruelty to the dog. However, if presented correctly, it is just the opposite. It gives the dog a place that belongs to him, a safe den where he can go if he wants to be left alone or rest. It also gives you a place to keep your dog at the times when you do not want him underfoot, like a dinner party or a cookout, and a safe way of traveling your dog. If you crate your dog in the car, he can be left with the windows completely down. It is extremely dangerous to leave your dog in a closed car in warm weather or riding loose in the back of a truck. Also if you should have an auto accident, your dog is not likely to be thrown out of the car or escape in the confusion. Motel rooms generally prefer crated dogs. To crate train your dog, first select a crate that will be large enough to fit him as an adult. The puppy should be fed in his crate, and encouraged to sleep in it with the door open. He may be left with the door closed for short periods of time once he is used to it. Avoid leaving a puppy in a crate for extended periods of time. NEVER use the crate as a punishment. The location should be out of the way but near family activity.
top
The Aussie is by nature a one-family or one-person dog. They do not accept all people as their natural "friends" as do some breeds. They are selective. This is not a fault. It makes them a better protector of their home and their family. Because of this part of their nature, it is a good idea to expose them to different situations and strangers often and at an early age. While they may not go tail-waggingly up to every stranger on the street, they should be taught to be mannerly and accept the presence of non-threatening people and situations.
top
The Australian Shepherd is an easy dog to train. Being a working stock dog, he has been bred to learn to take directions and listen to his owner. He is also bred to be able to think on his own and make decisions for himself. It is up to you, the owner, to teach the dog what is, and is not, allowed. When he is a puppy, he must learn to look to you as his leader or you could be in for trouble when he becomes an adult. This does not mean you need to treat your puppy roughly. If trained correctly, Aussies readily accept the authority of their masters and a harsh word is often as effective as physical punishment. While he is eating, your puppy should allow you to be present and to take away his food. He should not growl or nip at you when you try to make him do something. A good method to show a puppy who is boss is to pick him up by both sides of the scruff of his neck and shake him gently while looking him in the eye and speaking firmly. This is very similar to the way a mother dog disciplines her pups and he will understand this far better than a spanking or a swat with a newspaper. Aussies are very intelligent and will test you from time to time. You should be firm and let them know who is in charge. The earlier you do this, the less trouble you will have later. A dog who knows his place in the family is far happier and more secure.
top
It is highly recommended that you teach your puppy some obedience. It is much more enjoyable to have a well-mannered dog that can go out for a walk than a lurching, wild dog that pulls you along or runs away when off lead. It is also a satisfying experience to train your dog and have a dog that listens to you and minds you. The Aussie is an extremely quick learner and enjoys the attention and the mental challenge of learning what you have to teach him. Even a young puppy, if taught in a positive manner, with no force, can learn basic obedience. Look for obedience training classes in your area or read some of the many good books on this subject. For your peace of mind, and your dog's safety, he should know at least these basics: sit, down, stay, come, and be able to walk at your side.
top
There are many diseases that affect Australian Shepherds. The most common of these are eye diseases include:
* Cataracts
* CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly)
* PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
* Detached Retinas
* Colobomas
* Small eye
Other diseases that commonly affect Aussies are:
* CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
* vWD (von Willebrand's Disease)
* PH (Pelger-Huet)
* Epilepsy
Eye and hip problems are much more common than any of the others, so be sure that breeders have clearances on hips (OFA, PennHIP, GDC) and eyes (CERF, GDC) for all their breeding stock.
top
Many Aussie tails are naturally bobbed (NBTs). NBTs can come in almost any length. Natural tails (long tails) taper at the end, whereas NBTs stop short at a stub or "bob". Those dogs with long NBTs or with natural tails are most often docked.
Probably the most popular reason for short tails is due to working. Tails have a different coat texture and are more prone to collect burrs when working in dense brush. These burrs, if left untended, can cause extreme pain and irritation to the dog. Also, there have been many undocumented cases of tails being broken from cattle stepping on them and gates being slammed shut on them.
Another reason cited is that the short tail is a "signature," or recognizable characteristic, of the breed. The breed standard calls for a tail less than four inches long. Docking tails lends to consistency and type within the breed.
top
|
