Buying a puppy of any breed is a 12-15 year commitment that can be very rewarding or can develop into a negative experience. It is our purpose to help you make an educated decision so you can experience all the enjoyment possible with your Australian Shepherd if it is is the right breed for you. So often people fall in love with a cute puppy for all the wrong reasons and end up with a lot of heartache. Knowing as much as possible about the breed you choose, so you will be sure it is the kind of dog you want to live with, only makes sense. We hope the following discussion will help you with your choice.
The Aussie was developed as a farm and ranch dog not only to work livestock
but to be a companion and guardian of the family and the family's
possessions. As a working dog they are an aggressive, authoritative worker used
across
Many Aussies are friendly with everyone, but the Australian Shepherd generally tends to be reserved and cautious with strangers. Reserved dogs can be encouraged to accept people with some success, but some dogs never accept strangers. Aussies tend to form a stronger bond with their family and owners than some other breeds. This trait causes some dogs to become protective against what they perceive as a threat. Remember that dogs of any breed may become aggressive if they are poorly socialized.
Because these dogs were developed to work and control livestock, their intelligence and energy needs to be used elsewhere if they are not to be worked. Obedience training is highly recommended, and Aussies will learn quickly. The Aussie needs to be occupied with play and training to benefit both the dog and the owner. when raised with children, Aussies love kids and quickly become a playmate. Aussies don't need a farm to exercise on but do need daily exercise and attention. Young dogs of any breed will require more exercise the first year of their life than an older dog. Most Aussies love to play ball and Frisbee, and most of them love water and swimming.
If you are looking for a dog with an intense desire to please and who is very loyal to you and your family, the Aussie will make you a wonderful companion as well as a great working partner if you have livestock. You should be aware of his territorial instincts and that he may be naturally possessive and protective of his owners and home. You and your environment will greatly determine the dog you end up with.
WHERE TO BUY AN AUSSIE
There are many ways to locate Aussie breeders and one is through the Breeders Directory which is included in this packet. ASCA's magazine, The Aussie Times includes advertisements from breeder's as well. We have also included a list of ASCA Affiliate Clubs so that you can contact their representatives for suggestions. If they have an upcoming show or trial you can observe many Aussies at one location and talk to various breeders. You can visit with different breeders to find one whose goals for their dogs meet your needs. Local newspapers often have advertisements for Aussies. We strongly recommend that you do not buy from a pet shop. It is a violation of ASCA Code of Ethics for ASCA registered Aussies to be sold in pet shops.
It is considered best for both the puppy and the new owner that puppies do
not go to their new home until they are at least eight weeks of age. Weaning
usually takes place from
PRICE
Price should be consistent with the quality of the puppy. Raising a litter of quality, healthy Aussie puppies takes time and a lot of effort from an informed breeder. If it has been done properly and with the thought that should go into raising a quality dog, the breeder will have invested in nutrition, veterinary care and vaccinations, worming, promotion of their litter and bloodlines through advertising or competition and perhaps a stud fee to a top quality sire. Many breeders have written guarantees as to the quality or performance of the puppy. The family member you hope to have for many years should meet high standards. Beware of the cheap puppy as it may not really be a bargain. The initial investment you make is nothing compared to the investment both financially and emotionally you will make over the next 10-15 years.
MALE OR FEMALE
The choice of whether to buy a male or female is often just a personal preference. However, there are some differences you should be aware of.
Females are usually smaller than males with preferred size for females between 18" and 21" at the shoulder while males will stand between 20" and 23". Females will come into season approximately every six months and must be completely confined for three weeks during that time. Males tend to wander, especially if there are females in the neighborhood. Whether you get a male or female is not a major factor for a pet, as both should be neutered. This will make your pet more enjoyable since it takes an important distraction away from their life--mating. This distraction interrupts the dog's life with your family including other pets in the family and definitely makes your dog more difficult to live with. Neutering will also prevent some health problems that can develop later in your dog's life.
PET, SHOW, OR WORKING QUALITY
What is a pet puppy? This is a puppy that is healthy with a good personality but may lack desirable qualities when compared to the breed standard. The breed standard, which is included in this packet, is the written description of the ideal of the breed. There are breed standards for all breeds of dogs. Often the imperfections of the pet puppy are minimal and are things that the person looking for a pet would never notice. A pet puppy should not have any health or temperament problems! Some typical faults that may cause a breeder to consider a happy, healthy puppy as pet quality are teeth imperfections (breed standard calls for a full compliment of teeth which meet in a scissors bite), color that is not rich and clear, faults of toplines, legs, or earsets. The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) has a box on the registration application where the breeder can mark "not for breeding purposes" when selling a puppy. Often the breeder will request that the dog be spayed or neutered. Spayed and neutered Aussies can compete in all ASCA programs except for Conformation. Some clubs offer spay/neuter classes in Conformation also.
You should also advise the breeder as to your plans for the puppy. A show quality puppy should come as close as possible to the breed standard. No one can guarantee just what the puppy will grow up to look like, but a knowledgeable breeder can see potential and should be honest with you in evaluating their puppies. If you are looking for a stockdog it is extremely important that both parents and all grandparents are working stockdogs. If at all possible, see the dogs work or see video or pictures of the dogs working. No one can look at the puppy and see the inherited ability to work stock, and it will quickly be lost by breeding individuals who may not have the intense instinct required of a working dog. Ask for a written guarantee that the puppy will work livestock if buying the puppy for that purpose.
PUPPY, OLDER PUP, OR ADULT
All Aussies for sale are not eight week old puppies. Breeders often have older puppies and adults for sale. This does not necessarily mean no one wanted them at eight weeks! Many factors play into the sale of puppies and why a breeder has kept one or more for a longer time. Although a puppy is usually its cutest at eight weeks, it won't stay that way very long. They soon progress to the leggy, awkward age and go through all the stages of young animals growing up. Puppies a little older are often easier to housebreak as they do not need to go outside as often. Although they may not be as fuzzy and cute, there are some advantages to buying an older puppy. The older puppy or dog may take a little longer to get used to you and his new home since a tiny puppy isn't as concerned with his surroundings.
With a breed like the Aussie it would seem like an adult dog would not adjust to a new owner. Given love and attention, Aussies will bond to a new owner even if they were part of another family. Often dogs sent to a trainer become so close to the trainer, the owner has to make friends with them all over again. These dogs relate to those who love, train and interact with them. So don't overlook the older dog if the work of a little puppy seems like to much for you.
REGISTRATION
The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) is the parent registry for the Australian Shepherd and was founded in 1957. ASCA keeps the stud book on Australian Shepherds, registers Aussies, sanctions Conformation, Jr. Showmanship, Obedience, Stockdog, Agility, and Tracking competitions and awards titles in the above areas. ASCA records Hall of Fame Kennels, Sires and Dams. Year end award programs are available to competing dogs.
WHAT TO ASK WHEN YOU VISIT WITH THE BREEDER
Ask for a pedigree on the puppies. This should include at least three generations. Take a pedigree home to look over. Be sure both parents are registered with ASCA. Remember that a pedigree full of titled dogs does not always guarantee a quality dog and vice versa. Many top dogs come from non-titled, unshown sires and dams. You should receive the signed registration application when you take the puppy home.
Ask for the names of several references who have purchased puppies from them. If possible get names of people who have bought siblings or close relatives of these puppies. Talk to these owners to see if their dogs seem like the type you are looking for.
Ask why they chose to use this particular sire for this dam. Listen to hear mention of traits that are important to you. A conscientious breeder has specific goals for the dogs they raise.
What do they consider faults of the sire and dam. Again, consider what is important to you. Do they consider these show, working, pet, etc. puppies? which is the best pup? why?
Will the breeder be willing to help you after you get a puppy whether it be with competition, breeding or just questions about things like housebreaking?
Are both the sire and dam, OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified free from Hip Dysplasia? Ask for their numbers to put on your pedigree. (See enclosure for information on OFA and Hip Dysplasia) Be very wary of a breeder who does not know what OFA stands for or who can't provide you with copies of both parent's OFA Certification. Do not let them tell you they know their dog is not dysplastic because it runs and jumps. Hip Dysplasia can only be diagnosed with x-rays, and symptoms do not always show up. Will they absolutely guarantee the puppy to be free from Hip Dysplasia? They should!!
Have both parents had eye examinations within the past year? (See enclosure for information on Eyes) Ask to see the verification. Most defects are hereditary, so the best way to make sure your puppy will not be affected is to verify the parents are free from the problem themselves. Again, the breeder should guarantee the puppy free from hereditary eye defects!
Will the breeder guarantee the puppy against other hereditary defects that might show up later? Other hereditary defects have been observed in the breed although will less frequency than Hip Dysplasia and eye defects.
What kind of health guarantee do they give? Most breeders will give a 7-10 day health guarantee. If the breeder will not do this they should give a day for you to have a vet examine the puppy and let you return it if it doesn't pass the exam. What has the puppy been vaccinated for along with the brand and dates? This is important! Puppy vaccinations are only temporary, and your veterinarian will need this information. Most veterinarians recommend puppy shots beginning at five or six weeks and then every two to three weeks until the age of 12 weeks when they will need two more booster shots. Vaccination for Parvo and Coronavirus do not always offer 100% protection so be aware of this and try to keep a puppy away from areas where there may have been infected dogs.
What deworming schedule has the puppy been on and the dates? This is also information your veterinarian will need. Puppies will reinfest with parasites and need routine deworming.
What has the puppy been eating and what is his schedule? Try to keep him on the same feed and schedule for at least a week to lessen the stress of moving to a new home.
Most seller guarantees state that the seller will replace the puppy not meeting the guarantee with another equal quality puppy. The 7-10 day health guarantee normally is a money back guarantee since such a short time is involved. Ask for specifics and ask for the guarantee in writing. Be aware of what compensation will be made should the original puppy fail to meet the guarantee and what will be expected to be done with the original puppy. All this should be in writing.
The ASCA Breed Standard describes the Aussie this way: "The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is and exceptional companion. He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. He is reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness. Although an aggressive, authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable." This says it all. if this dog fits your lifestyle, enjoy your Aussie!
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