Lyla Lindsey
If you're looking to bring an Australian Shepherd, or 'Aussie', into your home, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder to ensure you find a healthy dog with good genes. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized working dogs, known for their hardworking spirit and herding abilities. They are energetic, intelligent, and sociable, making them great family pets. With a variety of coat colours, these dogs first became popular in the American West, but their origins are believed to be from sheepdog breeds in northwest Spain and collies imported from Australia and New Zealand. When choosing a breeder, look for signs of a clean environment, well-socialized puppies, and a dam with a good temperament.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | California, United States |
| Date of Origin | 19th century |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | Between 35 and 70 pounds (16 and 32 kg) |
| Height | Between 18 and 23 inches (46 and 58 cm) |
| Coat | Weather-resistant, moderately long, wavy double coat with feathering on the back of the legs and around the face |
| Colours | Black, white, copper red, brown, blue merle, red merle, solid black, solid red |
| Eyes | May have two different coloured eyes (heterochromia) |
| Tail | Long or naturally bobbed (short) |
| Energy | Very active and energetic |
| Trainability | Highly trainable, quick learners |
| Temperament | Easy-going, loving, alert, confident, independent, affectionate, devoted to their families |
| Health | Prone to developmental issues with vision and hearing if bred with two copies of the dominant merle gene |
| Family | Good with children and other pets if socialised early and often |
| Living Environment | Not suitable for apartments, need access to outdoor spaces to run, play and exercise |
| Breeders | Choose a hobby breeder who is interested in the health and welfare of the breed |
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What You'll Learn
Online classifieds
When searching for a dam Australian Shepherd online, it is important to be vigilant and do your research to separate the good breeders from the bad. Online classifieds can be a great way to find a breeder, but it is not always the best choice. The internet has allowed many puppy mills to thrive, so it is crucial to be cautious and take the time to find a good breeder who is interested in the health and welfare of the breed.
There are several online classifieds platforms that offer Australian Shepherd puppies for sale, such as KSL Classifieds. When using these platforms, it is important to verify the legitimacy of the offers and protect yourself from potential scams. It is also essential to ensure that the breeder competes with their dogs in some venue and belongs to at least one breed club, as puppy mills do not compete with their dogs and are only interested in producing large numbers of puppies for profit.
When choosing a breeder, look for one who can show you a clean environment, well-socialized puppies, and a dam with a good temperament. A reputable breeder will be willing to provide references, such as names of past puppy buyers, and will not pressure you into making a hasty decision. They should also provide a written contract and/or conditions of sale and require spaying or neutering of pet-quality puppies.
It is worth noting that the cost of an Australian Shepherd from a breeder is typically higher than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. Adopting from a shelter can be a more affordable option, and the adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
While online classifieds can be a convenient way to find Australian Shepherds, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and take the necessary steps to ensure the health and welfare of the dogs.
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Breeders
When looking for a breeder, it is important to do your research to find a good one. A reputable breeder should be willing to show you a clean environment, well-socialized puppies, and a dam with a good temperament. They should also be happy to provide references, such as names of past puppy buyers, and should not pressure you into making a quick decision. They should also be able to provide a written contract and/or conditions of sale.
There are several types of breeders to be aware of. Internet sales can be a good option if you take the time to find a breeder who is interested in the health and welfare of the breed. Look for someone who competes with their dogs and belongs to at least one breed club. Pet shops or dealers are generally not recommended, as the puppies are often poorly bred and raised for profit, with little care put into their health and well-being. Backyard breeders are also not a good choice, as they often know little about genetics, breed history, or health testing. They may be doing it for fun or to make money, but they are usually not aware of or concerned with breed problems.
Hobby breeders, on the other hand, are considered the best choice. These breeders regard their dogs as a serious hobby and do not expect to make a profit. They are dedicated to improving the breed and selectively carry out their breeding programs with only the best quality available. Reputable breeders do not want their dogs to be used just for making puppies or to end up in "puppy mills".
When looking for a breeder, you can also consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue. This option is usually more affordable and includes additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
It is also important to consider the unique characteristics of the Australian Shepherd breed before committing to a breeder. These dogs are highly intelligent, active, and energetic, requiring a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. They are also very trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement, but they can also pick up bad habits quickly. Australian Shepherds are typically good with children and other pets if socialized early and often. They have an easy-going temperament and are known for their beautiful, shiny coats that come in various colours and patterns.
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Shelters or rescue centres
If you are looking to adopt a dam Australian Shepherd, also known as an "Aussie", shelters and rescue centres are a great place to start your search. Aussies are a playful breed that provides excellent companionship to active children. They are smart, trainable, protective, and eager to please. Aussies are gentle with humans and aggressive when herding farm animals. They are very good with children and tend to get along well with other pets.
When searching for a shelter or rescue centre, it is important to do your research to find a reputable organisation. Look for shelters that are associated with breed-specific clubs or organisations, such as the United States Australian Shepherd Association. These organisations can provide you with information on the breed standard, health, and temperament, as well as help you find a reputable shelter or rescue centre.
Additionally, you can ask your local vet for advice on finding a reputable shelter or rescue centre. Vets often have connections with local shelters and can provide you with information on the availability of Australian Shepherds in your area. Shelters and rescue centres typically have a variety of puppies and adult dogs available for adoption, so you can find the right dog for your family.
It is important to note that Australian Shepherds are a high-energy breed and require plenty of exercises and stimulation. They do best with access to a large yard or outdoor space where they can run, play, and exercise. When considering a shelter or rescue centre, look for organisations that prioritise the health and welfare of the dogs in their care and provide adequate exercise and stimulation.
By adopting from a shelter or rescue centre, you are not only providing a loving home for a deserving dog but also supporting the important work of these organisations in finding homes for homeless and abandoned animals.
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Backyard breeders
To avoid backyard breeders, it is recommended to choose a reputable breeder who will show you a clean environment, well-socialized puppies, and a dam with a good temperament. They should be willing to provide references and not pressure you into deciding immediately. A reputable breeder will also require spaying or neutering of pet quality puppies to prevent their dogs from being used just to "make puppies" or ending up in "puppy mills".
When searching online, look for a breeder that competes with their dogs and belongs to at least one breed club. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies for profit and do not compete with their dogs. Pet shops or dealers are also not recommended as the pups are poorly bred and raised for high profits, with little care put into their health and well-being.
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Hobby breeders
When looking for a hobby breeder, it is important to do your research to find the right one. Serious and dedicated hobby breeders regard their dogs as a hobby and do not expect a profit. They are knowledgeable about pedigrees and genetics, breed history, and health testing before breeding. They also provide a sanitary environment for their dogs and puppies, proper medical care, and adequate attention and exercise.
To find a reputable hobby breeder, you can start by contacting your local Australian Shepherd club or the United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA) for recommendations. You can also search online or visit breeders in your area to find one whose dogs meet your needs. It is recommended to avoid buying from pet shops or puppy mills, as these sources may not prioritize the dogs' health and well-being.
When choosing a hobby breeder, ask them questions to assess their knowledge and commitment to ethical breeding practices. Inquire about the sire and dam's health clearances, registration, pedigree, and any health guarantees. A good breeder will be patient and thorough in answering your questions and will be interested in finding the best match for their puppies.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find a dam Australian Shepherd from a breeder, pet shop, or dealer, or through internet sales. However, it is recommended to choose a reputable breeder who is interested in the health and welfare of the breed and avoid purchasing from pet shops or dealers, as these puppies are often poorly bred and raised for profit.
A good breeder will be able to show you a clean environment, well-socialized puppies, and a dam with a good temperament. They will be willing to provide references from past puppy buyers, give you time to make a decision, and encourage you to educate yourself about the breed. They will also provide a written contract and require spaying or neutering of pet-quality puppies.
Adopting an Australian Shepherd from a shelter or rescue can be more affordable than purchasing from a breeder, and the adoption fee typically covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
