IndigoMoon Aussies
Tips for puppy buyers;
I am literally appalled at the number of "breeders" advertising Australian
Shepherd puppies for sale as "show" and breeding prospects which have
obvious faults and disqualifications.
If you are considering owning an Aussie because you feel it's unique looks
and personality would be a great addition to your family, please go to AKC,
ASCA and USASA, and familiarize yourself with our standard.
While professional and catchy websites may look appealing, that does not
guarantee a devoted, professional breeder. Do your homework, ask
questions. Any breeder devoted to the preservation of our breed, breeds first
and foremost for their own kennel, and will be keeping at least one of the
puppies. They are going to ask a lot of questions, have you fill out
questionnaires, and provide references. Any person that is selling puppies
and the only requirement is the cash to make a purchase is probably NOT in
this for the right reasons. The majority of reputable breeders spend hours
studying pedigrees, make huge financial investments in their breeding stock,
health clearances and prenatal care for the bitch. Their puppies receive the
highest medical care, they feed quality food, and all puppies and breeding
stock are UTD on vaccines and preventatives.
It is possible to financially profit from breeding, if you have the facilities and
the capital for the initial investments. The majority of serious, responsible
breeders generally have 1-3 litters a year. The profit from such is generally
reinvested back into their breeding program; larger kennel runs, new
equipment, health screening, etc. There are simply no shortcuts in breeding
outstanding, well balanced, healthy canines. If a breeder has the right
intentions, they should be active in one of the registries, and should be
competing in some venue, or have an active ranch/farm. Please choose your
breeder as carefully as you would a babysitter for your children. Almost every
puppy is "adorable", but as your puppy matures into adolescence, then into
adulthood, the time, energy, resources and INTENTIONS of such breeder is
going to show. The majority of Aussies in shelters and rescue organizations
are the result of negligent breeding, and uniformed owners. Those who
bought a "cute" puppy, but then were faced with a 50 pound animal that
wouldn't stop barking, chewed through fences, and had a myriad of health
problems. The following can't guarantee you a happy, healthy animal, but it
can offer some guidelines and what to consider when shopping for a puppy.
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, active, comical dogs. They need to be
with their family. They need attention and exercise. They are animated and
eager to please. I cannot imagine my life without them! We have been
breeding canines since 1982, and are happy to assist you in any way we can!
Health issues;
Eye anomalies, Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy. These are the most common
health issues seen in the Australian Shepherd. Breeding stock; all dams
used in a breeding program should be a minimum of 24 months; OFA
does not give a final rating prior to 24 months. All sires should have OFA
pre-lim, as some sires are used prior to the age of 24 months. There is no
physical compromise on the stud dog. A female used in breeding needs
to be emotionally and physically mature prior to breeding, and with the
potential for some change in the hips due to large litters, all dams should
have their OFA final rating PRIOR to first litter.
Eyes, new gene markers have allowed breeders to increase the screening
process for genetic eye issues, along with Cerf, we are now able to DNA
test for several eye issues, tests include AHT, HSF1, PRA to name a few.
The majority of responsible breeders are taking full advantage of this
myriad of available tests.
Please note; In some instances, you may see the term, "cleared by
parentage", this is ONLY a truthful and accurate statement in regards to
DNA health tests, and is NOT applicable to Hips-OFA nor Cerf.
Examples; All puppies produced by the cross Ch Rico and Beyonce are
clear of the HSF4 cataract mutation, as this is a DNA test on both genes
from both sets. So any offspring would be clear of such mutation. In this
same scenario, simply because Ch Rico is rated "good" OFA- hips, and
Beyonce also rated "good" OFA- hips, any offspring will STILL require
testing, and the term, "cleared by parentage" is NOT accurate.
Only DNA tests, which scientifically clear both parents, sire and dam, via
use of cheek swab or blood typing can be used accurately and truthfully
and then of course only if BOTH parents are clear both in affected and
carrier. Each gene carries 2 markers, and each marker must be checked,
this is phenotype and genotype, what we see or find, and what may be a
recessive or "carried" in the genetic components/markers.
ANY breeder which states an animal is "clear" or "normal" because the
sire and/or dam are not affected with hip Dysplasia, or based on a Cerf
(Cerf is what a canine ophthalmologist can note at the time of
examination) it does NOT give ANY indication of genetic markers, or what
a canine may have in genetic mutations; is either deliberately being
deceptive or has NO understanding of genetics therefore pedigree's and
should NOT be breeding!
Health Guarantees; any health guarantee should be a minimum of 30
months. OFA (orthopedic foundation for animals) does not give a
permanent hip evaluation and rating until any canine is a minimum of 24
months. Epilepsy in the Australian Shepherd, when inherited does not
generally produce symptoms (seizures) until AFTER one year of age.
Color and markings; ANY Aussie, that has a complete white ear, or two
whites ears is deaf, and while some people may consider this a suitable
"pet" it should NEVER be used in a breeding program, and is not qualified
for the Conformation ring. Any eye NOT surrounded by color other than
white is going to have vision issues, if not totally blind. Again, while some
people may consider this suitable for a "pet", no Aussie with lack of eye
pigmentation should be used in a breeding program, and will not qualify
for the Conformation ring.
Descriptions such as, "unique color", or "rare color pattern" are fancy
and deceptive ways of letting you know that such animal has a coloration
that does not meet the standard for our breed. While this is perfectly
acceptable for a "pet", a non standard color should never be used for,
nor sold for breeding or show.
Pet versus Show; the majority of reputable breeders limit the number of
puppies that are sold as show prospects and with a contract that allows
for breeding. The investment of time, money and resources to reach a
level of excellence in our breed means we are going to be very particular
who walks away with one of our progeny with breeding rights. In general
the contract on these is going to contain some strict requirements.
Those breeders who have very little investment, are not going to care,
and probably won't even ask you about your future plans.
Even a pet puppy will be priced around $900-1800.00 Depending on the
gender, the actual pedigree etc, and if the particular animal carries a fault
which renders he/she unfit for the show ring, (faulty bite, white body
patch) but in NO way effects their ability to compete in performance
events or to be a wonderful pet, or herding dog.
Buying a puppy is a significant investment. Whether you are considering
some particular venue of interest, showing, fly ball, etc. Or you are
looking for a companion, this is going to change your life. It is a
commitment and should be given the time and the attention to details that
any other major plans in your life are given. We wish you the very best on
finding the Australian Shepherd of your dreams. If we do not have the
puppy you are looking for, chances are we know someone that does, we
are happy to make referrals to the breeders that share our philosophies.
IndigoMoon Aussies, Christie Cotton, member in good standing; AKC,
ASCA, USASA, NWAKC.