When considering an Australian Shepherd puppy, please look at what the Breed Standard says about the character of an Australian Shepherd - " The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is an 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."

 

    If anything in that Breed Standard gives you pause, you may want to re-consider your choice of a breed. No matter how adorable an Aussie pup is, they will soon grow to be what the Breed Standard describes. This breed was developed to be a tough working dog and to protect home and family. These traits are inherent in most well bred Aussies and are treasured by many but also can quickly become the reason a pup is turned over to rescue or returned to the breeder. An Aussie is an extremely smart canine athlete, to put it another way. They thrive on abundant daily exercise and early and consistent training, and will also quickly develop unwanted behaviors if deprived of training and exercise.

 

    My deepest desire as a breeder is to place my pups in homes where they will be treasured for the Breed characteristics they exhibit. In order for that to become reality, YOU have to be completely honest as to your reasons for bringing an Aussie into your home as it is extremely unfair to a pup to do so only because you think they are beautiful to look at. From your breeder, you should expect help, honesty and answers to your questions and I in turn expect you to be honest with me as to why, realistically, you want an Aussie pup and whether you will be able to meet the training, health and exercise needs of this active dog for the next 13-15 years.