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RIGHT BREED | REPUTABLE BREEDER | BUYERS CHECKLIST | BREEDERS DIRECTORY | RESCUE INFO


Is This The Right Breed For You?

 

Miniature Australian Shepherds are loving and devoted companions to their families but are generally reserved with strangers. This natural reserve means that this is not the dog that will bound up to strangers to be petted, but instead will stand firmly by your side until introductions are made and the MAS sees that the stranger is acceptable to you. While this trait makes them wonderful guardians of home and family, it does require early socialization with people outside the family. Their intelligence and loving nature make it easy for them to form strong bonds with their family.

The MAS is a herding dog with strong natural instincts. Unfocused, this herding instinct may be used inappropriately to herd small animals (like cats) and children. Chasing bicyclists, or other fast-moving objects is often appealing to them as well, and should be curbed as a young puppy. A herding dog will often nip at the heels of livestock to get them moving, and many puppies may try this on their humans as well. Teaching the MAS not to chase, herd or nip at these inappropriate targets will not subdue their natural instinct to herd livestock.

The MAS is not a "busy" dog that is in constant motion but they are a high energy dog that needs a purpose or a job to do.  Basic training in Obedience is strongly recommended as a means to teach dog and owner how to work together. Playing and exercise should be a daily routine with the MAS.  Small jobs around the house keep the MAS’ mind and body challenged, such as picking up the newspaper, or finding toys.

The Mini Aussie is a fun, intelligent, highly motivated dog with a great sense of humor and play.   Bringing a Mini Aussie into your home and family can be a rewarding experience for years to come.

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What Is A Reputable Breeder?

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You have decided that a Purebred dog is for you. What is your next move? What steps should you take to insure that your pup meets your requirements? Doubtless, this purchase should receive thoughtful consideration. It's no loaf of bread you're buying--this little pup will be a member of your family for a decade or more. Choosing a reputable breeder is primary to your objective.

Since it is almost impossible for YOU to know what any of these little pups will grow into physically and emotionally, you must rely entirely upon your faith in the person from whom you are purchasing your pup. There are three options open to you in choosing this person.

  1. PET SHOP OR DEALER. The Worst Choice Possible! Pups are poorly bred and raised. They are thought of as merchandise (the loaf of bread) to be sold for a high profit. This high profit is possible because little has been put into the care of these pups. Many are sickly. Pet shops rely heavily on impulse buying via "the doggy in the window," which is no way to choose an addition to the family.

  2. BACKYARD BREEDER. Also a Poor Choice. This is the person who owns a pet "purebred" and thinks it would be "fun" to have puppies or maybe that it would be a great experience for the children. Even worse, perhaps it's being done to make money. Usually this breeder knows little about grooming and care, and still less of the breed history or the breed standard or how his dogs conform to it. The backyard breeders do not do regular examinations by veterinarians on any possible problems with their breed, nor do they x-ray hips. They are not even aware of breed problems nor do they care. There goal is to produce pups and when the "fun" is over, sell them quickly.

  3. HOBBY BREEDER. The Very Best Choice. The serious and dedicated hobby breeder regards their dogs as just that--a hobby. They do not expect a huge profit. When someone breeds dogs for enjoyment and for the pleasure and thrill of producing the very finest specimens possible, rather than for profit, the result is SUPERIOR. These breeders acknowledge responsibility for each and every puppy produced and stand behind every dog they have bred. Without question, your choice should be the HOBBY BREEDER.

It is an interesting fact that poor quality pups from pet shops and backyard breeders are usually sold for the same price and some times even more than those purchased from the serious hobby breeder. All three of the above types of breeders sell puppies that may be NAMASCUSA register able--this is not an assurance of quality or dedication to the breed. So, the question is: How does one recognize the serious, dedicated hobby breeder? Prepared below is criteria that you should require your breeder to meet before you consider purchasing your purebred dog. Do not be afraid to confront them with these requirements. It is your RIGHT and you can rest assured that the dedicated breeder will respond positively and with pride. Your Breeder should:

  • Belong to a local breed club or a national all-breed club. Ideally, he or she belongs to several. However, sometimes this is impossible if there is no local breed club in the area. The reason for this requirement is that this sort of participation indicates depth of involvement. This breeder is exposed to other points of view, learns more about his breed, general dog care, modern breeding practices and is kept up to date. He is breeding in accordance with a Code of Ethics.

  • Be involved in showing their dog(s). This means that your breeder is not breeding in a vacuum. The breeder who does not show has no idea how good his dogs really are and is deprived of the opportunity to share information and ideas with others. Showing provides the competition which encourages breeders to produce better dogs. The breeder who shows wants to prove how good his dogs are in competition and is putting his breeding program on the line. He is not relying on just a pedigree to indicate quality. Even though you do not want a show dog, you deserve a pet that is the end result of a carefully planned litter--a pup which received the same care as a potential champion. The Breeder who is known by others and has a reputation to uphold will undoubtedly be as careful and honest in selling you your pet as he is in selling his show dogs.

  • Give you a period of time which to allow you to have the pup examined by a veterinarian to determine his state of health, so that both of you are assured as to its health. If a problem should arise, it can then be quickly resolved. This period of time is usually 48 to 72 hours.

  • Give you written instructions on feeding, training, care and grooming. You should also be given the pup's health/shot records. The breeder should supply you with information where you can purchase books about the breed.

  • Be able to show you proof that their stock has been x-rayed and is clear of hip dysplasia, with certification from OFA, GDC, Guelph (Ontario, Canada), or PennHip.

  • Make it clear to you that their responsibility continues long after you have taken your puppy home. Indeed, until your pup has departed this earth. Many dedicated breeders will ask that the pup be returned to them or placed with new owners who meet with their approval if for any reason you are unable to continue ownership.

  • Be curious about what kind of dogs you have had in the past and what happened to them.

  • Ask questions like whether or not you have a fenced yard or if the pup will be walked on lead. They will make certain you understand all the negative aspects of owning a dog as well as the positive. Having the pup's best interests at heart to say nothing of theirs and yours, a reputable breeder will take great pains to place his pups properly the first time around. A returned pup is a traumatic experience for all concerned and therefore, the breeder who is always willing to accept a puppy back will want to make certain that this specific purebred dog is the breed for you.

  • Be able to show you a clean environment, well-socialized puppies and a dam with a good temperament (happy and self-assured).BMMShylr.jpg (17405 bytes)

  • Be willing to give you references--names of people who have purchased pups from him in the past or of others in the breed.

  • Perhaps be a bit hesitant to sell you a pup until they know more about you. Will not pressure you into deciding immediately, and encourage you to see other litters before making your final selection.

  • Provide a written contract and/or conditions of sale.

  • Require spaying or neutering of pet quality puppies. Breeders spend a lot of time and effort planning breeding programs designed to improve the breed. They selectively carry on their programs with only the best quality available. Pet quality puppies should be loved and enjoyed as pets. Reputable breeders don't want their dogs being used just to "make puppies" or worse yet, to have their puppies end up in "puppy mills" where they will be mass produced. Therefore, they will require that pets be spayed or neutered before being registered with NAMASCUSA.

If your breeder meets all the above criteria, you are in good hands. If you find yourself with a negative response to any of these, think twice, discuss the situation with someone else. Don't be impulsive and DO ASK QUESTIONS!

KEEP THIS IN MIND: YOU ARE PROBABLY GOING TO PAY FOR QUALITY. WHETHER YOU GET IT OR NOT IS UP TO YOU!

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                                                                                        Picture compliments of Nancy Okerman and Cowtown Kennels


Buyer's Checklist

All of the questions below should receive a "Yes" response, and a responsible breeder will be very happy to answer these questions for you. If you receive negative responses, or if a breeder is unwilling to answer, look elsewhere for a puppy.

TEMPERAMENT

____ Has the puppy been well socialized and exposed to a variety of new experiences?
____ Is the puppy outgoing and friendly toward strangers?
____ Does the mother of the puppy have a friendly, confident personality?
____ Does the breeder of the puppy require him to stay with his littermates until at least 8 weeks old?
____ Has the breeder discussed with you the high activity level of some NAS Mini Aussies and their exercise needs to avoid destructive behavior?
____ Has the breeder discussed with you the strong herding instinct in some NAS Mini Aussies and how that can result in heel nipping, pants leg biting, herding of children and chasing cars?

HEALTH

____ Was the puppy raised in a clean, safe environment? (Preferably in a home.)
____ Has the puppy received at least one "puppy shot"?
____ Has the puppy been de-wormed once or preferably twice?
____ Is the mother of the puppy at least 2 years of age?
____ Have both the sire and dam of the puppy had their hips x-rayed for hip dysplasia, and has documentation been provided to you?
____ Have both the sire and dam of the puppy had their eyes examined by a board-certified ophthalmologist to check for hereditary eye defects, and has documentation been provided to you?
____ Has the entire litter had its eyes examined for hereditary eye defects, and has documentation been provided to you?
____ Has the breeder discussed with you other potential health problems in the breed such as epilepsy, cancer and allergies?

CONTRACT

____ Have you been provided with a written contract which clearly states whether the puppy is of show/breeding quality or if it is required to be spayed or neutered?
____ Does the written contract guarantee the puppy or dog is free of debilitating hereditary defects including hip dysplasia and blindness?
____ Have you been provided with a written health record that describes shots and worming completed and any further shots, worming, and heartworm medicine that will be necessary after you take possession of the puppy?
____ Have you been provided with a 4 or 5 generation pedigree of the puppy?
____ Have you been provided with the registration certificate (or application) at the time you take possession of the puppy? Or if on a spay/ neuter agreement , is there a written agreement that upon proof of spay/neuter the registration certificate will be given to you.

Additional thoughts and considerations;

Price?
Paying the highest price does not mean you are going to receive the best puppy, but dedicated breeder has invested a great deal of time, planning, veterinary care, nutrition, showing and stud fees.  The initial purchase price is nothing compared with the costs involved in the upkeep of your puppy, which can to live to fifteen years of age.


Where to buy?
You may check out the Breeders Directory on this website for breeders local to you.  It's a good idea to do some reading before you start to talk to breeders, so that you can ask pertinent questions, and understand the responses that you receive.  It also shows to the breeder that you are serious about wanting a Mini Aussie!  You will find under the Events pages on this site locations of dog shows, which you can attend, in order to observe the different Mini Aussies’ entered and talk to breeders.  Speak to as many people as possible.  When speaking with a breeder regarding a possible purchase, ask for references and names of other puppy buyers, which should assist you to make your decision.   NAMASCUSA is the National Parent Club and Registry for the Mini Aussie and is here for its members and is working hard to maintain the quality of this breed.

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Rescue Information

NAMASCUSA does not have an official Rescue Organization at this time.  We do have volunteers that offer various levels of assistance in the placement of Mini Aussies' when they have been orphaned.

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California
Pam Hester
818-700-1068
gerrypam@earthlink.net
Willow Rock Rescue Info

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AVAILABLE DOGS
Check out the

Aussie Rescue Sites below


MARS
Mini Aussie Rescue & Support

miniaussierescue.org
info@miniaussierescue.org

P.O. Box 636
Hillsboro, NH 03244

Second Time Around
Aussie Rescue, Inc.


www.staar.org
Rescue@staar.org

``1-87 Rescue Us''
(1-877-372-8387)

Australian Shepherd Rescue and Placement Helpline, Inc.

www.aussierescue.org
ARPH@mindspring.com

``1-877 ARPH-779''
(1-877-277-4779)

So. California Aussie Rescue

www.aussierescuesocal.com
karyl@aussierescuesocal.com

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Breeders Directory

 

The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club Of The USA lists the breeders below as resources for you.   However, these are paid advertisements and NAMASCUSA does not endorse any breeder and does not guarantee the quality of the dogs.  We strongly advise that you read thoroughly What is a Reputable Breeder and the Buyer's Checklist before you begin your search for the perfect dog for your family. 

If you would like to have your name listed here, you must be a member in good standing with NAMASCUSA.  You can download this Application for Breeder Index and mail it to the following address:
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NAMASCUSA Breeder's Index


Contact Registrar for application 
or information regarding a listing

Please note that the fees collected for the Breeder's Index are used to maintain the list,
distribution cost of the paper list, and upkeep of this website.

Any problems with your current listing, contact webmaster@namascusa.com

 

NAMASCUSA Breeders listed by State

You can download this file and print it for future use

2007 Breeder's Directory 
printed file and webpage directory
were
updated as of
11/07


ARIZONA

A Kings Castle Yvonne Daughtery
Marana, AZ
520-665-2296
torah@team-national.com

www.akingscastleminiaussies.com
     
Bold Legend  Jeanette Ford
Chino Valley, AZ
928-636-1007
thewrightstuffl@cableone.net
www.aussiesindemand.com
Bold Heart Kathy Tomerlin
PO Box 91
Kearny, AZ 85237
520-357-7310
ktomerlin@copper.net

www.boldheartminiaussies.com
     
Cedar Valley Vicki Hovan
Flagstaff, AZ
928-779-0914
cedarvalleymules@yahoo.com
www.cedarvalleyranchminiaussies.com
Firehouse Kennels Janet Boursier
P.O. Box 527
Elfrida, AZ 85610
520-642-4545
janet@firehousekennels.com

www.firehousekennels.com
     
Teacup Treasures Kim Gardner
46585 Teacup Ranch
Florence, AZ 85232
602-377-8972
www.teacuptreasures.com
teacuptreasures@yahoo.com

 

CALIFORNIA

     
KissMe Kennels Judy Challinger
Vina, CA
judy@kissmekennels.com
www.kissmekennels.com
 
Swagman Denise Albright & 
Patrick Silvera
Exeter, California
(559) 592-2744
info@swagmankennels.com
www.swagmankennels.com
Tamworth Australian Shepherds Marti Schure
P.O. Box 3320
Fairfield, CA
 
707-426-3299
marti@tamworthaussies.com
Timeless Aussies Karen Keller
Buellton CA
(805) 688-0237
karenkeller@timelessaussies.com
www.timelessaussies.com
Thistle Creek Candy Nachel
Templeton, CA
805-610-1056
thistlecreek@sbcglobal.net

www.thistlecreekaussies.com
     
Willow Rock Ranch Pamela Hester
Winnetka, CA
818-700-1068
gwerda@msn.com
www.willowrockranch.com
 
Wolf Creek Janet  & Greg Brandon
26010 Sweet Road
Grass Valley, CA 95949
(530) 268-8095
wolfcreekranch@hughes.net

 

COLORADO

Alta Vista Carla Lewis
Calhan, CO
719-541-2166
altavistaranch@fairpoint.net

www.altavistaranch.com

 

CONNECTICUT

     
 
DELAWARE

  Jacquelyn Palermo
11603 Double Fork Road
Greenwood, DE 19950
302-349-9136
minisjf@aol.com

www.JandFminiatures.com

 

FLORIDA

Walkabout Kathy Kaeding
Panama City, FL
(850) 769-6747
walkabkk@aol.com
www.walkaboutkennels.com

 

GEORGIA

Goallday Dawn Prater
Moreland, GA
770-252-4138
praterdawn@bellsouth.net

www.goalldayminiaussie.com

 

IDAHO

Sierra Mini Aussies Marilyn Gadberry
Sagle, ID
aussiehome@hughes.net
www.sierraminiaussies.com

ILLINOIS

Alstar Aussies Connie Orwig
PO Box 208
Oneida, IL 61467
309-483-6555
alstaraussie@winco.net
www.alstaraussies.com
  Linda K Agan
Galesberg, IL
309-344-5300
www.afarmonline.com
afarm@gallatinriver.net
Morning Sun Renee Lashbrook
Sublette, IL
815-849-9018
morningsun@essex1.com

www.morningsuns.com

 

INDIANA

Wigglebutt Bill & Angela Ogle
404 Brookwood Court
Valparaiso, IN
219-465-1624
www.wigglebuttaussies.com
minis@wigglebuttaussies.com

 

MAINE

Lakeside Kelly Reilly
P.O. Box 647
Princeton, ME
207-796-2035
lakesidekennels@yahoo.com
   
www.lakesidekennels.com

MARYLAND

Nickajack Anne Nutter
Hugesville, MD
dnanutter2@comcast.net
Dickens Tail Margie Spence
180 Pleasant Valley Rd
Westminster, MD 21158
410-876-7527
dickenstails@aol.com
www.geocities.com/dickenstails

 

MASSACHUSETTS

Radiant Aussies

Rayma R. Wojcik
Blandord MA

radiantaussies@aol.com
www.radiantaussies.com


 

MICHIGAN

Maple Lane Kennel Kristie Covault
408 45th Street
Grand Junction, MI 49056
269-521-4590
bkcovault@btc-bci.com

www.maplelanekennel.com

 

MINNESOTA

Birch View Kennel Sharon Sloper
Elk River, MN
763-441-5933
birchviewminis@aol.com

www.birchviewkennel.com
 
       
Elk Lake Kennels Lois & Warren Emmons
Zimmerman, MN
763-856-2618
elklake@connections-etc.net
www.elklakeminiaussies.com

 

MISSOURI

Chesapeake Aussie Susan Stern
Lone Jack, MO
816-566-0174
sstern572@aol.com

www.chesapeakeaussie.com
     
Patchwork Linda Perry
Aurora, MO
417-678-1567
linda@patchworkfarms.com

www.patchworkfarms.com

 

MONTANA

Beargrass Rena Heaton
Missoula, MT
406-210-3040
renah57@msn.com

www.beargrasskennels.com
     
Cowtown Nancy Okerman
HC 40 Box 6491
Miles City, MT 59301
406-421-5311
tophat@rangeweb.net

www.cowtownkennels.com

 

NEVADA

Destiny Kathy Croswhite-Munson
Reno, NV
775-233-0219
destinyaussies@sbcglobal.net

www.destinyaussiedogs.com
     
Gottabe Lori McClelland
P.O. Box 8217
Reno, NV 89507
gottabeaussies@yahoo.com
www.gottabeaussie.com

 
NORTH DAKOTA

RNJ Teresa M. Jorgenson
Williston, ND
701-774-1958
ndra@dia.net

www.rnjminiaussies.com

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

JemJera Kennel Judith M. Britton
Bible Hill Road
Claremont, NH
603-542-4175
jbritton@cheshire.net

 

NEW MEXICO

Ghost Creek Pamela & Steven England, DVM
18 Eastwind Lane
Edgewood, NM
505-281-1510
ghostcreekminis@msn.com
www.ghostcreekminiaussies.com
 

Placitas

Lauri & Paul Jaramillo
Placitas, NM
505-404-8085
lauri@placitasminis.com

www.placitasminis.com

 

NEW YORK

 

 

OHIO

     

 

OKLAHOMA

Arastya Vickie L. Bratcher
Blanhard, OK
405-412-3438
arastya@man.com

www.arastyasaussies.com
Rocking 2R Kennel Judy Reynolds
Maysville, OK
405-867-1551
rocking2r@valornet.com
www.rocking2r.com

OREGON

Alpine Wendy Broderick
Bend, OR
541- 382-1521
alpinemini@yahoo.com
     

Divine Mini Aussies    

Suzanne and Dave Sanderson
Medford, OR 97504

541 601-6691
suzanne@divineminis.com
www.divineminis.com


 

PENNSYLVANIA    

Great Companions Linda DuBois
2029 Wells Court
Allentown, PA
lindadb@ptd.net
www.greatcompanionsminiaussies.com

 

SOUTH CAROLINA

Wanna'be Susan Sinclair
Georgetown, SC
843-904-6405
chwannabe@aol.com
www.wannabekennels.com

 

SOUTH DAKOTA

Bluegrass Lynn & Gardner Gray
PO Box 153
Pringle, SD 57773
605-673-3730
2grays@goldenwest.net
www.bluegrasskennels.com
Sagonige Kennels Ann and  Thomas Hyer
P.O. Box 541
Custer, S. Dakota 57730
605-673-2179
t.hyer@juno.com
www.sagonigekennels.com

 

TENNESSEE

Southern Rose Scotty Rose
Newbern, TN
731-627-2033
southernrose5@juno.com
www.southernrosekennels.com

 

TEXAS

Innovative Kim Dostie
Boyd, TX
817-220-0461
817-798-5213 cell
kim@innovativefarms.com

www.innovativefarms.com
 
Maximum Lindsay Johnson & Terry Carver
Brenham, TX
979-830-5034
terri@maximumaussies.com
www.maximumaussies.com
     
Texas Cross Vicki & Adrianne Tullier
Magnolia, TX
281-541-3158
tullier@sbcglobal.net

www.texascrosskennels.com

 

WASHINGTON

Celebrity Ward Wendy Ward
Onalaska, WA
360-262-9852
102applewood@msn.com

www.celebrityward.com
     
Chandrea Farms Cheryl Hass
Newport, WA
cheryl@chandreafarms.com
www.chandreafarms.com
     
McFinley Deborah Dulaney & Diane McGee
5706 Keating Road NW
Olympia, WA 98502
360-866-1948
ddulaney@mcfinley.com

www.mcfinley.com
     
Ridgestar Mona Cooper
P.O. Box 30890
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-312-1030
bkcooper@aol.com

www.ridgestarminis.com
Debi Griego
Payallup, WA
253-846-0426
dgtopdog@peoplepc.com

www.oldgloryminiaussiekennel.com
 
Tagalong Cindy Mayfield
Battleground, WA
(360) 687-0360

 
WISCONSIN

ARAQUA Dianne M. Smith
420 Woodland Drive
Strum, WI 54770
715-695-3177
araquaminiaussies@triwest.net
ARAQUA Mini Aussies
     
  Carole Gillette
550 124 st Street
Franksville, WI 53126
414-427-5996
EQUAS5@aol.com

www.springmeadowminiaussie.com

 

WYOMING

Shoeshone Trial West Sherie Gilham
Powell, WY
307-754-9483
shergil@wir.net
     

 

     

     
 
     

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