Australian Shepherds

[agcranfill]

He really is a chunky monkey! I love it. Especially his stubby little legs.

And his breeder just told me he has really even temperament so far. Playful, responsive and not too barky! (they've got one obnoxious barker)

I am really way too excited. I've already purchased his crate, bed, puppy toys, chuckit, chew toys, puppy collar, leash, and food bowl. I spend free time researching the best puppy foods and training methods. I've learned to not engage in jumping activities until he is a year old (bummer), I know every product that could effect a MDR1 prone breed, and I have a countdown application on my phone numbering the days till my puppy comes home.

It has really gotten absurd to tell you the truth

[kian]

He is going to be a cutie as he grows and fills in! Do you have a name yet? Good luck with no jumping, that didn't last with Allie. I got her in July and when the snows came in November she found the joy of doing jump flip turns to catch the snowflakes. That led to snowballs and she did just fine. Ice was easier to keep down, now he can jump up and over my leg. (See the pics on the UFO thread, you can see him jumping over my leg, ignore silverhaired lady ).

I used a side harness when they were pups, worked nicely. The clip is on the side, which makes it nice for walks and training.

Soon very soon! Get all the sleep and running around done now as that will change.

[agcranfill]

Haha yeah. Even with all of the training articles and books I have read, I know that I am going to be quickly humbled. I'll remember the side harness, and definitely check out the UFO thread. You have peaked my interest.

THE NAME.

That is the one area where I am seriously flopping. I go back and forth. I ask everyone I know. I have a list. If anyone wants to offer an opinion or new name suggestions, here is my current list of name options (in alphabetical order):

Archer
Doug
Finn
Hudson
Jack
Max
Mason
Miles
Petey

[CS&Me]

Hello Everyone! I know I haven't really been in on the conversation but I just want to say Good Luck to you above me with picking your Aussie's Name! And also I was wondering what's the difference between Mini Australian Shepherds and regular sized Australian Shepherds (other than the size) . Well that's all for right now!

[kian]

CS that is the difference, size. A good breeder will pass on the same traits found in the Australian Shepherd and won't try to dilute any of those fine qualities.

AG, I like Mason or Archer, of course it's your choice!

[agcranfill]

Thanks Kian. Ive been leaning towards Mason. I'm from North Carolina so its a little southern. And it rolls off the tongue nicely!

[4CrazyCanines]

Mason is very cute! So how many days until you get the little guy?

[4CrazyCanines]

I can't really comment on Aussies per se, as I've never owned one, but I know a bit about purebred dogs. They have a standard, and common characteristics, which is what makes them their breed. When you take a dog that is bred for a specific purpose, especially a working group dog, and then proceed to breed out the characteristics that make that dog true to his breed (in this case, the herding instinct), you are breaking the standard, and no longer are breeding true to your standard. If you want a pretty dog with no herding instinct, there are other choices, but choosing an Aussie that has purposefully been bred to lack Aussie characteristics seems very wrong to me.

In my opinion, an Aussie breeder that has a dog with no working drive or herding instinct, and he then breeds that dog to another similar dog is NOT breeding Aussies. He's changing them, and I'm pretty sure the parent club would object strenuously to such a practice.

I understand the debate that is taking place here, and recognize both sides have validity, and my comments are not necessarily on topic. But, again in my opinion, once you purposefully breed against the standard, you are no longer breeding purebred anythings.

And Phyrie - that's the point I was trying to make. If you're looking to buy an Aussie that has been bred purposefully to NOT have Aussie traits (and therefore you're really just going for looks), what's the point? That's not an Aussie IMO and like you pointed out, there are a million other choices out there for a canine companion. I completely agree with what you said. Any breeder that goes against the breed standard should not be breeding.

[lynners]

Any breeder that goes against the breed standard should not be breeding.

I'm going to start a new topic based on this quote. Hoping for an ethical discussion

[agcranfill]

I get the little Mason in 22 days hopefully. He is being shipped from Texas and the temperature has to be below 85 to put him on a plane. So fingers crossed!

[4CrazyCanines]

Any breeder that goes against the breed standard should not be breeding.

I'm going to start a new topic based on this quote. Hoping for an ethical discussion

Uh oh ... Should I be scared lol? Did you happen to read our "breeding mixed breeds for a purpose" thread? I know you were away for a little bit, Lynners. The thread was not supposed to be about "designer breeds" (even though most of it strayed towards that topic) but rather cowdogs, lurchers, sport dogs, etc.

[4CrazyCanines]

I get the little Mason in 22 days hopefully. He is being shipped from Texas and the temperature has to be below 85 to put him on a plane. So fingers crossed!

I bet you can't wait!!! So you decided on "Mason" then?

[agcranfill]

I think so. It was already a top choice and I did a poll amongst about 15 different friends and acquaintances and got positive results. My mom was the only voice of hesitation, but I think Ive decided that I should choose the name that I like, not the one that she wants.

And I am way too excited.

[lynners]

Ach, no. Sorry, Accelerated Aussies (I don't recall your real name, if you posted it here??). Didn't meant to make it seem like I was going to call you out on something. I know you've already seen the thread, but for anyone else reading this, that statement reminded me of a breed that probably shouldnt be bred true to historical type and I thought it would be a good discussion.

[CS&Me]

Hola! I'm Back & I Was Wondering What Do You Guys Think Are Some Pros & Cons To Aussies (as Owners of them)?