Australian Shepherds

[kian]

Mason you are one happy puppy!!

[agcranfill]

He really is a happy puppy. Except when he is locked in his crate, I don't think has had a an unhappy moment. Kian, you have both a big Aussie and a mini Aussie. Can I ask a quick question? He seems awfully big for his age. I've looked up pics of big Aussies his age and his seems undersized, but when I look up minis he seems big! He is 14 weeks old and is almost 15 inches at the withers and weighs 19 lbs. Does this seem comparable to Allie's size at that age?

[jeanglee]

Does anyone else do herding with their Aussie? Tesla had his first herding lesson today and he did so well!
So proud of him! I'm going to start taking him regularly and maybe even compete if he gets good enough.
Would love to chat with someone who's in the same boat as us!

[Phyrie]

You would probably find more like-interested people if you joined a group specifically devoted to your sport/breed. While you are certainly welcome here, and I don't mean to discourage you, but we have a much more diverse group of pets here, with just a few Aussies, and only one is involved in herding, AFAIK.

[radler20]

Just wanted to chime in here to say hello.

Just got my first Aussie about 9 weeks ago (also the featured Daily Puppy of Friday, March 16!!!), and I couldn't be happier with her. She's my little buddy!

So anyway.... HI!!!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Radler, it would be lovely of you to post about yourself, and your dog in our Introduction Section so everyone can meet you properly. Congratulations on being the "Puppy of the Day" in March. Without viewing your profile, I would have not made the connection.

Clearly you are very pleased with your puppy, as it should be. Welcome to The Daily Puppy!

[Dogmania]

My little princess is 5y/o occasionally she’ll eat something that disagrees with her. We’re pretty thorough about watching her intake, but she mooches very well and we give in. Since we know that her system is sensitive we have a list of things we don’t let her eat. We have had to periodically change her dog food when we detect gastric disturbance. She’s such an angel. She get a little depressed when we miss taking her to the park, but she doesn’t destroy property. She starts to lick her paws constantly and we know we have to take her to play frisbee or catch. Aussie are awesome.

[Atlantagatorgal]

Hy everyone! Just wanted to say hello and tell you that I am about to be mom of a Mini Australian Shepherd. She is a Blue Merle and is currently three weeks old. I will be able to pick her up in about seven weeks and I can't wait. I look forward to conversing with everyone and seeking advice when needed.

[kian]

Welcome to the Aussie forum! I own a Blue Merle ASCA Aussie who just won Best of Show in his first competition (I'm still excited) and a Mini Aussie Allie who is a Black Tri. Duh, you can see them on my Avi! My mini has done some SAR and will be starting Agility next week. They are a fun breed, any questions feel free to ask!

[Atlantagatorgal]

Thank you for your warm welcome! I am very excited indeed! I have been wanting to get a dog that I can work with and train now that my life has slowed down since my daughter has left the competitive cheerleading world. Lots of time on my hands now!! I am such an animal lover and work steadily with finding homes for dogs and the GSPCA. Seven weeks cannot fo by fast enough. Her name is Allie Jo. Allie being tied to the mascot at the Univ. of Florida. I am a huge Gator fan! I have gotten the first pictures of her and she is just so cute! I am sure I will have questions as time goes by.

[kian]

Allie Jo, I like that name.

[kian]

MDR1 ALERT FOR ALL COLLIE AND AUSSIE OWNERS:

This is a mutant gene which 70% of Collies and 50% of Aussies (minis to) are coming up positive. This gene can cause severe reactions with Ivermectin as found in Heartguard. There is a simple inexpensive test that is now available. Both of mine will be tested as soon I receive the kit. If your dog test negative, then Ivermectin can be given.

Info from the Australian Shepherd Genetic and Research: http://www.ashgi.org/articles/mdr1.htm

How do I know if my dog has the MDR1 mutation?
If your dog has already reacted to one of these drugs, it has the mutation. However, reactions can be so dangerous to your dog it is advisable to have the dog tested so you know whether it is sensitive before it receives any of the listed drugs.


What do the MDR1 test results mean?
This is a DNA mutation test. It will determine whether or not a dog has the MDR1 mutation and, if it does, whether it has one copy or two. The test report will provide you with the genotype for your dog, generally listed as Normal/Normal, Normal/Mutant or Mutant/Mutant.

Dogs with even one copy of the mutation should be considered sensitive to listed drugs. If your dog carries the mutation, provide a copy of the test results and a copy of the listed drugs to every veterinarian who treats your dog and let them know your dog cannot have those drugs.


What dogs should be tested and how often?

Since this is a DNA test, a dog only needs to be tested once. Due to the high frequency of the mutation in the breed and the variety of drugs to which dogs with the mutation can react, all dogs, including rescues of unknown parentage and Aussie-mixes should be tested. Their lives could depend on it.

The only exception is as follows: If both parents of a dog have tested Normal/Normal, they cannot pass on the gene and their offspring will not need to be tested. However, if a Normal/Normal dog is bred to one of unknown status or one that has even a single copy of the mutation, the offspring must be tested.

Dogs that do not carry an MDR1 mutation may safely receive the listed drugs.

How do I get the test done?
For those in North America, The test is available through Washington State University. Information can be found on their website:
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/announcements/ivermectin/

Here is the site to order the testing kit, it is inexpensive and so worth it.
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/index.aspx

[Dogmania]

Thank you for the alert. Is this something that a dog would have an immediate reaction or is it something that might surface later? My dog Mandy has had Heartguard treaments with no apparent reactions, but I'd rather be safe that sorry.
Again, we thank you for the guidance.

[kian]

Would be after taking and within a day or two from what I am learning. Once the drug has cleared the system, then no worries. My have done fine on Heartguard, until I get the test kits, no more. Some vets will tell you that the Ivermectin in Heartguard is too low to cause a reaction, the breeders say otherwise. If that was true, then why is the info so important, it's a chance I don't want to take.

Glad the info is helpful!

[Atlantagatorgal]

I picked up my Allie Jo from the breeder this past Saturday. She is so much fun and is learning very quickly. She barely even cries when crated at night and only wakes up once to go out in the night! Love her! I took a couple of days off from work to be with her and my son is at home with her during the day. Now that it has finally stopped raining, I am hoping to take some better pcitures of her in the sunshine. I will post some of them for everyone to enjoy.