Questions Often Asked

From the time of breeding to the time a puppy goes home, is approx. four months.

Many ask:
How long will I have to wait to get a puppy?
There are several factors that play a role to that question
1) When will the next breeding occur? 
2) Was the breeding successful?
3) How many puppies will be in the litter? (don’t know)
4) What sex’s will be in the litter? (don’t know)
5) What coat colors will be in the litter? (don’t know)
6) What color will the puppies’ eyes be? (don’t know)
I will be able to answer 3, 4 and 5 AFTER pups arrive and #6 I won’t be able to determine eye color till pups are 3/4 weeks old at the earliest.
I do not guarantee eye color
KEEP IN MIND; I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER MOTHER NATURE

Also, I almost always have a deposit list going.  I have found that even though I carry a long deposit list at times, people often “roll over” their deposits and choose to wait on other litters.  These reasons have varied from going though divorce, loss of job to “just not ready” to various other personal reasons.  So, even though my list may be long, the wait for a puppy can be sometimes shorter than expected.

Most reputable breeders have a wait/deposit list.

Shipping a Puppy? 

WE DO NOT SHIP PUPPIES,

BUT WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO MEET YOU AT ONE OF OUR LOCAL AIRPORTS (Ontario/O.C./L.B./LAX) IF YOU WANT TO FLY IN AND PICK UP YOUR PUPPY.

Although shipping puppies is a common practice with breeders,
I am fortunate that my reputation as a quality breeder allows me to not have to ship my puppies.
I am centrally located near Riverside, Orange, San Diego,
Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
I am also in reasonable driving distance from Northern California,
Nevada and Arizona.

What Size Will My Puppy Be?

People often ask me what size a puppy will get.  This is not always an easy question to answer.  The thing with Mini Aussies is you have not only the parents sizes that play into the development of a puppy, but also past generations as well.  So, although you might have two parents that are a certain size/height, their puppy may grow to be bigger or smaller.  I often say it’s a hard breed to predict, when it comes to an exact size.

An example of this is below.

This is Kendall pictured @ 6 months and Darla pictured at one year old.  BOTH out of the same sire and dam.  One is about 10″ and 10 lbs and the  other is close to 17 12″ and 35 lbs.

Same parents, different litters.  You just never know

 

MUST READ DOG FOOD INGRIENDIENTS: 

Over the years, I have tried numerous brands of dog food. I have gone top dollar down to the inexpensive brands, trying to find the “right” food that works best for my dogs. It’s confusing and frustrating all at the same time. I, like so many others, trusted the companies who were selling us these products. But to be honest, I have learned these companies are NOT to be trusted! All of it can be very confusing, even for us “experts”.

There are some concerns about reports of canine heart disease, known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).  Certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds or potatoes as their main ingredient. Also, grain free foods are linked to DCM. Taurine Deficiency is one explanation. Taurine is an amino acid- a building block of protein, that is essential for carnivores. Taurine deficiency is well documented as potentially leading to DCM, according to the FDA,. I belong to a Facebook group called “Taurine-Deficient (Nutritional) Dilated Cardiomyopathy. I have learned so much in such a short time. I highly recommend anyone with a dog join this group and as I always state, “educate yourself”.

My dogs are currently on Purina Pro Plan.  There are many factors that play into dog food and finding the right one can be overwhelming, believe me, I know first hand. Only you can make the right decision for your dog and what works best. I have done my research,  All I can do is learn myself and try and educate others. My best advice is: DO YOUR HOMEWORK/RESEARCH.

Male vs Female Mini Aussie

Male vs. Female?  I am often asked, which is better.  I think its more of a preference rather than one being better than the other.  It’s a personal choice that only you can make.  I read somewhere this: If you want your dog to fall in love with you, get a male.  If you want to be in love, get a female.

Personally, I find females a little more independent than males.  BUT every dog is different.  You can raise children in the same household and they all turn into their own person.  Same with dogs.  Each one is their own “person”.

Here is an article that I came across.  Read and see if this helps you in making that deciding factor.

“In the dog pack makeup, females usually rule the roost, determine pecking order, and who compete to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are, as a result, more independent, stubborn, and territorial than their male counterparts. The females are much more intent upon exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as ‘humping’.

There IS a reason people utilize the technical dog term of ‘bitch’ in a negative way-and it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog world. Most fights will usually break out between two females.

Males, on the other hand, are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and more
demanding of attention. They are very attached to their people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable, and less moody.  They are more outgoing, more accepting of other pets, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by food (how true!!) and praise, and so eager to please that training is easy. However, males
can be more easily distracted during training, as males like to play so often. And no matter what age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games. Boys are fun-loving until the day they die. Females tend to be more reserved or dignified as they age. Witness the human equivalent of the twinkling eyed Grandpa still playing catch at age 70, while Grandma quietly observes from the porch.

Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as ‘humping’, or ‘marking’ and lifting of legs. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors (if they ever existed) will disappear. Boys who were neutered early (by 5 months of age) usually don’t ever raise their leg to urinate.  With this said, In my own research, I have found it best to wait to spay/neuter your dog till he/she is at least one year old.  I believe the hormones are needed in thier long term health and if you spay/neuter too young, you take away these hormones.

While the female will usually come to you for attention, when she’s had enough, she will move away. While boys are always waiting for your attention and near at hand. Females are usually less distracted during training, as she is more eager to get it over with, and get back to her comfy spot on the couch. The female is less likely to wage a dominance battle with YOU, but she can be cunning and resourceful in getting her own way. She is much more prone to mood swings. One day she may be sweet and affectionate-the next
day reserved and withdrawn or even grumpy, also has periods of being ‘in heat’ unless she is spayed.”

In the end, choosing male vs female is something only you can decide.  Do your research.