Choosing the Right Puppy

In article <926de10c.0312101335.838094b DeleteThis @posting.google.com>,
jackson_shelly DeleteThis @hotmail.com (Sljack) wrote:

> After months spent researching we have finally decided on the right
> breed for us: a Miniature Australian Shepherd. And, we have found a
> breeder.

There is no such separate breed as a Miniature Australian Shepherd. This
is the standard; "Size--The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches,
females 18-21 inches. Quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size."
If someone is breeding dogs and selling them with a designer name is a
very bad sign.

> Now the hard part: picking out the right puppy. The
> breeder has two litters, one litter born on 9/30/03 (only one male
> left to pick from) and one born 10/10/03 (four males to pick from).

Two litters at the same time is a very bad sign.

> Any suggestions or hints on how to choose the right puppy? The
> breeder has selected two just based on what I've told her so far about
> our needs. One is from the older litter (now 10 wks old) and the
> other is from the younger litter (now 9 wks old). Should age of the
> puppies have any bearing?

Have the breeding stock ever been tested for any of the genetic problems
that go along with Australian Shepherds? How far back has the testing
gone?

Have you ever spent any time around Australian Shepherds? Their energy
levels are really high. As I've mentioned before, I have spoken with
several families who have had to rehome their Aussies due to the "hyper"
nature.

When we got our puppy, she had been chosen as a mellow puppy. That might
have been worms, because she hasn't had a mellow day in her life, with
the possible exception of her spay. Aussies are wonderful dogs, but they
can run all day, every day.
 >> Stay informed about: Choosing the Right Puppy