Contents
Breed Profile: Australian Shepherd
Where to Get an Australian Shepherd
Gear for Your Australian Shepherd
How to Feed Your Australian Shepherd
How to Groom Your Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd Healthcare
How to Socialize Your Australian Shepherd
How to Train Your Australian Shepherd
How to Fix Australian Shepherd Behavior Problems
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Where to Get an Australian Shepherd
There are three main ways to get an Australian shepherd:
- Buy from a breeder.
- Adopt from a shelter.
- Adopt from a rescue group.
Breeders
Buying an Australian shepherd directly from a breeder is the most expensive option, but as long as the breeder is reputable, it’s also the best way to guarantee that the Aussie you purchase will be healthy and well socialized.
Look for the following when searching for a reputable breeder:
- Focus: Breeds only one or two breeds
- Knowledge: Knows breed standards and temperaments
- Care: Keeps clean, well-maintained kennel areas, and the dogs or puppies appear healthy and happy
- Support: Offers support after you bring your dog or puppy home
- Paperwork: Provides a written contract and health guarantee; requires you to complete an application and provide references; provides records of veterinary care and shots, as well as references from other customers
- Mandatory return: Requires you to return the dog if you decide not to keep him
You can locate breeders on the internet, in breed-specific magazines, at dog shows, or in the telephone book. However, it’s often best to get a personal recommendation from friends or a vet.
Shelters
Most cities and towns have an animal shelter, humane society, or pound that takes in unwanted, lost, or abandoned pets, restores them to good health, and offers them for reasonable fees to the public. Few people intent on adopting a specific breed, such as an Australian shepherd, think of trying a shelter. But in fact it’s possible to adopt a purebred from a shelter—and often for a fraction of the price that breeders charge. If you’re set on an Aussie puppy, though, keep in mind that it’s generally less likely that you’ll be able to find a puppy at a shelter.
Rescue Groups
Rescue groups are like shelters for specific breeds. Australian shepherd rescue groups take in lost or unwanted Aussies and offer them for adoption. Rescue groups are a great option for prospective dog owners who want a specific breed but who also would like to “rescue” a dog rather than buy one from a breeder. They typically charge a bit more than shelters but are still a great option for adopting a purebred dog.
| Text & Photos Copyright © 2007 TFH Publications, Inc. | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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