Okay,,, I think I am gonna do it!

Crabby-Chicken · May 18, 2010

Have been mulling this over for a couple years. I haven't had a dog for ME for 15 years or so! My kids each have elderly dogs. But I want something for myself to hang around with. I have always loved mini aussies and a really nice and helpful breeder has a litter of red and black tri's.Love the red color. I have been talking to her for a few months. But now that I am ready, I am getting very excited!

For people who have bought young aussie puppies, is there anything you can tell me to look for? They are so hard to pick from at two weeks old! I want a calm, not scared dog to take to horse shows or just hang out at home. I plan on taking puppy obedience classes later with her.

Anyway,,, will keep you posted! Thanks for any help.

disneyhorse · May 18, 2010

Mini Aussies (or standard size ones) are really good dogs. Unfortunately it's tough to tell their personalities at two weeks of age, but as they get older their personalities will become apparent. If possible I'd wait and play with the litter when the puppies are a little more mobile.

I got a mini Aussie from a breeder who breeds closer to standard size because she wanted to retain the type and temperament, where she felt that breeders breeding for size often got too much refinement and skittish temperament. His name is Myrray and he's about 50 pounds, so pretty big for a "mini". I think they also breed for "toy" size too, out there, but I'd say the larger the Aussie you get the better the temperament.

They are very good dogs, very sociable and trainable. Hope you pick a good one! Good luck! I think you will LOVE the breed!

Andrea

Crabby-Chicken · May 18, 2010

Thanks Andrea! Size really isn't a big thing for me. The breeder seems like someone who knows what she is doing and I can fall back on if I need help.

fourluckyhorseshoes · May 18, 2010

My aunt has a full sized Aussie and she is so sweet. I have heard they are like human "velcrow" and get very attached to their owner. They are very smart and friendly dogs. It is important to socialize them and have them around other dogs ( dog parks, walks, etc) so they don't get too aggressive around other dogs (this is probably true for all dogs). Good luck on your new dog.

Kaitlyn · May 18, 2010

I'm just curious, but if you're not worried about size, why not get a standard Aussie? One of my favorite breeds!

Valerie · May 18, 2010

Ohhhh....Kim.....so exciting......

Trust me, go visit the puppies as much as you can, because they will have totally different temperments from one another.......when I got our mini aussie she was the only blue merle girl left...which is what I wanted....but in retrospect I really liked her sisters temperment much, much better. Lexie turned out to be wayyyyy too much to handle, and ended up back at the breeders.....she was *ell on wheels......and that was even after puppy obedience....... granted, I am not saying it was all her fault, but it ended up she was very stock dog bred and she really, really, really needed a job. Now if you ever go to TLC tack store, Mary has a little Aussie, Teddy...the sweetest red merle and calm as a cucumber........ so trust me you can find the calm easy-going ones, but you really have to trust the breeder is going to work with you on that.

Our only dog now is Molly, my standard Aussie...and I love her...she is neurotic, scared of the cats & horses...but she is totally devoted to Ken and myself.....very, very nice dogs....and she is pretty easy going.....

Ohhh...I can't wait for you to get your very own puppy!!!

Crabby-Chicken · May 18, 2010

I would like a smaller sized dog. What I am saying is, that I don't want the smallest in the litter just because it is the smallest. I want something not too big, and these seem to be medium or a little smaller! Thanks for the help.