Covid-19 kinda changed things since I wrote the following. Home visits may be limited but I am always happy to FaceTime or Skype.
Plan on spending some time with the litter. Good breeders will know each puppy's personality and are very helpful in determining which puppy would make a good fit. They also know the dam and sire very well. This includes their ancestry, personalities, temperaments and capabilities. A good breeder knows the 'type' of puppy the dam and sire produce together. A good breeder has spent years developing a bloodline and is very particular who they breed with who. THIS MATTERS. Don't choose on looks alone, care more about temperament than color. Know what you want. For example, you want a hiking partner, a cuddle buddy, a trick dog, a cow dog, a frisbee dog, a show dog, a boating partner, an emotional support dog, etc. Aussies can be all these things and more. A good breeder will know what it takes from a puppy to develop into these things. Aussies thrive when they have a purpose. 'My kids want a dog' is not a purpose. 'My kids want to train a pup in flyball' is a purpose. Watch how the pups interact with one another. Who is the boss? Who is submissive? Who is content? Who is bouncing off the walls destroying everything? Who looks you right in the eye when you speak? Is there an odd smell? Do all the puppies look/act happy? What food have they been eating? Have they started house training? Have they been outside under a porch since birth? Have they been handled daily? Are the parents friendly, happy and healthy? Are you allowed to see where the mom and dad live? Is there an area off limits to visitors? Is the breeder an open book? These are just a few questions you should ask yourself when you go to pick out a puppy. Be rational. You are potentially making a decision that you will be responsible every day for the next 15 years.
DO NOT GET A PUPPY BECAUSE YOU FEEL SORRY FOR IT. Rewarding bad breeders with cash will only facilitate their bad behavior.
NEVER BUY FROM A PET STORE!! And remember, pet owners are not breeders and are most likely not preserving or improving the breed but they are making money off their pet.
Plan on spending some time with the litter. Good breeders will know each puppy's personality and are very helpful in determining which puppy would make a good fit. They also know the dam and sire very well. This includes their ancestry, personalities, temperaments and capabilities. A good breeder knows the 'type' of puppy the dam and sire produce together. A good breeder has spent years developing a bloodline and is very particular who they breed with who. THIS MATTERS. Don't choose on looks alone, care more about temperament than color. Know what you want. For example, you want a hiking partner, a cuddle buddy, a trick dog, a cow dog, a frisbee dog, a show dog, a boating partner, an emotional support dog, etc. Aussies can be all these things and more. A good breeder will know what it takes from a puppy to develop into these things. Aussies thrive when they have a purpose. 'My kids want a dog' is not a purpose. 'My kids want to train a pup in flyball' is a purpose. Watch how the pups interact with one another. Who is the boss? Who is submissive? Who is content? Who is bouncing off the walls destroying everything? Who looks you right in the eye when you speak? Is there an odd smell? Do all the puppies look/act happy? What food have they been eating? Have they started house training? Have they been outside under a porch since birth? Have they been handled daily? Are the parents friendly, happy and healthy? Are you allowed to see where the mom and dad live? Is there an area off limits to visitors? Is the breeder an open book? These are just a few questions you should ask yourself when you go to pick out a puppy. Be rational. You are potentially making a decision that you will be responsible every day for the next 15 years.
DO NOT GET A PUPPY BECAUSE YOU FEEL SORRY FOR IT. Rewarding bad breeders with cash will only facilitate their bad behavior.
NEVER BUY FROM A PET STORE!! And remember, pet owners are not breeders and are most likely not preserving or improving the breed but they are making money off their pet.
What does Pet Home/Companion Only mean?
When a breeder tells you this puppy is for a pet home only that means the breeder has determined that this puppy is not meant for breeding. It didn't make the cut. RESPECT THAT DECISION. Pet home only pups will be limited registration. They are still awesome and perfectly perfect for a lovable companion. Do not deceive a breeder. Do not breed a dog that you've been told is for pet home only. You are part of the problem when you do that and you just became a backyard breeder.
When a breeder tells you this puppy is for a pet home only that means the breeder has determined that this puppy is not meant for breeding. It didn't make the cut. RESPECT THAT DECISION. Pet home only pups will be limited registration. They are still awesome and perfectly perfect for a lovable companion. Do not deceive a breeder. Do not breed a dog that you've been told is for pet home only. You are part of the problem when you do that and you just became a backyard breeder.
A high price doesn't always equal high quality. Always request to meet the mom and the dad. Breeders will proudly show off their pride and joys. Follow your gut when picking out a puppy. If you think they might be sick...they probably are. If you think the breeder is lying...they probably are. If you think you're dealing with a puppy mill...you probably are.