to be more breed specific, since I have aussies, here's a few breed specific questions you should ask/know about in regards to aussies.
1. What, if anything does the breeder do with their personal dogs? conformation, herding, agility, obedience? how are puppies she's produced, sold, doing in venues? (IF that is something you want to pursue!)
2. Have the dogs been tested for the MDR1 gene? This is a multi drug sensitivity gene that 1/3 of all aussies carry in some form or another. This "gene", can prohibit you from giving your dog a long list of certain drugs which could possibly kill them. Ivermectin being one, NO HEARTGUARD or Ivermectin for aussies! To read more about this "gene" and testing you can go to the Washington State Univeristy website, and do a search for the MDR1 gene. It will give you a long list of drugs to stay away from if your dog is a carrier.
(Just as an FYI, my aussie is a "mutant/mutant" , carries the gene, would pass it on to offspring and normal doses of a long list of certain things, can literally kill her, it's not a problem if your aware of this, BUT if you end up with a dog who has a severe illness, and one of these drugs , mostly anti cancer drugs, is required to treat it, your basically up against a wall )
3. Most aussie breeders Temperament Test their own puppies, THEY will match you with a puppy that will fit your lifestyle, IF the breeder does not TT their stock, and lets YOU pick out whatever you want, STAY AWAY from them.
4. Know what type of dog you want to live with, do you want high energy, low energy, moderate energy, be very honest of what type of dog YOU want to live with. Aussies run the gammat of high intense drives, to couch potatoe.
Alot say the working lines are higher energy, I've found it to be opposite in my situation, my working line aussie is more biddable, and easier to live with, than my very high drive, demanding show line female who has alot of dual titled (HOF) dogs in her pedigree.
5. What type of guarantee are they giving? are they willing to take back the dog IF something crops up?
6. They should ask YOU as much, if not more, than you will ask them about lifestyle, living arrangements etc.
I've found there are ALOT of aussie breeders who are very very committed to finding good homes for their puppies, (much more committed than say, GSD's which I own as well). They health test, which includes, hips, elbows, CERF,
and if they don't, stay away from them. Ask if they dual register, it's no big deal, but most are dual registered with ASCA and AKC.
I have to say, I think the Aussie breeders I've encountered, have much more going for the breed than most breeds out there. They have a huge rescue network, and there isn't as much back stabbing as with most breeds. In fact, have you considered a rescue? Here's a great site, with aussies of all sizes, age, color and areas of the country.
http://aussierescue.leepfrog.com/ Check it out.
They are great dogs, but can be hard headed, require TONS of socialization, high energy, needs alot of physical as well as mental stimulation.
Done rambling
Diane
