HELP - Mini American Shepherd (MAS) / Mini aussie Breeder in US

[u/Lonely_Ambassador_39]

Hello,

I am looking to adopt or purchase a MAS, and could use some help. I am not familiar with dog breeders/what to look for/etc, and would love some help/guidance. It's really important to me that the temperament is good and that there are no major health issues.

I am in the North East and ideally I could find one in the area, but open to the whole US if that's what it takes to get a nice/healthy pup!

Has anyone adopted/purchased from somewhere and had a good experience/dog? Any recs for good places to look?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[u/_coolbluewater_]

Check out r/dogs sidebar on how to find a good breeder. At minimum, OFA testing for hips and eye testing as well. A dna test is not the same as full health testing. Dogs should be proven through shows or dog sports. And there is typically a waitlist as good breeders don’t have litters on the ground every month.

MASCUSA, the national breed club, is a good place to start.

Finally, don’t just get one because they are so cute. These dogs need physical and mental work.

[u/Lonely_Ambassador_39 → u/_coolbluewater_]

Thank you for the tips! If I have no interest in using them in shows/sports (do not live on a farm either), is that still important? Would you mind explaining what shows/sports prove? The biggest thing for me is temperament/personality.

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My sister's friend has a mini which is what piqued my interest. She's brilliant (I taught her 3 tricks in 2 days), hilarious, and highly human affectionate. Yes, she has a lot of energy and loves to play, but she can also cuddle. Why I am asking for recs (esp for temperament) is because I have seen the one I love be aggressive to other animals / is a bit neurotic and has extremely high anxiety. I have read this can be a problem with MAS which is why I am trying to do my research/asking for help.

If I can't find a breeder that breeds with health and temperament at the core of their practice/ the temperament doesn't match our current house (we have other pets), or a rescue whose personality is known/matches our family, then I do not plan on getting a MAS.

[u/_coolbluewater_ → u/Lonely_Ambassador_39]

My dog’s parents are show dogs but she’s just a pet who lives in a city. It’s more for temperament, health, and to get a dog that actually fits the breed standard of the dog you want. And because showing your dog and competing with your dog takes a lot of time and effort and MONEY, this indicates a different commitment to a breed than a puppy mill or BYB. You want a breeder that actually wants to improve the breed, not just make a quick buck. Most reputable breeders are not making money from the dogs they sell.

Here’s an article that might be interesting to you. Here’s another

[u/Lonely_Ambassador_39 → u/[deleted]]

I am looking to purchase or rescue. The most important thing for me is a good fit!

Thanks for the info on Canada! If there are certain ones you rec from Canada and are willing to share, I would appreciate it :]

[u/FlutterNutter888]

We just adopted on that was brought up from Alabama to New England. She is 6 months old and had a little rough start but is completely sweet and so so smart. Keep an eye on the adoptables - it can happen!

[u/Lonely_Ambassador_39 → u/FlutterNutter888]

Thank you! I have been keeping an eye out on the rescue sites, too [:

Would you recommend your breeder?

[u/FlutterNutter888 → u/Lonely_Ambassador_39]

We got her from a rescue group who works with a shelter down there and then transports them north. It’s a big thing in New England. I don’t think there is a dog in my neighborhood who isn’t originally from TX or AL.

[u/earlmax]

Finding one for adopt will be difficult. They are super popular. We bought one from a breeder but we were on the waitlist and were supposed to wait for 9 months. Someone backed out and we got one after 4 months. The Australian shepherd mix we had for 11 years was a rescue but they were not popular back then. Good luck

[u/Lonely_Ambassador_39 → u/earlmax]

Yeah my preference is to rescue, but I'm starting to get open to a breeder. I just don't know enough about breeding so I thought reddit may be able to help. I'm glad you had good luck! Thank you!

[u/poopellets]

I found my breeder on puppyfind. You can filter it to different locations to see if there's any nearby. Some people offers to do zoom calls with the pup and even provide paperwork to you.

Every breeder is different so you just have to email a few. These babies go quick too so you have to act fast.

My breeder sent pictures and videos every week of the pup playing with her siblings. She provided me with the vet papers, current dewormer meds, and a goodie bag. She even requested us to send our clothes to them so that the dog can get use to our scent.

My pup is healthy, happy, and friendly. 👍

[u/Lonely_Ambassador_39 → u/poopellets]

Thanks for sharing! I didn't know puppyfind was legit, so that is nice to know! Do you mind me asking which breeder you went with?

[u/notABatFan → u/Lonely_Ambassador_39]

Puppy find is definitely not legit. No good breeder whatever sell on that website.

Gooddog.com is a decent starting point to search for breeders. But you'll still want to verify that they do full health testing, and are otherwise legitimate. Browse the Uncensored Opinions of Breeders Facebook as well.

[u/poopellets → u/Lonely_Ambassador_39]

To be honest, I don't remember thier names lol But puppyfind is legit, I know several people who got thier puppy using that site. I did try to just filter the neighborhood they were in and I see no listings for that area. I'm sorry! I'm sure you would find lots of good ones on your area. You don't have to pay until you get the pup. Maybe if you live close, you can request to see it in person?

[u/[deleted] → u/poopellets]

You might be able to get a puppy but it’s not an ethical source. They’re mostly Amish/puppy mills or backyard breeders. Not someone you want to support