How to Buy an Australian Shepherd Puppy

Do your homework. Australian Shepherds are one of many breeds of dogs bred in both standard and miniature sizes. These varieties require different attention and a different amount of space to run and play. Take this into consideration, along with doing research into the Australian Shepherd's health concerns and nutritional needs. All of these are factors to be weighed when deciding if an Australian Shepherd is the right dog for you.

Find a reputable breeder. Popular breeds of dog like the Australian Shepherd have breeder's associations that specialize in breeding beautiful and healthy dogs. Talk to local kennel clubs and veterinarians to find a breeder whose dogs meet your requirements. Going through a professional breeder costs a bit more than an amateur breeder, but this guarantees that the dog you are purchasing comes from bloodlines registered with the American Kennel Club and will be well worth the investment.

Stay away from pet stores. Many retail stores sell pets in addition to the supplies and feed necessary to take care of them. Unfortunately, many retail pet stores get their stock of puppies from disreputable breeders or "puppy mills," breeders who interbreed their animals to get the most puppies at once and keep their puppies in cramped, unhealthy living quarters. Puppies that come from these conditions are often malnourished and prone to health problems from being inbred. They are often not vaccinated either, leaving puppies vulnerable to diseases.

Acquaint yourself with the puppy. The best way to know if a puppy is right for you is to interact with it and get to know its personality. Take the puppy someplace where you can play with it apart from its siblings, one-on-one. Playing with the puppy, running around with it and letting it get familiar with you will allow you to see how it interacts with people, its energy level and personality and decide if it is the right puppy for you.

Look for a healthy dog. Australian shepherds often have eyes that are two different colors, but this is a common trait for the breed and not a sign of inbreeding or ill health. A healthy Australian shepherd puppy has a thick shiny coat, clear eyes and long ears. Look for large feet with pink pads on their undersides; the pinkness is a healthy sign and large feet indicate a well-bred dog that will grow a lot.

Involve the whole family. If you are buying the dog only for yourself, you only need to be concerned with how the dog interacts with you personally. If you are purchasing the puppy as a family pet, make sure that it will interact happily and safely with your spouse, children and any other pets. Most Australian Shepherds are extremely social dogs that interact well with all genders and age groups.

Give the puppy plenty of room. Australian Shepherds were first bred as herding dogs, which means that they need plenty of room to run and roam. If you do not have a large yard or at least a large local park nearby and plenty of time to take the puppy there for exercise, an Australian Shepherd may not be the right breed of dog for you.