My Breeding Program Goals!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my program!
I am a small and passionate hobby breeder located near Salt Lake City, Utah and travel to surrounding AKC, UKC, and IABCA shows as well as some sporting events. I am involved in this breed because of my love for Mini American Shepherds (formerly ASDR/MASCA Mini Aussies) and my aspiration to improve this newly recognized breed. Here are a few of my program's goals that I will continue to work toward. Some say breeding is an art. It definitely is a marathon, rather than a sprint. I hope to produce loyal family companions, sport prospects, and conformation prospects. Every generation of pups I have helps me work toward my goals in producing great pups for my families.
I am a small and passionate hobby breeder located near Salt Lake City, Utah and travel to surrounding AKC, UKC, and IABCA shows as well as some sporting events. I am involved in this breed because of my love for Mini American Shepherds (formerly ASDR/MASCA Mini Aussies) and my aspiration to improve this newly recognized breed. Here are a few of my program's goals that I will continue to work toward. Some say breeding is an art. It definitely is a marathon, rather than a sprint. I hope to produce loyal family companions, sport prospects, and conformation prospects. Every generation of pups I have helps me work toward my goals in producing great pups for my families.
TemperamentTemperament is VERY VERY important to me. I hope to improve what genetic influence I can toward happy, intelligent, resilient, social, loyal, and biddable dogs. Please keep in mind how they are trained and what they experience with their new family also makes a big impact on their behavior.
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Health TestingI complete all breed relevant genetic disease testing, orthopedic testing, and physical testing that I am aware of on my breeding dogs in hopes that I do not pass on health concerns that can be easily avoidable. Puppies also have some testing before going home.
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ConformationI strive to improve structure and movement with every litter. Good structure is important, particularly for conformation, sport, and working dogs. It helps decrease risk for injury and increases success. Correct movement also makes them more efficient at their job.
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Breed QualityI strive to improve and keep physical breed traits that resemble an Australian Shepherd such as a nice Aussie-type head, moderate bone, moderate coat, but keep smaller size than an Australian Shepherd. This also includes studying pedigrees and carefully selecting which lines I want to use in my program.
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VersatilityI want to breed dogs who can excel in various venues! This can include conformation shows, agility, lure coursing, scent work, dock diving, therapy work, rally, obedience, herding, etc. They are so smart and love having a "job" to do. I love finding homes who are interested in sports, even if for the first time!
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Genetic DiversityI carefully study pedigrees of my dogs and potential sires. While I am working to produce more consistent quality which requires some line-breeding, I also aim to incorporate new lines that share the same traits that I am breeding for. If a breeder breeds too tightly on related lines, undesired traits may show up.
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Health Testing:
All of my breeding dogs are tested for a breed specific genetic health markers such as CEA, PRA, MDR1, HC, DM, CD, HUU, CDDY to name a few. OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing includes Hips, Elbows, Patellas, Cardiac, and Dentition. Breeding dogs will be given an Eye CAER Exam and cleared yearly by an ophthalmologist as well. Puppies will have eye exams done before going to their new homes. I take pride in the extent to which I make sure the parents are healthy before breeding.
All of my breeding dogs are tested for a breed specific genetic health markers such as CEA, PRA, MDR1, HC, DM, CD, HUU, CDDY to name a few. OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing includes Hips, Elbows, Patellas, Cardiac, and Dentition. Breeding dogs will be given an Eye CAER Exam and cleared yearly by an ophthalmologist as well. Puppies will have eye exams done before going to their new homes. I take pride in the extent to which I make sure the parents are healthy before breeding.