The fads of the show ring will never be a priority, although we assess overall structure and movement,  when making decisions about breeding. While I love the colors in both breeds, it is not what determines a cross. My Aussies tend to be very plain and lack trim...the darker the better! While some of my BCs are practically technicolor. Most of us are drawn visually to a certain type of dog, but brains, health and ability are most important to me, and are the determining factors for a breeding-interesting color or "pretty" is just gravy.

 We are also trying to lower risk factors for genetic health issues in each subsequent generation, which is more important to us than head type, current fad, etc. Overall, our goal is to produce stable temperaments that are resilient and quick to recover, in dogs that are biddable, moderate, athletic, structurally correct and have the instinct and drive to do it all!  
 
  Some of our Aussies are more reserved and protective, but most are generally very social when not in working mode...outgoing without being Golden Retrievers, keeping the "A" in Aussie, for Attitude. Our BC's are bred to maintain working instinct, good structure, temperament and ability. Although some are dual registered with AKC, our goal is to maintain working ability overall in our BCs and do not allow our BC pups to be shown in conformation.

  The goal for the next generation is always in mind. In some cases, it also helps us decide to go in a different direction, because of genetic health concerns that we worry may result from a certain cross or the type of temperament or working drive produced. Starting with a mom, who has a solid temperament, is key to producing great pups. The dam influences her pups both physically and behaviorally, and contributes to who they are and will become, more so than the sire. Edgy or less nurturing moms also have a detrimental affect on pups-solid moms care for their pups matter-of-factly while maintaining their role in out pack.

  While pregnant, a dam is influenced by her environment and in turn is influencing her pups with hormones. A happy & healthy mom who is provided with a stable environment, excellent nutrition, etc all affect a pup's development prior to being born. The first eight weeks of life, our pups are exposed to a great range of positive experiences and people-to encourage exploratory behavior, how to learn, how to problem solve,  body awareness, assimilate the new, etc See our Raising K9 page for how we raise the pups.

 Three of the big genetic health worries are Epilepsy, Cataracts and Hip/Elbow ~Dysplasia. In BC's, CEA and PRA to a lesser extent, are also issues. Line breeding from foundation Aussies both in the show and working lines established type, but has also concentrated other traits that may be responsible for genetic health issues. In BCs HD/ED/OCD can be an issue. Screening for HD/ED is easier to identify with testing and by looking at vertical pedigrees. An assessed risk, is just that, a guide to making decisions. Many traits are carried recessively and are polygenic, but other traits are recessive or dominant with incomplete penetrance-so each dog in a pedigree, brings something to the "party"....both good and bad.

 Dogs are a sum of their instincts/genetics and socialization/experience. The Nature versus Nurture debate is always interesting- especially when you see traits in pups that you can pinpoint to a particular parent or even go back to great grandparents.. Instinct is hard wired and makes an Aussie or BC, who they are.

 Observing and understanding their drives and behavior, makes Aussies & BCs fascinating breeds to live with. But, also one of the reasons they are not for everybody. The smarter the dog, the bigger the responsibility a person has to raise them properly. We try to prepare our pups to be ready to make the transition to a new family, by how we raise them. Their potential is only just beginning when they leave us, as there is still so much for them to learn!

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REVE X CAMDEN Litter 6/06  COI 3.6% Overall, this was one of the most laid back litters I have had, but I figured their "wings" would sprout at they matured. Calm & self-contained as babies, these pups were unfazed and observant, without being reactive but are active. They are also total water babies and think mud is an accessory. They definitely have their mother's joie de vivre and sense of humor, and while young will probably be a bit zoomy, like she was. All are in homes that are going to do stuff with them...agility, herding, etc Like their dam was at an early age, they are eager to learn, focused at a young age and are latent learners-retaining info from one training session to the next and not starting at zero each time.  All pups MDR1 normal, all eyes CERF'd clear-no notations, risk factors Low-Moderate


   "addison" red tri girl
lives with silvia in germany...and is training in everything..
and has earned her first obedience title "Begleithundprüfung” at 17 months!!

LITTER PEDIGREE

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         Wish & Declan pups  3/06 COI 3.1%   
These pups are pretty intense and loaded with personality-the kind of brain I love in an Aussie-problem solvers, bond strongly & eager to work with you and learn.  Lots of prey drive, a lot to "say" and very aware of environment, they are true Aussies who will require proper socialization as they mature...Most are in homes that plan to keep them busy with agility, herding & therapy work or other hobbies. We got some funky colors and markings in this litter, not sure where in their lineage the genetics came from, although running copper is on both sides back there and may have contributed a modifying gene. Some of these pups are more reserved than others, and will likely mature with strong protective & guardian instincts. Carry the "gene" for holding your arm in their mouth-from their great grandaddy, Moses.  50% of litter tested mutant/normal for MDR1 sensitivity, 2 IC's, other risk factors Low.     
                
"Rhyme"
LITTER PEDIGREE

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Idgie x Sherman litter  born 10-09-05 co-bred with Glendalough Aussies COI 3.6%
These pups are amazing!!!  very friendly and social, sweet like their daddy and outgoing like their mom. Loads of instinct, confident and put together nicely too! A few are working sheep, several train/compete and are titled in agility and competitive obedience. Wicked is a mouthy little wench....and will be my Flyball dog. Carry the "gene" for holding your arm in their mouth-from their great grandaddy, Moses and have natural tracking ability with good noses too.  Risk factors: Low
tiki-RAY, Gunner, Haley
 NIX, ZOUKEY,Wicked

 LITTER PEDIGREE

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