FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Please feel free to contact us anytime. We love to talk about our program and our Aussies!
- Do Australian shepherds shed?
Yes, Australian shepherds do shed and will need brushing maintenance. They are a double coated breed. Please refer to our BREED OVERVIEW page for more details.
2. How big will your puppies get?
We produce standard size Australian shepherds. Their size ranges between 18-23″ at the shoulder and between 40-65lb. Our parent dogs are about 20″ tall at the shoulder and 40-55lb. Please see our PARENTS page as the parent dogs are a good reflection of produced size.
3. Are Australian shepherds good with kids? What about other pets?
In general Australian shepherds do very well in families with young children, pets, and elderly. At Mud Path, one of our concentrations is to encourage these interactions prior to going to their new home. They are raised with four young children they see each day, with visitors of all ages and appearances. They are introduced to other farm animals that may include kittens, rabbits, poultry, and cattle.
4. What is your health guarantee? What does health tested mean?
You can find our two year health guarantee on our CONTACT page. You can find all the results for our health testing on the OFA and PawPrint Pedigree icons at the bottom of each page. In short, we test for all health screens required by the national breed club and in addition to those we do full genetic panels via Paw Print Genetics. Please see the required health screening test on ASCA’s (Australian Shepherd Club of America) website.
5. Can I visit your facility and meet the parent dogs before putting a deposit down on a puppy?
Our facility is our home. Unfortunately we do not routinely allow visitors unless a deposit has been made and you are scheduled to come and meet your puppy. In addition, because puppies, like babies are very susceptible to disease due to not being old enough to vaccinate nor old enough for flea, tick, or heartworm prevention, puppies can easily get sick from a visitor with pets at home that may be asymptomatic. We will do video chats and numerous other media and communication to keep you updated on our puppies and the parents.
6. What is included in the purchase price of the puppy?
Each puppy will go home with the following:
- Updated health record
- Parent dog health certificates
- Written form of our Health Guarantee
- AKC registration forms
- Few days supply of current puppy food
- Few items with litter’s scent
- stuffed toy, blanket
- Microchipped – new owner will have to register
- Baxter & Bella Online Public Training Materials
- Learn more about their program here and use PROMO code: MUDPATH for 25% OFF a Lifetime Membership
7. Do you have a list a supplies for reference to prepare for a new puppy?
We absolutely do! Please check out our PRODUCTS page for our “New Puppy Checklist” along with recommended products, not just from us but from other dog owners and health professionals.
8.What if we can no longer care for the puppy?
We have a policy in place to help find suitable homes for all puppies, even when unforeseen life changes occur. We require the puppy be returned to us, and when possible will refund any rehoming fees obtained with exception of non-refundable deposit. We want the best for our puppies, and have a lifetime commitment to their well being.
9. How can I stay updated on available puppies or upcoming litters?
We regularly post all planned litters on our website page AVAILABLE under PUPPIES. You can also find additional updates on our facebook page Mud Path Australian Shepherds.
10. How do I get on the waitlist or reserve a current puppy?
To get on our waitlist for a future litter or reserve a puppy from a current litter, please use our CONTACT page to fill out a “Puppy Application.” Be sure review our website and research the breed. Once a puppy application has been received, we’ll review it and get in touch with you to discuss your preferences and expectations.
11. What certification/qualifications do you have?
- We are registered through AKC
- Our dogs are CHIC certified via OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
- Completed above and beyond breed specific health screenings via PawPrint Genetics
- Partners with Baxter & Bella, and online dog training program to build relationships between our dogs and their new families
- Participant in GoodDog’s “Responsible Breeding Program” as a GoodBreeder with Excellent Health Badges
Click the associated icons on the footers of each page to learn more about these programs and our participation!
