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FAQ

How big do Toy/Mini/Standard Aussies grow?

 Toy Aussies are between 10" to 14" at the shoulder and weigh from 10 to 20 lbs. Minis are over 14" to 17" and weigh 15 to 30 lbs. Standards are over 18" at the shoulder and can weigh up to 60 lbs or more. We can not guarantee the size of a pup, but have a good educated guess based on several factors, the parents, grandparents, great grandparents etc as well as the individual pup. Often we will label a pup as a Teacup/Toy, Toy/Mini or Mini/Standard as we are not 100% sure which category the pup will fall into when full grown. For example, if a pup is labeled as Toy/Mini, then the pup will likely grow up to be either a large Toy or a small Mini.


How much are your puppies?

Our base price is $1000 + GST and goes up from there. Females usually cost more then males, and merles and reds are usually more then blacks.  


Why do your pups have different prices?

Each pup is priced according to the individual pup. There is a lot that goes into determining a pups price. I.E. conformation, disposition, color, eye color, gender, size etc. In many cases the pricing reflects the demand for the color/gender/size combination and not necessarily a reflection of the quality of the pup. For example, we get the most inquiries for blue merle females, that doesn't mean it is a better quality pup than a black male with little markings, but this does effect the pricing.


Do you have a waiting list or take deposits?

We don't keep a waiting list or take deposits until we take pics of them. We tell people to email us at a certain time of the month when we will be taking pics of new litters, and we will send them the links to see the pups before we make them public. Once people have seen the pics, we invite them to come see them in person if they so choose.  Sometimes we will do a video call if the people are unable to come in person but would like to see the pup before putting down a deposit.


How much is the deposit?

The deposit is half the cost of the pup and is non refundable and non transferable to a different pup. We want you to be sure you are making the right decision before you put a deposit down.


What kind of dog food do you feed?

We feed our pups a raw diet of burger, fruits and veggies as well as Kefir. For more information on food, check out this link: https://www.lonesumdranchsaddlery.citymax.com/dogfood.html


Do Aussies shed?

 Aussies are average shedders, they shed their undercoat in spring and fall. Brushing during this time will help to remove the loose hair and prevent matting.


Are your dogs hypoallergenic?

No. Although some individual dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. Many people think that pet allergies are caused by a dog's or cat's fur, but the real source of pet allergies is often a protein that is in the saliva and urine of dogs and cats. The Myth of the Hypoallergenic Dog:  http://www.thedogdaily.com/health/dogs_allergies/


Do Aussies have hair or fur?

The Aussie breed does not have hair, they have fur.


What kind of temperament do Aussies have?

The Aussie is a people oriented dog who thrives on human companionship and is best suited to living indoors with his family.  They are intelligent, with strong herding and guardian instincts. He is also a delightful and loyal companion and an ideal family dog who is gentle with small children and an enthusiastic playmate. They are eager to please, loyal and responsive. They may be reserved towards strangers. He loves to be part of the daily hustle and bustle, and enjoys riding in the vehicle just to be with his beloved master.


As a farm dog, he diligently carries out his responsibilities, be they bringing in the stock or finding that stray one that got tangled in the brush.


He is easy to train, easy to housebreak, and eager to please. Aussies have been used as seeing-eye dogs, as utility dogs to the physically handicapped, hearing aid dogs, police and narcotics dogs and search and rescue dogs. In the northern areas they have also been used as sled dogs. Many go with their masters as volunteers to children's homes and nursing homes to do therapy work. Truly, the Australian Shepherd is a highly versatile dog.  


Some of our Aussies have been adopted by MSAR (Manitoba Search and Rescue) to be used as service dogs for Veterans with PTSD. Bennie is the first one that was adopted by Constable George Leonard of MSAR, Not only is Major Bennie a fully certified Elite service dog with MSAR (PTSD & seizure detection), he is the only dog in the WORLD to be fully certified and put into service at the tender age of 9 months. He took a grueling 15 hour test and passed it 100%. They said that it was a fluke, no other dog that age passes with 100% so they made him take it again and Bennie passed again with 100%! He is filling the shoes of Constable Leonard's Hall of Famer Stinky. He is a loaner dog for Veterans suffering from PTSD till a permanent dog is available for that particular Veteran. This means he is constantly meeting new people. He loves everyone and gets along with any dog. He has been to the Parliament in Ottawa has met with members of parliament as an ambassador for MSAR. Constable Leonard Says Bennie is a "Super dog" he says that "Super dogs" learn at an exponential rate and that only 1 out of thousands are "Super dogs". This is just one of the reasons we are sold on the Australian Shepherd breed. To see MSAR FB page (pics of Bennie and the other service dogs) click here: https://www.facebook.com/MsarServiceDogs?ref=ts&fref=ts


We have since donated several other dogs to MSAR that have also become service dogs.

Because they are a herding dog, do you have a problem with them nipping?

 We have had aussies for over 30 years, our children were raised with them and we have never had a problem with them nipping. Should they nip from getting carried away during rough play, this is easliy discouraged. They are an intelegent and sensible dog who learns quickly.


How active are Aussies and what kind of activities do they like?

 They excel at agility, frisbee, fly ball, therapy work and herding small stock. If you go jogging, hiking or horseback trail riding, these are perfect activities for them also. They are very devoted to their owners and love to go with you wherever you go.


Are Aussies hyper?

 Aussies are a working dog but not hyper. They don't have the high energy of the border collie. Even tho they require daily exercise, they have that classic off switch, and will sit and just relax with you enjoying your company, Some of our aussie pups have a more laid back nature then others.


Are the toy and mini Aussies crossed with a different smaller breed of dog to create the smaller Aussie?


Absolutely not!  After several generations of breeding small Aussies to small Aussies the toy and mini's were developed. It has everything to do with small genetics.


What do your puppies come with?

Each pup is vet checked, has his/her 1st shots and has been dewormed. Each pup comes with the vet records from the vet, a health guarantee (can be seen here: http://www.lonesumdranchsaddlery.citymax.com/page/page/5623572.htm ) an info packet on housebreaking tips, medications, dog food info, etc, 6 weeks free puppy insurance as well as a small sample of Kefir and Kefir grains. 


Do you ship to other provinces?

 Yes I ship to other provinces at buyers expense.


Do I get to keep the kennel or does it belong to the airlines?

No the kennel is yours.


Do I need to get the kennel, and if so how do I get it to you?

No, you send me the money and I will purchase it for you.


Do I need to book the flight or do you do it?

Once  all the money for the pup and kennel and completed health guarantee is received by me, I will book the flight. I will send you the way bill #, as well as a toll free # for you to call and pay for the flight with your credit card. If you don't have a credit card, the cargo company will accept a prepaid credit card in the amount of the airfare which you can purchase specifically for this purpose.