FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| What are the prices of your puppies? Puppies are evaluated at birth and then priced. Puppies generally range from $1,000-$2,000 Below is an idea of what our pet non-breeding prices start at. Tri/Bi Colored Puppies with brown eyes start at $1,000-$1,500 Merle Males and Females prices start at $2,000 Blue Eyed Tri/Bi's prices range from $1,500-$2,000 - prices will be determined once eye color can be seen. Our Pick of the Litter Puppies Prices start at $2,500 and go up. (Our Pick of the litter is a puppy that we feel is pick of the litter. This puppy exhibits the best qualities of all the puppies in the litter. Many times these are puppies that we might be keeping for our breeding program.) Prices can change on any UNSOLD puppies, at any time. I can change the prices on any unsold, unreserved puppy at any time. Most of our puppies are SOLD with non breeding rights (limited registration) and marked not for breeding . Pet puppies will get AKC and or ASCA papers sent home with them. You can still register your puppy but the papers will be marked not for breeding. Full Breeding Rights are available on some puppies for an additional fee and a Contract for Full Breeding. How do I make a reserve deposit for a future puppy? Contact me first. Then I will email you over a reserve deposit contract. You can pay the deposit with PayPal (3% charge), Official Bank Check or Personal Check in the mail. How much is a deposit? $200 (non-refundable) What is the difference between the reserve list and the email waiting list? EMAIL WAITING LIST If you would like to be notified when our next litter arrives, email us and tell us that you want to be on the Email Waiting List. The Email Waiting List will be notified that the litter is here after the reserve list has picked out their puppies. There is no obligation to be on the email waiting list. The email waiting list is not a guarantee of getting a puppy from us. I will email everyone on the email waiting list at the same time and let you know that the litter is here. I will also send you a link to my website where the litter is posted with pictures. The first person to contact me and place a deposit on an available puppy, will get that puppy. RESERVE LIST Our reason for breeding any litter is always for something to build on the next generation, and as a result we always have first pick of the litter. After ourselves, we will go to the reserve list. We are accepting reserve deposits on our future puppies. If you would like to get on the reserve list for one of our puppies let me know. The reserve list is a guarantee of getting a puppy. But it is not a guarantee on getting a puppy within a certain time frame or from a certain litter. A reserve deposit of $200.00 buys you a spot in line for a future puppy of your choice. The order that I receive the deposits will determine the order of picking out puppies. Once the first person on the reserve list picks a puppy or chooses to wait for a future puppy, I will go to the next person on the reserve list. The order that we go in, is the order (date) that we receive the deposits. The deposit is non refundable and will be applied to the purchase price of your puppy. If there is not a puppy of the right color or sex, then your deposit is good on our next available litter and so on and so forth until you choose one. There is no time limit on when you have to pick out your puppy. We get some puppy buyers that get on our list 6-12+ months before they are ready for a puppy. They want to be at the top of the list when they finally decide on adding a puppy to their home. I can not control mother nature and I never know what color and sex of puppies we will get until the litter is born. Some litters have a lot of merles, some have a lot of solid colored puppies and others are half and half. The reserve deposit signifies the intent on the part of the Buyer to follow through with the purchase of a future puppy from Mott Ranch - Blazin' Sun Auusies. Please be certain of your intent to purchase and willingness to wait if needed for the right puppy, as deposits are NON- REFUNDABLE. What if there is not the right sex/color born in the litter? Your deposit will be applied to another available litter. What if the breeding does not produce any puppies? Can I get my deposit back? I can not control mother nature. Sometimes the breeding doesn't happen for whatever reason. I have no control over making a female dog take or stay pregnant. Dogs are pregnant for only about 63 days. We try as hard as we can to make sure our females are as healthy as they can be so that they have a healthy litter. Some female dogs go through a false pregnancy and show all the signs of being pregnant and even gain weight and produce milk. But they never produce a litter of puppies. No, we do not refund the deposit if the breeding did not take. Most people that get on my reserve list are wanting to buy a puppy from me. They are willing to wait for the right puppy. Sometimes people have been on the reserve list for months and months. They are waiting for the right puppy to arrive, they are looking for the right color and sex. They are not very particular about the parent dogs. I found a puppy with another breeder, can I get my deposit back? No, deposits are non-refundable. Placing a deposit with me, signifies to me that you want a puppy from Mott Ranch - Blazin' Sun Aussies and you are willing to wait for the right puppy. Please be certain of your intent to purchase before sending me a deposit as deposits as NON-REFUNDABLE. What age does the reserve list pick out their puppy? Right after birth the puppies are picked out. Usually within 24-48 hours after birth the reserve list will pick out their puppies. Why do I have to pick out a puppy within 24-48 hours after birth? The reason that we start the selection process at 24-48 hours old, is because many of our customers want long tails. Tails are removed at 3-4 days old. If you would like a long tail left on your puppy, we require a non-refundable deposit and your puppy has to be picked out before 3 days old. How much time do I have to pick out a puppy? This process usually happens very fast. I email in the order that I receive the deposits. Usually within a few hours all the puppies are picked out. Once I contact you, you will have one hour to look over the puppies and choose one. Can we come out and visit your puppies? We only allow puppy visits once the puppies are 6 weeks and older. This is for health reasons. We want to keep our puppies as healthy as possible. If you placed a deposit on a puppy you can come out and visit your puppy for a few minutes when he or she is 6 weeks old. At 6 weeks old the puppies are moving around and starting to play a little more. Before this age they are very small and require extra care from mom and us. When will you have another litter of puppies? If we have puppies they will be listed on the Puppies Page Upcoming and Future Litters Planned will be listed on my Litters Page I am a professional photographer and want to take pictures of some clients with your puppies. Can we come out? No. We do not allow people just to come out and play with and take pictures of our puppies. This is for health reasons. Males vs. Females. Which is better? Both are great! Many puppy buyers believe that one sex is better than the other. After all my years of breeding and being around both sexes, personality is a big factor. Socialization and training is key. The more the puppy is around other dogs, animals, people, etc.. The better off they are in life What is The height and weight of Male vs. Female? The female Australian Shepherd will typically stand between 18-21inches at The point of her withers and will on average weigh around 40-55 pounds. She does not usually carry the density and length of coat as a male. The male Australian Shepherd will usually stand 20-23 inches and will weigh around 60-70 pounds. As with most animal species, The male Aussie is The showier of The two sexes, carrying longer hair, heavier bone, and a more masculine head. When can you tell if their eyes will be blue? I only want a blue eyed puppy. Every puppy has a 50% chance of having blue eyes. I can start to tell if a puppy will have blue in their eyes at about 4 weeks. But even then the color change in the blue eyes until they are 3-12 months old or older. Usually solid black puppies will have brown eyes. Solid reds will have green, hazel, yellow or amber. Blue Meres will have brown, brown/blue or blue eyes. Red Meres will have green, hazel, amber, yellow, blue, or a mix of blue with one of the colors listed. We do not sell puppies based on eye color only at birth. Eye color is only frosting on the cake. If you place a deposit on a puppy and then back out because the eye color is not what you want, then you forfeit your deposit. It will not be applied to another puppy. We will not refund any money on a puppy if its eye color changes later in its life. I have no control over mother nature. When will the copper markings show up on the puppies? Copper points can take time to come in. Some Tri colored puppies when born look like they have no copper points. By the time the puppies are 8 weeks old we can really see a lot of copper. But even then, it could take 6-12 months for them to darken and spread. Why are the merle colored puppies more money than the solid tri or bi colored puppies? This is because 95% of the people that contact me want a merle colored puppy. Merle coloring is the most popular color and our merle colored puppies are usually all sold the day they are born by people on the reserve list. Why are the newborn puppies noses pink? I want a solid colored nose? When puppies are born their nose color is usually pink, especially in merles. The black or liver (brown) comes in as they get older. Each puppies nose will change at a different time. It always seems that the tri or bi colored pups get their pigment faster than the merles. Puppies that have more white on their face take longer than those pups with less white. Of course every puppy is different, but time will tell. Some puppies with a lot of white on their face will not get a full dark colored nose. Are Aussies good with kids? Yes, they are great with kids if raised and socialized with them. Of course babies and toddlers should not be left unattended with your dog, no matter what breed. Puppies and children need to respect each other. A child should be taught how to treat the puppy and not tease or play too rough. Our puppies are whelped indoors and raised with children. Are your dogs registered? YES all of our dogs are registered in at least one of the following clubs or both: AKC, ASCA, . Look at each individual dog's page to see specific registration for that dog. Do puppies go home with AKC and or ASCA registration application paperwork? Yes, all of our puppies will go home with their AKC and / or ASCA registration paperwork. Most of our puppies will have limited non-breeding checked on the paperwork. It is up to the new owner to register their puppy if they want to. What is your policy on registering and naming our puppy? You can register your puppy name however you like. The only stipulation that we have is that the name begin with BLAZIN' SUN our kennel name. Why do the puppies have litter names? Litter names are for us to identify each puppy. They are not their permanent name. New owners can call and name their puppies whatever they want. We call all the puppies puppy or by the names their new owners want. If you reserve a puppy from a litter and give a deposit, is it refundable? No, reserve deposit money is non-refundable. We receive a deposit from you and mark the puppy 'sold' and take it off the Market for you. By taking the puppy off the market and marking it sold, we would be loosing the sale of him/her to someone else. The deposit signifies that the Buyer intends to follow through with the purchase of the puppy from the Seller. In the event that the Buyer cannot follow through with the purchase of the puppy, the deposit is forfeited and NO refund will be given. If by tragic accident the puppy were to die or be determined to have a congenital defect that prevents the puppy from being a companion animal, before the Buyer takes possession of the puppy, a full refund of deposit will be given to the Buyer. If there is another puppy available that the Buyer wants to put the deposit towards, the deposit can be put towards that puppy. What form of payment do you take? For deposits, we accept checks, money orders, Money Grams (through Walmart) or Paypal (we do charge 3% more for using Paypal). Final Payment is due when puppy is picked up or 2 weeks prior to shipping the puppy. On final payment we only accept money orders or official bank checks or Cash. No Personal Checks on Final Payment. Wire Transfers are accept. As well as PayPal payments (3% charge will be added if using PayPal) Do you ship your puppies? We prefer our puppy customers to pick up their puppies in person from us. That way they can meet us and inspect the puppy before taking it home. Also meet puppy parent dogs. Many of our puppy buyers like to fly in and then take their puppy back with them as carry on. Most airlines charge about $100-$150 to carry a puppy on the airplane. Contact the airlines to find out prices and restrictions. We can help arrange ground transport if needed. Sometimes during the cooler months we can ship a puppy in cargo of the airlines. But we prefer not to do this. We can not ship any puppies in cargo from May 1st - Sept. 15th when the temperature is at or over 85' degrees. If we cannot keep our puppy/dog for any reason, will you take them back? We will not buy the puppy/dog back from you. We will try and place it in an appropriate home. Can an Aussie live in town? Yes, they can. In order for an Australian Shepherd to be happy, it needs LOTS of social interaction and LOTS of things to keep it busy. In short, they need a job to do. Whether that job is agility, frisbee, flyball, obedience/agility classes, herding, showing, etc... The more time you spend with your Aussie the better they will be. Aussies can make wonderful suburban pets as long as the needs of keeping the active in mind and body is meet. Do you dock your puppies tails? Yes tails are removed at 3 - 4 days old. The short tail is a recognized breed characteristic. AKC and ASCA's breed standard calls for a tail less than four inches long. You can not show an Aussie in the USA with a long tail. The most popular reason for short tails is due to working. Tails are more prone to collect burrs when working. These burrs, if left untended, can cause extreme pain and irritation to the dog. Also, there have been many undocumented cases of tails being broken from cattle stepping on them and gates being slammed shut on them. Can I keep my puppy tail long? Yes, as long as your puppy is picked out before day 3 and you have given us a deposit in advance. Too see what some of our past puppies looked like with long tails CLICK HERE We can't pick up our puppy by 8 weeks old. Can you hold it for us? If a puppy needs to stay with us longer than 8 weeks we charge $25 per day. This price includes boarding, food, additional deworming, shots, etc... Boarding fees start the day the puppy turns 9 weeks old. What is your most popular color and sex? Merle Colored Puppies are the most popular. 95% of people who contact me want a merle colored puppy with blue eyes. Our reserve list is mostly made up of people wanting merles. Females are slightly more popular than males. It is probably about 60% want females and 40% want males. Do you breed Merle to Merle? NO. We do not breed merles to merles. We do not want to take a chance that a puppy would be born deaf and blind. We will only breed a merle to a solid tri or bi colored. Are the puppies current on shots and deworming before they go to their new home? Yes, they will receive their first puppy shot and will be up to date on deworming. Health records will be provided in the puppy pack. What is included in the puppy pack? Toy and Small Blanket that have been rubbed all over mom and litter mates. Small Bag of Current Food that we are feeding them. CD with pictures of Parents and all the pictures I took of your puppy while here at Mott Ranch. Samples of any supplements that we are feeding them. As well as some articles with training tips. Folder contains Pedigree, health records and registration papers. Are your puppies potty trained? They will be potty trained to our doggie door before leaving our home. By the time the puppies are 5-6 weeks old they are using our doggie door and going potty in the grass. Of course when they go to your home you will need to continue with potty training as your house is a new home for them. Are your parent dogs DNA health tested? Yes, all of our breeding dogs are DNA genetically tested for CD, CEA, DM, MDR1, HSF4, CMR1 Visit each of our dogs pages for their results. Do you offer a Health Warranty Guarantee on your puppies? Yes, puppies come with a 1 year health guarantee. CLICK HERE to View the contract Do you sell Mini or Toy Aussies? NO We produce Australian Shepherds that will grow up to be 18-22" tall & 40-70 lbs. The preferred height for Australian Shepherds per AKC and ASCA is 18-23" to the top of their sholder. Visit AKC www.akc.org and ASCA www.asca.org websites for breed standards for the Australian Shepherd. Dew Claws All puppies will keep their dewclaws on their front feet. The Function of Dewclaws 101 Front dewclaws are typically removed by some at 3-5 days of age, because they are believed to be a non-functional digit that poses an unnecessary risk for being injured. In standing, the front dewclaw may not appear to be functional because it doesn't come in contact with the ground. However, observing the dewclaw when the dog is in motion tells a different story. Five tendons attach to the dewclaw and play an important role when the dog is in motion. For example: -When a dog’s lead leg is on the ground during the gallop or canter, the dewclaw is on the ground to stabilize the carpus -When a dog turns, the dewclaw digs into the ground to support the structures of the limb and prevent torque If a dog does not have dewclaws, there is a higher potential for the carpal ligaments to stretch and tear which could result in laxity and arthritis over time (OUCH!). This can then result in more stress being generated through the dog's carpus, elbow, shoulder, and spine as it tries to compensate for the lack of digit. On the other hand, the rear dewclaws do not have associated tendons and are considered non-functional (though they may be required for some breed standards to be present). Here are some videos if you'd like to learn more about the functional use of dewclaws in dogs: Dr. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR. She is a consultant on canine sports medicine who designs individualized rehabilitation and conditioning programs for canine athletes. In 2009, she was awarded the Woman Veterinarian of the Year. Her article “Do the Dew(claws)?” shows that, in fact, those front dewclaws have a function. She asks you to look at a dog’s anatomy picture and notice that there are “2 major, functioning tendons attached to the [front] dewclaws. Of course, at the other end of a tendon is a muscle, and that means that if you cut off the dew claws, there are major muscle bundles that will become atrophied from disused.” HOW THE DEW CLAW IS USED BY THE DOG https://youtu.be/yp2xHj_NJn4 Dew Claws Do Have a Purpose! https://youtu.be/r4XflsMEk-k |
Aussie Personality
An Aussie will be the biggest kid in your home, they will whine when they don't get their way and smile when they do. Aussies love
their people, almost to a fault, they want to help you with everything your doing. This includes moving the hose to fill the water
buckets, right after you rolled it up, digging to plant a new garden, in the wrong spot, and herding your friends to the front door,
quickly.
Aussies are not a couch potato type of dog, they don't like watching television, unless they hear a dog bark and then they run to the
door. They will however sit on you while you watch television as long as they can be with you or do what you are doing. If you leave
your Aussie in the house for a minute and come back, do not be surprised when you are greeted by a bouncing wiggling body saying
hello and acting as if you've been gone for years.
Aussies are like shadows and trip hazards, they want to be with you everywhere. You will never be able to go to the bathroom by
yourself again. It is this aspect of their personality that made the Aussie a favorite and faithful herding dog. They do everything with
style, and are normally not afraid to try new things.
They have the best sense of humor of any dog I have ever met. They will do something just to get a reaction out of you, and then sit
there and laugh and smile about it and boy can they talk. They will tell you about their entire day if you let them and go get objects to
use as props in the story.
If you decide to get an Aussie there are traits that you need to read about also, Aussies are not for everyone.
Aussie Traits
The Australian Shepherd has been bred for years for their intelligence, intensity and instinct for working livestock. Because of their
blue eyes and colorful coats they have become popular and some of the better established working lines are in jeopardy of losing
these herding traits that are the very essence of the breed. Dogs bred to look pretty for the show ring and for the pet market
resemble less and less the original Australian Shepherd in both mental and physical characteristics. The good news is we strive to
maintain these herding qualities in the dogs we produce.
The herding instinct varies in intensity and ability in each dog and in every bloodline. Aussies exhibit these instincts by nipping at
legs and feet, circling people or moving objects or herding the kids in the yard and the house. Add this trait to his intelligence and
drive and most owners consider this aggressive, annoying and unacceptable behavior. Most Aussie owners learn how to focus this
behavior and accept it as part of being a real Aussie! The prospective new Aussie owner needs to take these traits into account
before they decide if an Aussie is right for them.
Biting of people and children should never be allowed but you should be aware of this behavior that is unique to herding breeds.
Aussies normally become protective of their territory and family, particularly any children in the family. Some are more protective than
others. They usually make excellent watchdogs. Potential Aussie owners must be aware of the guardian tendency and understand
that normal precautions should be taken when introducing strangers to the Aussie's territory and family. Also, if there are children, be
aware that the Aussie may exhibit its protective nature when "its" children play with other children, particularly if the play involves
running and rough housing.
According to the ASCA breed standard Aussies are reserved with strangers. To us reserved with strangers means that the Aussie
does not normally greet every stranger begging to be petted. Show lines are different than herding lines. Aussie show lines have
more of a pet attitude toward people and would love to be petted by every stranger that walks by. Herding lines have a one track
mind when it comes to strangers, "Don't bother me, I'm looking for my sheep." This goes right along with them being ordinarily
solemn and would rather not be directly approached or touched until properly introduced to the stranger. One of the most important
things to remember, even after introductions, is the time allowed for the Aussie to get to know the stranger, not the other way
around. They are very loving and loyal toward their families, but Aussies may not desire being touched by other people.
Source: ASCA.org
An Aussie will be the biggest kid in your home, they will whine when they don't get their way and smile when they do. Aussies love
their people, almost to a fault, they want to help you with everything your doing. This includes moving the hose to fill the water
buckets, right after you rolled it up, digging to plant a new garden, in the wrong spot, and herding your friends to the front door,
quickly.
Aussies are not a couch potato type of dog, they don't like watching television, unless they hear a dog bark and then they run to the
door. They will however sit on you while you watch television as long as they can be with you or do what you are doing. If you leave
your Aussie in the house for a minute and come back, do not be surprised when you are greeted by a bouncing wiggling body saying
hello and acting as if you've been gone for years.
Aussies are like shadows and trip hazards, they want to be with you everywhere. You will never be able to go to the bathroom by
yourself again. It is this aspect of their personality that made the Aussie a favorite and faithful herding dog. They do everything with
style, and are normally not afraid to try new things.
They have the best sense of humor of any dog I have ever met. They will do something just to get a reaction out of you, and then sit
there and laugh and smile about it and boy can they talk. They will tell you about their entire day if you let them and go get objects to
use as props in the story.
If you decide to get an Aussie there are traits that you need to read about also, Aussies are not for everyone.
Aussie Traits
The Australian Shepherd has been bred for years for their intelligence, intensity and instinct for working livestock. Because of their
blue eyes and colorful coats they have become popular and some of the better established working lines are in jeopardy of losing
these herding traits that are the very essence of the breed. Dogs bred to look pretty for the show ring and for the pet market
resemble less and less the original Australian Shepherd in both mental and physical characteristics. The good news is we strive to
maintain these herding qualities in the dogs we produce.
The herding instinct varies in intensity and ability in each dog and in every bloodline. Aussies exhibit these instincts by nipping at
legs and feet, circling people or moving objects or herding the kids in the yard and the house. Add this trait to his intelligence and
drive and most owners consider this aggressive, annoying and unacceptable behavior. Most Aussie owners learn how to focus this
behavior and accept it as part of being a real Aussie! The prospective new Aussie owner needs to take these traits into account
before they decide if an Aussie is right for them.
Biting of people and children should never be allowed but you should be aware of this behavior that is unique to herding breeds.
Aussies normally become protective of their territory and family, particularly any children in the family. Some are more protective than
others. They usually make excellent watchdogs. Potential Aussie owners must be aware of the guardian tendency and understand
that normal precautions should be taken when introducing strangers to the Aussie's territory and family. Also, if there are children, be
aware that the Aussie may exhibit its protective nature when "its" children play with other children, particularly if the play involves
running and rough housing.
According to the ASCA breed standard Aussies are reserved with strangers. To us reserved with strangers means that the Aussie
does not normally greet every stranger begging to be petted. Show lines are different than herding lines. Aussie show lines have
more of a pet attitude toward people and would love to be petted by every stranger that walks by. Herding lines have a one track
mind when it comes to strangers, "Don't bother me, I'm looking for my sheep." This goes right along with them being ordinarily
solemn and would rather not be directly approached or touched until properly introduced to the stranger. One of the most important
things to remember, even after introductions, is the time allowed for the Aussie to get to know the stranger, not the other way
around. They are very loving and loyal toward their families, but Aussies may not desire being touched by other people.
Source: ASCA.org
| For Reviews or Testimonials of Previous Mott Ranch Customers CLICK HERE |
| Click Here to read a Article on Raising an Aussie. |
ASHGI - Field Guide to Coloration of Australian Shepherds
This field guide presents both the common standard colors listed in the ASCA breed standard as well as the common nonstandard
colors we see and gives the genetics of each, when known.
Excessive White - The White Aussie Project
This website exists to help explain white coloration in dogs, as clearly as possible. It was constructed by Aussie folks, which explains
why Aussies compromise the majority of the pictures! Some of the terminology is Aussie specific as well. Please be advised though,
that much of the information is truly applicable to other breeds as well.
This field guide presents both the common standard colors listed in the ASCA breed standard as well as the common nonstandard
colors we see and gives the genetics of each, when known.
Excessive White - The White Aussie Project
This website exists to help explain white coloration in dogs, as clearly as possible. It was constructed by Aussie folks, which explains
why Aussies compromise the majority of the pictures! Some of the terminology is Aussie specific as well. Please be advised though,
that much of the information is truly applicable to other breeds as well.
| Please do your research on this breed before buying a puppy. Here are some more articles on Australian Shepherds. Right Breed for You? An energetic breed with strong herding and guarding instincts, the Aussie requires daily vigorous exercise. Although sometimes reserved with strangers, they are “people” dogs that want to always be near their families. Their thick coats require weekly brushing Is the Australian Shepherd Right for you? Popular Dogs: Australian Shepherds Australian Shepherd Temperament - What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em Australian Shepherd Breed - Information & Training Tips Dogs 101: Australian Shepherd. Make Sure you read this article before making your final decision to buy an Australian Shepherd DON'T BUY AN AUSSIE! |
Training Tips http://www.k9station.com/articles.htm Training Australian Shepherds http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/australianshepherds.html Dog Tip: Puppy Socialization: What It Is, Why It's Essential, and How To Do It http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_SocializationPup.php |
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions |
| Mott Ranch / Blazin' Sun Aussies / Jenny Mott 480-709-7708 ranchmott@yahoo.com |
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The #1 and #2 common injury factors for puppies - it's not just about hips and elbows December 28, 2017 | Racine Hyatt CCFt CCM |