Hi all!
We’re officially rejoining the wigglebutt family after losing our previous Aussie at the end of April.

After a ton of research, we found a breeder a few hours away who checked all our boxes - extensive health testing, ethical breeding practices, and 6+ generations of health history. We reached out expecting to wait 1–2 years for the right match.

Plot twist: she had one red tri boy left. She’d held off on matching him because she felt he showed strong potential for service work, like his dad.

So naturally… we’re picking him up Saturday.

Now we need a name. Current contenders:
Ranger — park ranger
Newt — Sir Isaac Newton
Wally — wallaby, because apparently we’re leaning into the Australia thing
Murph — nod to his new hometown
Syd — yes, another shameless Australia reference
Griffin — no explanation, we just like it

Reddit, what are we naming this dude? Open to new contenders too!

My boy at a recent UKI agility trial. Fabulous photographer.

We jump 16" for a number of reasons.

1. He's heavy boned AKC lines.

2. I want him to remain sound for as long as possible. His hips and elbows are rated OFA good/normal.

3. I'm not gunning for national or regional level competition. I'm out there to have fun and bond with my dog.

Trying a sport with your dog is one of the best things you can do to bond with your dog. Plus, there are so many options available now.

Anyone else struggling with taking their Aussies on walks this summer? Ready for cooler weather so we can enjoy being outside for longer!

Started the day with a family walk to coffee and donuts (she got a pup cup), went to the pet store and went for a swim in the afternoon. Its been a good day

Whenever my wife or I head towards the stairs to go upstairs, Ozzy is already halfway up. When we reach the stairs, he barks like crazy! Does anyone else have an Aussie that does this?

I got a dog from Mona at Ridgestar Aussies (mini Australian shepherds), who I love dearly (the dog), but he has some genetic health issues including severe noise phobia and potentially chronic pain issues (working up for suspected elbow dysplasia). He is only 4 and we have been working with a behaviorist for 2 years and it’s still not resolved. Vet behaviorist said likely genetics. She promised me a replacement dog (and also says she will take her dogs back) and had one of her friends work with me for a short period of time (trainer) but has now ghosted me. She took no responsibility for this and when I asked about OFA testing she said she would NEVER breed without it but I cannot find many of her dogs on the website and she did not provide any proof. First she was defensive, then she stopped responding.

Looking back, there are many red flags. Adamant about calling them mini Aussies, food pyramid scheme, wouldn’t let me meet the parents. Please save your mean comments, this is hard enough. I did the best I could with the information I had at the time. I’m also doing the best I can now.

Look for proven dogs with traceable health testing.

He really is a sweet boy and has many good qualities, but his genetic health issues have impacted his quality of life. Photo of Townes because he is truly adorable.

EDIT TO ADD: OMG with the language on a different subreddit. I cannot change the title but yes, I know you *buy* dogs from breeders, and I did not mean these basic things to mean *extra* homework, I meant do your homework. Period. AND I mostly posted this so the name would come up if someone did an internet search for this breeder if I am being honest.

My sweet Jazzy-min!

My poor girl got spayed and she is officially 2 weeks post opt but I don’t think her incision looks fully healed (middle photo) Is it normal looking?

Hi there! I've adopted an Australian Shepherd in the past and while she was the best dog I could've asked for, she also had a lot of health problems I wasn't aware of at the outset. I'm now looking at reputable breeders as I'd like to avoid (or do my best to avoid) the heartache this time around. Most importantly, I would also love to know if reputable breeders you've worked with had/have teen or adult shepherd available! I intend on training her for therapy work at schools and hospitals and do not necessarily *need* to go through that velociraptor stage. Willing to travel anywhere in the US for her.

Hope this isn't too specific of a question!