1. 

   gracie
   

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   Does anyone own a miniature Aussie? I'm thinking about getting one but don't know much about them..except the puppy I saw has the sweetest little face.

   Posted 3 months ago #
2. 

   shelley
   

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   Gracie, aussies are extremely active, intelligent dogs. If you are not a very active person, I would not recommend the breed for you. They need lots of walking, interaction, physical activity (agility work and training). My brother has one (not a miniature) which is very well trained, but if he lets up on the physical activity (2 hours of walking/running each day during the week 3 hours each on the weekend) the dog is not happy. He also does half an hour of agility work every day. Please don't adopt or get one unless you are fully committed to a VERY active lifestyle and lots of interaction with it.

   Posted 3 months ago #
3. 

   biophile87
   

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   Gracie, http://www.miniaussierescue.org/whatIsMA/whatIsMA.html

   I've had some experience with what a frustrated Australian shepherd looks like. This dog did not receive enough exercise or stimulation. Incessant barking, lunging, biting visitors, frenetic behavior. Owner eventually put the dog down because he bit a child, and lacked information on how to help his dog. It was a terrible waste of a good but frustrated dog. Please be sure you are up to the task. They require more exercise and mental stimulation than the average pet.

   Posted 3 months ago #
4. 

   earl danger
   

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   For the record, all dogs/puppies require some level of effort - even our 8 year old rescue needs daily exercise (walks at least three times a day, not just a quick second outside, real walks) and needs to see us and interact with us. Don't get a dog just because they're cute - that's why the shelters are so full! My great aunt had an aussie - AWESOME dog, but they lived on a farm, so he had lots to keep him entertained. And he went about a mile a minute herding sheep, playing with the horses, etc. until he finally passed away at 14. Ringo the wonder dog we called him. Even with all the activity, he was still an extremely hyper dog and rarely sat still.

   I'm not saying you haven't thought about that, just be aware that all cute and cuddly faces need attention and exercise, even the older ones.

   Also a plug to adopt adopt adopt! I grew up with only purebreds we got as puppies from breeders, and after rescuing our little man I will never, ever go that route again. Ever.

   Posted 3 months ago #
5. 

   gracie
   

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   At first I didn't know an Aussie was same as Australian Shepherd. I almost committed to getting one but thought I'd check out first. Person I know that just got one are thrilled with their puppy but something told me there was an energy issue. No, I would not be a good owner for one of these. I still have tremendous issues with my legs following two surgeries last summer. Wouldn't be fair to the dog. There's another puppy out there for me, more to my lifestyle. My dog Nikki was a joy & we went to the beach, walks, walks in the woods at Carkeek, but she didn't like dog parks. I hope to get another dog like her (she was a bijon/poodle mix but so not a typical poodle or bijon. She loved to roll in snow, wet sand, get dirty - a little tomboy. Had her for 15 glorious years.) So for now, I'm just thoroughly enjoying my 7 month old kitten Pickles - who likes to ride in cars, play with me and doesn't require morning and evening walk!! Thanks for the information. Appreciate it.

   Posted 3 months ago #
6. 

   dsomers
   

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   Gracie,

   Glad you considered everyone's thoughts on this. They are wonderful dogs, but as folks said, they are high energy and smart and need to be challenged physically and intellectually. Poloka, he of my MB avatar, is an Aussie and although he is a WONDERFUL dog (I emphasize that in case he is reading this) I have always been thankful he does not have opposable thumbs or we would be in trouble. He loves walks and makes that very clear when you do not get him out there. And although he is no longer doing agility (age) he loves doing things with challenges and obstacles and whatnot. I wouldn't trade him for the world, and I would not hesitate to get another, but you have to ready for them because they are a handful.

   Have a great time with the dog search! Have you gone over to the shelter? Or hit the rescue operations? You can find some gems at those places.

   Dave
   PS....you can teach Pickles to go for walks! I have a friend who used to take his cat for walks around the block several times a day. It was pretty amusing to watch. The cat was quite vocal if it was walk time and a walk didn't appear to be in the makings.

   Posted 3 months ago #
7. 

   gracie
   

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   Dave - I actually got Pickles harness and leash. But haven't taken her for a walk because she gets scared at noises like trucks, motorcycles, loud mens voices - can imagine her turning herself inside out trying to escape.
   I have checked shelters but nothing that just said that's the one. I've had many rescue pets. I've also been checking Petfinder. But I'm in no hurry right now - I have my "ditten" aka Pickles cat part dog. Yeterday in car she was actually hanging her head out the window of my car like a dog when I pulled up to get a diet coke. Took the guy back when he saw it was a cat.
   Poloka is a handsome guy!

   Posted 3 months ago #
8. 

   teigyr
   

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   Gracie, it's probably not my place to say but do you not put your cat in a carrier while in the car? If the cat is scared of things like noises, what would happen if there was a panic situation? What about a car wreck? Strangely enough there have even been accidents due to a previously well behaved dog jumping on his/her owners lap while the owner is driving. I can see the attraction to taking a "friend" with you when you go places but there can be fairly major consequences to having an unsecured animal not to mention if a cat gets out, cats generally don't come to you like a dog does and even still, dogs don't always come in stressful situations. Look at all the lost animal postings and these are just animals that got out of houses, not moving vehicles and not in a strange neighborhood.

   I won't cite all the facts, you can websearch and find info on it. We have a cat that does walk on a harness and I wouldn't dare take him unsecured in the car.

   Posted 3 months ago #
9. 

   gracie
   

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   She has been riding in the car since day one that I got her. She freaks out big time when in a carrier and carries on and on & almost hurts herself trying to bust out. That's in part why I got the leash/harness on her. If car parked & let's say motorcycle goes by, sometimes bothers her & she goes to back seat. She is extremely well behaved in car riding on seat. When car parked she will jump on the dashboard or next to me. When I start car she goes back to her spot. The noises mentioned usually bother her when we are outside. So thanks for your concern but she really is okay.

   Posted 3 months ago #
10. 

    JerseyGirl
    

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    Hello Gracie,
    It's great that you are doing research before choosing a breed.

    A have a friend who volunteers for Aussie Rescue and has owned several Aussies (Australain Shepherds). They are smart, high energy dogs. Here is the web site for the National Aussie rescue organization. http://aussierescue.org/ I think you can trust their info on the breed. They have a phone number. If you decide to get an Aussie, they can locate a rescue, or put you in touch with a reputable breeder.

    RE "mini-Aussies". I don't believe they are related to Australian Shepherds a.k.a. Aussies. An Australian Shepherd is a breed that has been around for awhile, and used as a herding dog. A "mini-aussie" is a designer dog -- not really a breed, but a popular mix. So whatever you learn about Aussies won't necessarily apply to "mini-aussies".

    Please consider adopting a dog. I'm sure you already know this, but please be VERY careful if you buy a dog. Unscrupulous breeders are all over our region. Don't order a puppy online. Make sure you meet the mother of the puppies, so you know she is well cared for.

    Posted 3 months ago #
11. 

    gracie
    

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    Would never order a puppy online and would want to meet the mother of puppies definitely. Too many horror stories out there about puppy mills. I would prefer a rescue, of course, but the ones I've seen are not breeds I'm looking for and I definitely want a female. I'll be patient & keep looking. Like my last dog last thing I was thinking of was getting a new dog and she just fell into my life. Same thing with my 7 mo kitten Pickles. Thought at the time I would get a dog before a cat. My neighbor knew I was missing not having a pet, his friend's cat had kittens & he hooked us up. I've put feelers out to friends, coworkers that I'm starting to look for a new dog in the near future.

    Posted 3 months ago #
12. 

    biophile87
    

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    Gracie, don't bother. *They* have a way of finding you when the time is right, and the animal is right. :-)

    Posted 3 months ago #
13. 

    earl danger
    

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    @Gracie - when we were ready to adopt, we went through Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue (SPDR). We did a TON of research on breeds - temperament, suitability to condo life, size, known health issues, etc. We knew we wanted a Schnauzer, but it was also impossible to go to the shelters because I'd end up wanting to go home with each and every dog! Our condo just isn't THAT big.

    The waiting list can be really long. We were told 3-6 months, and our only requirement was that the dog was an adult. You can request gender, color, etc. if you want (but you might miss out on another great dog). So, if you kind of know what you want (Bichon, Havanese, what have you) they pretty much have a foster for every breed. I would totally recommend an adult Schnauzer - he's freaking amazing (I'm biased).

    We ended up with Earl about 2 weeks after we submitted our application for adoption. We will never, ever regret getting an adult dog (he was 6 or 7 and ridiculously unhealthy when we got him).

    Posted 3 months ago #
14. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    There is an adorable Chinese chin at the Seattle Animal Center. I forget what sex, but it is all black and a little ball of fur. I had friends in VT with one who was insuperable from their cat. This one might make a great companion for pickles. It is available for adoption on Thursday.

    In VT, there were many Aussies and they had work to do, either Agility Trials or sheep herding. That's the right way to have an Aussie in the family.

    Posted 3 months ago #
15. 

    gracie
    

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    smartsy - do you mean Seattle Animal Shelter because I looked there & no Chin.

    Posted 3 months ago #
16. 

    gracie
    

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    Did you mean Seattle Animal Shelter? I just looked & no Chin

    Posted 3 months ago #
17. 

    gordy
    

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    I dogsit a friend's seven year old standard size Australian Shepherd. The dog is adorable, very good with people but...very very high energy. They require frequent walks, frequent brushing(at least once a day. They drop a LOT of fur every day and you would need a Furminator and a good vac. This dog is extremely well trained but can pull very hard on the leash and ignore all commands if she sees a cat, squirrel or a Yorkie. You might consider a Japanese Chin as another poster mentioned. The ones I've met have been very good pets.

    Posted 3 months ago #
18. 

    gordy
    

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    I dogsit a friend's seven year old standard size Australian Shepherd. The dog is adorable, very good with people but...very very high energy. They require frequent walks, frequent brushing(at least once a day. They drop a LOT of fur every day and you would need a Furminator and a good vac. This dog is extremely well trained but can pull very hard on the leash and ignore all commands if she sees a cat, squirrel or a Yorkie. You might consider a Japanese Chin as another poster mentioned. The ones I've met have been very good pets.

    Posted 3 months ago #
19. 

    gracie
    

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    gordy - thanks for additional info. I do not want a dog that sheds like that. My last dog was of two breeds that didn't shed & it was heaven! I had a Japanese Chin mixture & she was a little sweetie. One thing I know I want a female, do not want a purebred Chihuahua (too small) (sad how many are out there for adoption) nor do I want a big dog (too small of a yard/house). I kind of favor fluffy dogs like my Bijon/Poodle that died last year. Like biophile said they have a way of finding you.

    Posted 3 months ago #
20. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    I was there yesterday. The chin may not show online. As i said, it is not adoptable until Thursday but you can go visit it.

    Edit: yes, I just looked on ROMPS and it does not show up. BTW I think it is called a Japanese Chin, not Chinese.

    Posted 3 months ago #
21. 

    Aunt Salad
    

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    Gracie,

    I know of an mix dog that needs a new forever home- his owner is dying. This is a sweet dog who is about 10, 61 lbs and is a collie/ Shepard mix. Could stand to loose a few pounds since his owner is ill and not able to give it the walks he once had. I think the owner is just hanging on to see her baby get a great home.

    Posted 3 months ago #
22. 

    Aunt Salad
    

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    I have my own sweet boy who is 11 and between him and the 'princess kitty' I don't think there would be room here!

    Posted 3 months ago #
23. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    How sad, AS. I can relate to her angst. Perhaps a thread of its own?

    Posted 3 months ago #
24. 

    shelley
    

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    Gracie, here's a couple of links to follow (don't you just love how they all appear to have the surname "URGENT"):
    http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25196786
    http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/24576302
    A few more at: http://savinggreatanimals.org/Saving_Great_Animals/Available_Pets.html

    Saving Great Animals was suggested by one of my employees who adopted a dog (Terrier mix of some kind) earlier last year. She saw my post on MyBallard and e-mailed me tonight. Best of luck. Biophile is right the dog will find you.

    Posted 3 months ago #
25. 

    pennygirl
    

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    Gracie...

    You might not want any advice from me but here goes.

    Don't pick a breed, sex or age of a dog. Go to the pound with an open mind. When you know you know. You might be looking for a terrier (as I was) and end up with a 54 variety (as I did). You might be looking for a certain age (as I was) and end up with someone completely different (as I did)

    At some point you will make that special connection. Don't do anything before you feel that.

    Posted 3 months ago #
26. 

    lifeisamazing
    

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    Gracie, good for you. The shelters are full of cute faces that people who didn't have the foresight, intelligence or unselfishness that you have shown here by finding out if this is the breed for you. You're good!

    Posted 3 months ago #
27. 

    gracie
    

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    PG - of course I would listen to what you have to say. And yes, good points. Years ago I was determined to have a purebred poodle. My boyfriend took me to the shelter & I was all piossy "I want a poodle & nothing else". I heard one of the workers saying this dog was going to be put down because nobody wanted him because he was ugly. I turned & here was this adorable terrier mix & was nothing ugly. His legs were out of portion to his body as a puppy. I adopted him & never had a regret. He was a super dog (and only male dog I've ever had - I prefer female).
    Aunt Salad - you should start a separate post on that dog. Unfortunately those two breeds are too big for what I'm looking for. What a sad situation.

    Posted 3 months ago #
28. 

    Lou98107
    

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    Gracie, I'm glad you agree with what PG said, and have experienced it yourself. It's the best advice, although it's hard when there are certain breeds or groups that always catch your eye. It's great when people can go in with a clear mind, and just see who steals your heart.

    As for Japanese Chins, there is some upkeep to consider, and some health problems (at least, according to the Chin owners I know). The dogs have long spines that can get out of whack and cause pain, their long ears tend to get infected unless you are vigilant about cleaning them, and their fur is long enough to rub against the lawns they walk across. It's possible some Chins might be taller, but these guys are unrelated, and all are about the same height. These Chins seem to need more frequent baths than bigger dogs, and although they are pretty small, they take longer to dry. They're close to the ground, with long hair on their legs and belly. You could probably reduce the need for baths by trimming that fur, so they wouldn't be bringing dirt, twigs, and wet grass in the house. These particular dogs like cats, although the cat one lives with now is about the same size, and puts a stop to any rough play. That cat rules the roost.

    The Chins that I know are afflicted with health problems that may or may not be common to their breed, including cancers, non-cancerous tumors, eye problems, and chronic skin issues. They are sweet, gentle dogs; energetic when young, but really like to nap in a quiet spot as the years go by.

    Whatever direction you choose, I wish you luck, Gracie. And, I hope the dog Aunt Salad knows also finds a forever home.

    Posted 3 months ago #
29. 

    yourFriend
    

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    why do you all continue to get sucked in because he is not really going to get a dog any time soon and just has a story for everything and you all might smarten up some day but not tip she spins a few more pathetic needy yarns.

    Posted 3 months ago #
30. 

    gracie
    

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    Did I say there was a timeframe? No. It was just an opportunity came up where I could have gotten an Aussie but I wanted to make sure it was the right dog for me since I knew little about them.
    So move on "your friend"

    Posted 3 months ago #
31. 

    phoo
    

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    I agree with what PG said about being open to browsing at an animal shelter, however it doesn't hurt to do research on various breeds first. If you know you are looking for a small dog, or a couch potato dog, then it's not too hard to read up on those. That way when you go to the shelter and you see the cutest yorkie, you'll know that it can sometimes be difficult to potty train them and that funny coughing noise may be a collapsed trachea which may or may not need to be addressed down the line. If you see a dog with an especially smashed in nose (I forget the proper word), you'll know what its limits are. That way you'll be able to make not just a purely heart-strings decision, but have your eyes open too.

    Personally, I've always wanted an italian greyhound (there are a couple breed rescues around), but haven't lived in a place that will allow dogs yet. They are smaller than regular greyhounds and bred to be lap dogs, though they do need bursts of high energy exercise.

    Posted 3 months ago #
32. 

    Ernie
    

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    OT: Hey phoo, tell me what you know about the "funny coughing noise", I have a Yorkie mix and he does that from time to time for about 20-30 seconds. I thought it was "normal" for the breed.

    Oh, and smashed face dogs are Brachycephalic.

    Thanks.

    Posted 3 months ago #
33. 

    gracie
    

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    Phoo - I agree with PG too. This Aussie thing just came up over the weekend & glad I checked before committing. LIke biophile said they will find you. My last dog I wasn't actively searching & there she was. I'm hoping it will be sooner than later that I find the right dog for me. And I'd prefer a rescue above buying a puppy from what could potentionally be a puppy mill. On Petfinder I've noticed a couple of "rescue" groups who charge astronomical prices - one charging for flying dogs up from California & basically "mutts" for $600 and up. Yet another group doesn't charge for flying dogs up. Seems like there would be enough dogs here in Washington to rescue and not having to go to California.

    Posted 3 months ago #
34. 

    phoo
    

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    Ernie: I couldn't tell you about your dog, but I do know that yorkies (along with some of the other small breeds) are prone to having a collapsed trachea. Sometimes the issue is minor enough that it's not really a problem (this is why you should always use a harness rather than a leash for breeds like this), but sometimes it can require treatment.

    I do not know whether your dog suffers from this, I imagine there are a ton of reasons why your dog has an occasional cough.

    I've never owned a yorkie, so I'm not an expert or anything. I just researched it once when a darling older yorkie came into SAS that I was considering adopting.

    Thanks for reminding me of the proper term for "smashed nose!" It's always nice to know the correct terms.

    Gracie: I know you're right there with PG. I just wanted to speak up for others reading and encourage research.

    With dogs being flown up from california, one never know what kind of "rescue" it is. It is pretty common for breeders to also have a "rescue" that all of their rejects go into.

    Posted 3 months ago #
35. 

    pennygirl
    

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    If I wasn't already overrun with hounds Tok might be making a trip home with me :-)

    Look at that face!

    http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25230949

    Edit: I really shouldn't look at that site. Now I'm telling myself that one more wouldn't make much difference. Before anyone scolds me, I am only kidding :-)

    Posted 3 months ago #
36. 

    Edog
    

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    That has to be the dumbest post you've ever written, Penny!

    Why is it that when smart women start looking at pictures of animals on the web, their brains go to mush?

    Posted 3 months ago #
37. 

    pennygirl
    

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    It's nearly as dumb as the smartest thing you've ever written, Edog!

    Posted 3 months ago #
38. 

    gracie
    

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    +1 PG. Gotcha Edog.
    And Tok - what a face! Those dogs have the most gorgeous eyes. And I love to watch them strut as they walk.

    Posted 3 months ago #
39. 

    Ernie
    

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    Thanks phoo, I googled it and learned a little more, probably will ask the vet next time we're in. I didn't know what it was called when I was looking it up before so thanks.

    I like a harness regardless of the breed, I just think is safer, and more comfortable for the dog. Started using them when we used to foster dogs, so we could keep a good hold on the really skittish ones!

    Posted 3 months ago #
40. 

    Edog
    

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    Doh!

    Posted 3 months ago #
41. 

    phoo
    

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    Ok, if we're going with unabashedly cute, I'll just leave this here: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25139608
    I can't leave out: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/25206702

    Ernie: I agree with you about the harness, but it's especially important with some small breeds because a collar could crush their windpipe. IIRC, if you google hard enough, there are actually sound files of what it sounds like.

    Posted 3 months ago #
42. 

    gracie
    

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    So Phoo, are you going to adopt one of these sweet looking dogs?

    Posted 3 months ago #
43. 

    phoo
    

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    gracie: I'd love to. But there is an enforced "no pets" policy here. My life is also in flux right now, and it would be best to get a dog once things stabilize. It's been a long dream of mine, but for now I am relegated to window shopping.

    Posted 3 months ago #
44. 

    BuffaloHawk
    

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    phoo :)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AkLE4X-bbU

    Posted 3 months ago #
45. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    Many small breeds have the trachea problem- true, and many times that is because they were preemies. Unfortunately some idiot got the idea of creating the "teacup" version of small dogs. So, C-sections are done to take them from the womb early so that they are tiny. then these are bread and on and on it goes, creating an inferior respiratory system. Poor dogs barely breathe at first.

    TOK is so cute!. I cannot stop thinking of a little guy I fell in love with at the shelter. He is adoptable Friday and the person who rescued him have "first choice". What I don't understand is why, if they want to give him a home, they chose to bring him to the shelter and then let him stay there instead of fostering him until they could adopt him. I hope they do not take him home. There was another young woman looking at him with me, and I hope she gets him. If I took Benny home, I would want to get a couple more girls so I could name them "the jets"

    Posted 3 months ago #
46. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    BH: Cate referenced that video recently; it was my very favorite song when I was little.

    Posted 3 months ago #
47. 

    shelley
    

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    Gracie, one last post on this thread for me. We adopted our dog from the Oregon Humane Society. Just got an e-mail that they have rescued 110 dogs, but their shelter is full up, so they are giving a break on the cost for the dogs already there. Definitely worth a look. http://www.oregonhumane.org/news/stories/major_rescue_brooks.asp

    FWIW the dog that rescued us, was not the one we went down to see. We were looking for one half the weight, and we thought we wanted a 1 to 2 year old. We ended up with a wonderful 85 pound (needing to lose 15-20 lbs), 6 year old. The one we went to see was about a year, and way too much energy for either of us. Instead we got a very mellow, very well trained, very gentle dog whose worst trait is liking to lay down in puddles (the muddier the better as far as she is concerned).

    Posted 3 months ago #
48. 

    Tamarin Bean
    

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    shelley, a dog adopted our family who did the exact same thing! She was almost twice the size yours was, and her dense fur would soak up every bit of any puddle she came across.

    What I don't understand is why, if they want to give him a home, they chose to bring him to the shelter and then let him stay there instead of fostering him until they could adopt him. I hope they do not take him home.

    It may be because, at least in years past, if you found a pet and wanted the city to list them as "found", that animal had to be in the shelter's posession. It's my understanding that there's an application process for foster humans, and the city doesn't approve people to foster lost animals just because they found an one they want to keep.

    I'd found an animal and wanted to keep them with me until the owners could be found, but that wasn't an option. So if someone found a lost dog they wanted to keep, but relinquished it to the shelter, it could be because the same rules remain in place.

    Posted 3 months ago #
49. 

    SmartsyArtsy
    

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    Could be but there are several dogs in foster homes who have been found recently. Their pics and info can be found on a bulletin board and contact info can be given by staff. I assumed they were being fostered by the person who found them.

    Posted 3 months ago #
50. 

    phoo
    

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    BH: :)!

    SA: Gah! I didn't know they did C-sections to get premature animals. Ick.

    This is a good example of why a legitimate rescue in California (or elsewhere) might be looking for adopters in other states (from shelley's link):

    "A total of 149 dogs were seized by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with OHS from a warehouse in Brooks. The Sheriff arrested and charged the owner with 120 counts of Second Degree Animal Neglect and one count of tampering with evidence."

    When there is that kind of dump (or worse), often the local shelters are overwhelmed and some animals need to be distributed to other shelters both in and out of the area.

    Those poor dogs are shockingly skinny.

    Posted 3 months ago #

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