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Looking for Australian Shepherd Dogs for Sale? Don't Get Scammed

Finding Australian Shepherd dogs for sale may be easy, but before you jump to make that purchase you need to carefully think it through and make sure you aren't getting taken for a ride. Unfortunately, for every reputable breeder and rescue organization out there, there are just as many if not more shady breeders and puppy mills. For the good of you and your four legged best friend you need to know the difference.

Before you even consider checking your local area for an Australian Shepherd dog for sale you first need to decide whether this is the right breed for you. Aussies are wonderful dogs, but they have many distinct traits that may not make them an ideal fit for every owner. They are intelligent, protective, active and require a lot of training and exercise. If they don't get the right amount of activity, they could become destructive.

At the same time, the breed can be susceptible to certain medical issues, including hip dysplasia and eye ailments, which may require costly treatment. Owning an Aussie is not as simple as finding Australian Shepherd dogs for sale, it also requires a serious commitment from you and every member of your family. In fact, they may not be ideal for young children as they can have very strong personalities that can't be easily controlled.

Dogs / stock.adobe.com

Once you have done your homework and made your decision to buy, then you'll need to consider your options for finding an Australian Shepherd dog for sale. There will always be opportunities to adopt from local shelters as well as rescue organizations and many people prefer to go that route. That's a perfectly reasonable way to go, but you'll want to make sure that the place you choose has a good reputation and knows their business.

There are many rescue groups such as Australian Shepherd's Furever which focus on rescue/foster/adoption of Aussies. Other groups like Speak! for the Unspoken and Keller's Cause work specifically with special needs dogs, usually those with vision or hearing impairments, two conditions that are common among Australian Shepherds due to double merle breeding. They believe that every dog deserves a happy life in a good home and their goal is to make that happen.

If you'd prefer to find Australian Shepherd dogs for sale through a breeder, again you need to be careful to make sure that you don't wind up getting scammed. Unfortunately there are many shady operators out there who may present themselves as breeders but are really just out to make money. If you end up dealing with one of these, you're liable to find yourself with an unhealthy dog and no recourse as most of these places will close the door on you the minute the transaction is done.

Fortunately, there are ways to spot pet stores, puppy mills and other disreputable breeders if you know what to look for. If they are more interested in the money and less in the health of the dog and bring up the cost early and often, that's a good sign that they don't truly care about the breed. Another tell-tale sign is if they don't focus solely on Australian Shepherds. The more breeds they offer, the less likely they are to be truly knowledgeable about any of them.

Stanislav Duben / stock.adobe.com

The Best Place to Find Australian Shepherd Dogs for Sale

Finding a healthy, purebred Australian Shepherd dog for sale requires doing some research. Putting in the extra time will be worth it for you and for the breed itself. Reputable breeders truly care about the breed and will go out of their way to ensure the health and happiness of their dogs. That's something that should appeal to any true Aussie lover as it only helps to keep bloodlines pure and genetic illnesses at bay.

Reputable Australian Shepherd breeders won't turn over a dog to just anyone. You should be prepared to ask plenty of questions and if the breeder you're dealing with is truly legitimate, they'll likely ask just as many of you. They'll want to be sure that you understand the breed and are prepared to give your Aussie the particular attention that he requires.

Reputable Breeders vs Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills

That's the real difference between reputable breeders and puppy mills. The true breeders are more interested in the dogs than the money and will often have long waiting lists. The cost will often be the last thing that they mention, preferring instead to give you a full hereditary history of your dog as far as three generations back and ensuring that their pups are regularly checked by a veterinarian to protect against any possible health issues.

Our official ebook Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care.

Just remember that when you're looking at an Australian Shepherd for sale it will require an investment of both time and money. The cost can add up, but this isn't the time to pinch pennies. If you try to cut corners in terms of price, you're more likely to run into shady breeders. Instead, take your time and check through our directory of the many breeders throughout the U.S., Canada, and around the world as a starting point for your research.

There's no doubt that owning an Australian Shepherd can be a wonderful experience. Aussies are loyal, protective and loving dogs who want nothing more than to please their owners. If you're sure that this is the right breed for you, then finding Australian Shepherd dogs for sale through a reputable breeder is the best way to go to minimize the chances being scammed. So do your research and find a breeder you can trust. Then you'll be on your way to joining the ranks of devoted Aussie owners.

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