ASCA: First and foremost, the Australian Shepherd is a true working stockdog, and anything that detracts from his usefulness as such is undesirable. The most important breed characteristics are overall moderation in size and bone, balance with correct proportions, and sound movement.
AKC: The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog of strong herding
and guarding instincts. He is a loyal companion and has the stamina to work all day. He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone, with coloring that offers variety and individuality. He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness.
The Australian shepherd has seen increasing popularity over the last 20 years, climbing to the top 20 most popular breeds in AKC. We also have our breed parent club, the Australian Shepherd Club of America, which offers a full program of conformation and sports. At Eventide we look to meet both standards and our long-term goal is to produce an AKC dual champion (conformation & herding) and top 10 Most Versatile Aussie at ASCA Nationals.
Using both standards as a guide, we look for dogs with the intelligence, moderation, versatility, and soundness called for. We highly value a dog with drive but an innate off-switch as well. What this means for buyers is partners who want to do things with them, but who can also switch off and have a day off. Doing things can be hanging out with family and doing some trick training or other brain enrichment, hiking, or the dog sport of your choice. Our dogs compete in agility, herding, rally, obedience, and scent work.
Our puppies are whelped in our home and raised with Puppy Culture protocols including Early Neurological Stimulation as well as extensive socialization, desensitization, and beginner puppy training. By 8 weeks, puppies will be started with crate, potty, recall, and leash training. It will still be up to the puppy's new owner to continue with training at home. We breed a litter every few years and as such do not keep a wait list until a litter is announced.
We accept applications with preferences for both sex and color, but cannot promise you will be matched exactly to your preference. We take this information into consideration whenever possible. Final evaluations are done at 7-8 weeks, at which time Eventide and our co-breeders choose who we are keeping then we go by order of deposit. We accept deposits for a litter once they are confirmed by ultrasound.
Puppies are evaluated at 7-8 weeks of age for structure, movement, food and toy drive, herding instinct, and working aptitude. The goal is to place puppies in the right home where they will thrive. A home that wants an active companion to go on runs and hang out with will not be matched to the busiest puppy who is always looking for a problem to solve. On the flip side, a home looking to do agility will be matched with a puppy with the appropriate structure to stand up to rigors of jumping.
All puppies are placed on limited registration unless otherwise agreed. Limited registration contracts require puppies to be altered by 24 months with vasectomies, ovary sparing spay, and laparoscopic spays being accepted. Breeding and show prospects may be available, terms are reasonable and we are happy to discuss them with any interested parties.
Litters are docked, rear dew claws (if they exist) are removed. Front dew claws are left intact. Puppies are dewormed and vaccinated in accordance with the guidance of our veterinarian. Be advised, Eventide aussies are raised on an active sheep farm that is surrounded by birds, we assume all manner of worms are active at any time and do our best to limit and prevent exposure.
Puppies go home with:
ASCA & AKC Registration
Bag of Food
Toy/Blanket
Vet Check & Record
Microchip
CAER Exam
Copy of Puppy Agreement
Puppy Raising Information