This page covers most of the Frequently Asked Questions we get. Please read it before inquiring. There are questions at the bottom that help us get to know you.
Each Imagineer puppy folder includes:
1) AKC and ASCA registration. Imagineer is a registered ASCA and AKC kennel name and must be included at the beginning of the puppy's registered name. All pups are ASCA and AKC DNA-VP (verified parentage) eligible. Pre-paid AKC registration is included with each pup and an ASCA registration form provided.
2) Health guarantee plus shot and deworming record. All puppies will receive their first puppy vaccinations (DAP2 + Cv) and will have been dewormed 3X. All puppies are guaranteed against communicable diseases for five days after leaving and guaranteed against hip dysplasia and hereditary eye diseases. Breeding quality pups are guaranteed against infertility. (Sample guarantees available upon request.)
3) Microchip # for AKC Reunite. Puppies are microchipped before leaving and will be registered with AKC Reunite.
4) Pedigree. Five-generation pedigree.
5) Eye exam results. Litter eye checks are done between 7 and 8 weeks of age by an OFA board certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Each Imagineer puppy folder includes:
1) AKC and ASCA registration. Imagineer is a registered ASCA and AKC kennel name and must be included at the beginning of the puppy's registered name. All pups are ASCA and AKC DNA-VP (verified parentage) eligible. Pre-paid AKC registration is included with each pup and an ASCA registration form provided.
2) Health guarantee plus shot and deworming record. All puppies will receive their first puppy vaccinations (DAP2 + Cv) and will have been dewormed 3X. All puppies are guaranteed against communicable diseases for five days after leaving and guaranteed against hip dysplasia and hereditary eye diseases. Breeding quality pups are guaranteed against infertility. (Sample guarantees available upon request.)
3) Microchip # for AKC Reunite. Puppies are microchipped before leaving and will be registered with AKC Reunite.
4) Pedigree. Five-generation pedigree.
5) Eye exam results. Litter eye checks are done between 7 and 8 weeks of age by an OFA board certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Qualified homes:
While priority is give to proven performance and experienced Aussie homes, we like to work with newcomers, too. We do place puppies in companion homes, but all owners must be willing to take their pups to basic obedience before one year of age, provide proper veterinary care, containment, activity, and socialization. They must keep us updated about their dog's training, health, and temperament and notify us if they are no longer able to keep their dog.
In order to purchase breeding quality pups, previous experience in some competitive venue is a prerequisite. We do not sell puppies solely for breeding purposes. We're always willing to serve as mentors and love getting new folks involved in the breed.
About Aussie behavior:
Aussies are generally good with children, provided they've been exposed to them regularly and are properly trained. Dogs and young children should always be supervised when together.
Aussies can be protective of their homes. When out in public or properly introduced to strangers, Aussies should be accepting of them. Some are very friendly, some more aloof.
You must be able to provide regular physical exercise for your dog. A fenced area for exercise is highly recommended. Many of our dogs belong to runners and hikers. Our dogs are happiest in homes where they are mentally engaged in learning new things and have a regular physical outlet.
While priority is give to proven performance and experienced Aussie homes, we like to work with newcomers, too. We do place puppies in companion homes, but all owners must be willing to take their pups to basic obedience before one year of age, provide proper veterinary care, containment, activity, and socialization. They must keep us updated about their dog's training, health, and temperament and notify us if they are no longer able to keep their dog.
In order to purchase breeding quality pups, previous experience in some competitive venue is a prerequisite. We do not sell puppies solely for breeding purposes. We're always willing to serve as mentors and love getting new folks involved in the breed.
About Aussie behavior:
Aussies are generally good with children, provided they've been exposed to them regularly and are properly trained. Dogs and young children should always be supervised when together.
Aussies can be protective of their homes. When out in public or properly introduced to strangers, Aussies should be accepting of them. Some are very friendly, some more aloof.
You must be able to provide regular physical exercise for your dog. A fenced area for exercise is highly recommended. Many of our dogs belong to runners and hikers. Our dogs are happiest in homes where they are mentally engaged in learning new things and have a regular physical outlet.
Evaluations:
Unfortunately, we can't determine placement of pups before 8 weeks of age when final evaluations have been done. By around 7 weeks, the puppies have finally developed the musculature and proportions to be able to evaluate them structurally. Their personalities are also becoming more unique with each passing day. We spend a lot of time interacting with and observing each puppy.
Based on owners’ goals and needs, pups and owners are then matched up beginning at 8 weeks. We will discuss with you which puppies might be the best fit for you and then let you pick from those.
Unfortunately, we can't determine placement of pups before 8 weeks of age when final evaluations have been done. By around 7 weeks, the puppies have finally developed the musculature and proportions to be able to evaluate them structurally. Their personalities are also becoming more unique with each passing day. We spend a lot of time interacting with and observing each puppy.
Based on owners’ goals and needs, pups and owners are then matched up beginning at 8 weeks. We will discuss with you which puppies might be the best fit for you and then let you pick from those.
Deposits and price -- Deposits ($200, deductible from the purchase price of $1,800 for limited registration [spay/neuter agreement] or $2200 for full registration [breeding quality]) will be accepted once the dam has been bred. Repeat buyers who've purchased an Imagineer Aussie in the past will receive a $200 discount.
Color and sex - If your last three dogs were merles and you'd like a solid this time, that's understandable. Just know that the more particular you are as far as color and sex, the fewer choices will be available to you and may mean that we won't be able to provide a good match for your plans and lifestyle. If you want to work with a breeder who will let you pick based on color and markings at an early age, you'll probably find some, but we emphasize matching you up with the right personality and energy level for a lifelong match.
If you already have a dog, we recommend selecting a pup of the opposite sex, as they are more likely to get along. Two males also generally do okay. Two females... really depends on the age difference and their personalities.
If you have a specific purpose in mind for your future Aussie puppy (like agility, hiking, or therapy work, etc.) where the *personality and energy level* of the dog are highly important, please don't say you want those traits but only in a certain color and sex. We may have the color/sex you want, but personality is not evident until puppies are closer to eight weeks of age. It would be a disservice to new puppy owners for us to sell you a puppy based solely on color and sex, but that doesn't have the right temperament for your goals or lifestyle. If you get that red merle male you wanted, but he's too high energy for therapy work... or if you want a blue merle female for agility, but end up with one that would rather snuggle on the couch than race over jumps... both you and the dog may end up struggling and unhappy. Keep in mind that most breeders know their lines and can recognize which puppies are likely to do best in which situations.
Puppy Pick-Up - Puppies must be picked up between 8 and 10 weeks of age. After 10 weeks, a boarding fee of $50 per week will be charged, payable in advance, in order to hold the puppy. It can take time for us to coordinate with everyone, then arrange visits and make final decisions, but we want you to be a team for life and appreciate your patience.
Shipping:
We prefer you pick up your puppy in person, but if that's not possible we can ship via air (Delta out of Cincinnati) if a direct flight can be arranged and temperatures are safe. For air shipping, additional costs will be incurred, including the shipping itself, a crate, and a vet visit for a health certificate. Younger puppies (8-10 weeks) can also accompany you in an under-the-seat carrier on most airlines and that is the preferable means of air travel.
Please note: We will not send puppies via third party (ground) shippers. Also, we will no longer ship puppies or adult dogs abroad unattended. We have listed several European breeders on our Links page that we highly recommend.
So you're still interested in a puppy from us? Great! What's the next step?
- You can contact us the following ways in order of preference:
- Tell us about yourself:
- Full name and location (city and state).
- Family and work situation and living arrangements (kids/no kids, single/married, multi-generational household, work from home/outside the home, apartment/condo vs. homeowner, fenced yard or not).
- Other current pets and past experience with dogs/Aussies.
- Why do you want an Australian Shepherd and what activities do you plan to participate in?
- Where will you be taking your puppy for training class?
- Any specific preferences as to color, gender, or personality. Are you open to other colors or either sex?