f/k/a Miniature Australian Shepherds.
My dogs are my passion and my family.
I have always owned many animal. I was raised on a horse farm with ducks, chickens, rabbits, we had chinchillas and parrots, cats and of course dogs. I grew up adoring animals. It's always inspired me as I walked forward into a career in digital art. I meticulously study animals, and adore every minute of it, as part of the process to really capture the soul of an animal when drawing them. What I can't handle, my husband (Jacques) is there for; a veteran and a DIY-wizz. We're both very excited to have inherited Waldfrieden from my mother, Sonja Daday. We've been here since the beginning, socializing puppies, helping out, and updating websites, but now we'll be the ones getting our hands dirty too. - Brittany Who
As breeders, we believe it is our responsibility to breed the next best pets. As dog breeders, we can do our part to curb irresponsible and out of control breeding. To prevent, where ever possible, the heartbreaking decision some families must make that end with their canine companion in a shelter. We recognize that most people interested in mini aussies, especially in New England, are not working farms in need of a furry colleague but eager, active families looking for a good pet. We breed for health and temperament. Aussies with low herd drives and wagging tails. The perfect companion for active people and dog-sports enthusiasts.
As breeders, we believe it is our responsibility to breed the next best pets. As dog breeders, we can do our part to curb irresponsible and out of control breeding. To prevent, where ever possible, the heartbreaking decision some families must make that end with their canine companion in a shelter. We recognize that most people interested in mini aussies, especially in New England, are not working farms in need of a furry colleague but eager, active families looking for a good pet. We breed for health and temperament. Aussies with low herd drives and wagging tails. The perfect companion for active people and dog-sports enthusiasts.
Photography by Elizabeth Dee of Epic Occasions Photography
More about Miniature Aussies in case you don't know. . .
On July 1, 2015, the AKC moved the Miniature American Shepherd from the Foundation Stock Service (fss) to full AKC recognition. Waldfrieden is ambitiously working to conform with AKC breeder policies and standards, as it moves its breeding stock over to AKC.
Note: Registries such as ASDR and MASCA retain the name Miniature Australian Shepherd, a size variety of the (standard) Aussie.
Note: Registries such as ASDR and MASCA retain the name Miniature Australian Shepherd, a size variety of the (standard) Aussie.
Is a Miniature Aussie right for you?
Aussies were bred to work cattle, sheep, goats, and even poultry at the wave of a hand from their owner. They were often used as guardians of children while their parents worked in the field. To do this, they had to be loyal, highly trainable, willing to please, and suspicious of strangers. These are traits that stand true today. Aussies form strong bonds with their owners, and do not transfer to new homes easily. Even 8 week old puppies may feel initially reserved and aloof for a while. They are not labs, and may not lick your face when you come to see the litter. This is because they have begun to bond to their breeder. This is who they are. Your commitment, love, and patience are required until he bonds to you. The older the puppy/dog, the more time it may take. Do not take this personally! You will have to spend much time between 8 and 16 weeks of age socializing and imprinting your puppy to places other than your home, people of all ages and races, other dogs, umbrellas that open, wheel chairs... every single thing you can, if your goal is a dog you can take anywhere with you. Can you commit to that?
Since Aussies were developed to manage livestock, their intelligence and drive will need to be redirected if they are not to be worked. Puppy Kindergarten/Obedience is highly recommended, and you can be assured your Aussie will be the smartest dog in class. Mine "get it" before the German Shepherds do! When raised with children, Aussies love kids and will follow them everywhere. Those with strong herding drive may nip the feet of children who run. This is not aggression, but you will have to teach him that herding humans is not allowed. Some Aussies will be happy house pets, while others will need the equivalent of a three mile run per day to remain balanced and happy. If you are considering a second dog, I happen to think that most are happier when there is another Aussie to play with. I have had many second time buyers who send me pictures of the two dogs asleep on the same bed, sharing the same toy, or the older Aussie upset with them for crating the puppy. Mine invent elaborate herding games with each other and form tight friendship bonds like people do, but you will still always be number one in his eyes.
Miniature Aussies Need A Strong Pack Leader
We often get emails from people wanting to adopt one of our “fur babies”. Treating an intelligent flock dog like it is a human child is a mistake, and can even be dangerous. In the successful rearing of a dog, calm, assertive pack leadership is required. If the owner fails to demonstrate this energy in his relationship with his dog, the dog will assume it, and this never ends well. Dogs forced to be the pack leader are stressed. The alpha position can come with behavior problems, such as poor manners, stubbornness, hyper vigilance, destructiveness, and potentially even aggression.
The fact of the matter is, we can breed for all sorts of things, but all dogs need training and for you to be their pack leader. Please be ready to socialize, exercise, and train your dog.
Aussie ADOLESCENce. . .
Remember the ugly duckling story? At maturity, your dog will look much like he did at 8 weeks, however between 8 weeks and maturity is an awkward stage where legs are gangly, ears do strange things, the coat thins to nothing.... It's not pretty. Be patient. The swan will come.
We are Avidog breeder members, and raise our pups the Avidog way. Find out how you can continue what we start at https://www.avidog.com/ |
Proud to be a member of MASCUSA