Illusion Miniature Australian Shepherds
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Here are the anwsers to some of the general questions I get asked. 

SINCE MINI AUSSIES ARE A SMALL BREED, THEY DON'T HAVE HIP PROBLEMS
 
FALSE!!!  Mini Aussies were bred down from the large aussies.  The can have hip displaysia.   I have had several people ask me this question, and don't let a breeder tell you otherwise.  There is no way to completely get rid of any genetic health problem.  Breeders who do not do health testing make up story's to sound good, don't be fooled by them.   Mini and toy aussies can have the same health problems that their larger cousins have.
 
 
 
 
WHY ARE YOU PUPPIES SO MUCH MONEY?
 
Cheaper is not always better.  I feel that to give you the best possible puppy, health testing is a must.  Alot of breeders who sell their puppies for only a couple hunderd dollars do not health test.  This in the long run can later cost you thousands.   I also provide a life time guarentee against genetic defects.   I feel my prices are fair, the choice is yours
 
 
ARE MINI AUSSIES HYPER?
 
  I don't consider them hyper.  They have a high energy level just like any working breed.   They need to be played with.  Aussies of any size were not bred to be lay in your lap companion dogs.  They require a little bit of room to run and play.  Even if it is going to the park on the weekends, or just simply going for a nice long walk.  I don't consider them as active or hyper as most terriers.   After a nice run outside and maybe alittle ball, all my dogs come inside and are couch potatos!!
 
 
DO MINI AUSSIES MAKE GOOD PETS?
 
  Yes, they can make wonderful housepets as long as they are properly socialized and exercised.  The mini aussie is a working dog, and sometimes to smart for there own good.   It has very high energy level, and can not be expected to be a lap dog, although they are very loyal to there masters.  Some people even consider them "velcro dogs".  They always tend to be where there family is.   This is not a breed that does well if it is left outside all the time.  They would enjoy a fenced yard while the family is at work, but then would like to come in and sleep in your bed....
 
ARE MINI AUSSIES EASY TO TRAIN?
 
  Mini's are very easy to train and housebreak.  All my dogs were housebroken by the time they were 6 months old.  You have to remember, a young puppy will not be able to hold it for several hours, but will learn in time.  If you are going to be away from home for more then a couple of  hours, you can place a wee wee pad in the puppies crate for it to go on. 
 
A mini also is easy to obediance train, they are very smart dogs.  They can however become board if you continue to ask the same thing over, and over, and over again.  Change the treat, and change what you are asking.  Make training periods short and to the point several times a day, instead of tring everything at once. 
 
ARE MINI AUSSIES A HEALTHY BREED?
 
  Yes they are healthy, but not without genetic problems.   Some of the genetic problems to watch out for are eye disorders, hip dysplasia, MDR-1(see weblink on other page), and epilepsy.  Good breeders know the lines they breed, and also test for eyes, hips, and mdr-1.  Make sure when looking at a breeder, you ask about testing and there health guarentees.    If the parents of a puppy are tested and healthy, then you are more likely to purchase a healthy puppy. 
 
CAN A MINI AUSSIE BE AGRESSIVE?
 
   Any dog can if not properly socialized.  A mini aussie will guard there flock, and now adays that is their family.  They are not supposed to be overly agressive or attack, but reserved with strangers.  The more places you take your new puppy, and the more people they meet the better they will be.  Mini aussies have been known to nip at the ankles of small children, and on rare occasion an adult.  This is their herding instinct, and they have to be trained not to herd people, the same way you would train a new pup to do anything.  Although uncommon, it is easily delt with. 
 
SHOULDN'T I BREED MY DOG BEFORE ALTERING IT?
 
NEVER.  You always want to alter you dog as soon as the vets feels it is ok.  Anytime you let your dog, male or female, breed or become hormonally active it can lead to agression, or marking.  It can also increase the dogs chances or getting breast or testicular cancer.   A male dog can smell a female dog in heat over a mile away, and yes dogs can mate through a fence.   Altering a dog can usually make them easier to train. 
 
MALES VS. FEMALES
 
This is my personal opinion on males vs. females.  Each dog is an individual, and has their own personality.  In the Mini Aussie, I do not find much difference between the males and females.  I do find that the boys are a bit more of a couch potato once neutered, and they seem to have to go potty just a wee bit more then the girls when a young baby.  I have found both of the sexes to be equally as loving.  I have found the difference between the two to be so slight, I feel there is no reason to have a difference in price between the sexes.  If you have always had a girl, try a boy.  If you have always had boys, try a girl.  Whichever sex you decide on, it is the training, love, and attention that truely makes a difference in this breed.   

Hearts full of love and a stump for a tail