Hi there! I was wondering how you chose Astaroth's Breeder? I'm in the market for an Aussie myself within the next year or so and I'm trying to get recommendations from folks who actually have Aussies as this will be my first one. I know that tumblr folks are generally not keen to share the names of breeders they might choose to work with, but if you are willing to share some recommendations that would be amazing!
ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE WITH LEXA IN THEIR ICON!
With Astaroth, I actually chose the breeder over the breed. Like I’d had a couple breeds in mind, but I went with the breeder that was not a million miles away who seemed to produce quality pups, which led me to my Aussie breeder! (Always research your breed first, of course; I had past experience with aussies and knew what to expect from them and was in the process of researching a handful of different breeds on my consideration list.) His breeder is called GC Outlaws here in Kentucky; they breed show quality line Aussies, Corgis, and ACDs, and you all may know Charlie Corgington, a bit of an online celebrity from Kentucky, and he’s a GC Outlaws baby (something I learned when picking Astaroth up). :) Anyway, I looked for a breeder who health-checks and tests for genetic health issues in their lines, who doesn’t breed double-merles, and who provides quality care for the pups before sending them home, steered clear of anyone who let pups go before 8 weeks, and looked for someone who included a lot of bang for their buck (ie; Astaroth came microchipped, vaccinations up until his take-home date were taken care of, he was sent home with enough of his current diet for a transitioning period on dry food, and even a few toys, including one that smelled like his littermates for comfort, which all showed me the breeder cared about her pups). I also looked at past puppies, at peoples’ testimonials, at the posts by others on their Facebook page, to make sure no one had behavioral issues with their pups or health concerns; everyone seemed really happy with their babies. :) I also really looked for someone who was approachable. It’s not a requirement in a breeder but I cannot stand having someone who looks down their noses at potential puppy-customers; I wanted a relationship with my breeder. I looked for someone who I could communicate with. When I met Astaroth’s breeder in person, I REALLY liked her; I could joke with her and hold a conversation with her, I didn’t feel like she was sizing me up or judging me constantly. She was really down to Earth but obviously cared a great deal for her dogs. I feel establishing a relationship with one’s breeder is really important, so find someone you click with!
