Melvada

We are a small kennel and do not breed regularly, so we do not have a waiting list for puppies. However, if a litter is expected, it will be listed under on our puppy page, and we we may advertise for expression of interest applications - a questionnaire will be emailed to you if we have availability.

All puppies from Melvada Australian Shepherds will go home with a puppy pack that contains the following: - Registration and pedigree papers issued by Dogs NSW (may not be available at time of collection if there is a delay from DogsNSW) - Copies of parent's ANKC pedigrees - Copies of parent's DNA tests and Hip/Elbow scores - Vaccination certificate from a veterinarian - Health check certificate from a veterinarian - Microchip change of owner paperwork - Some of the food of what the puppy has been eating - Puppy information booklet (e.g. what to feed, worming treatments, vaccination regime etc) - 6 weeks pet insurance from PetPlan There may also be other relevant items in the puppy pack. Our puppies are raised with the "Puppy Culture" rearing method.

"Puppy Culture" is a puppy rearing method based on scientific evidence and advice from leading breeders, veterinarians and behaviouralists. "Puppy Culture" outlines a series of week-by-week activities and tasks, all aimed at producing puppies that are ready to set forth into their new homes. "Puppy Culture" involves paying particular attention to prenatal care, early neurological stimulation, weaning set up, developmental periods, the enrichment effect, early socialisation, communication and problem prevention. To find out more about Puppy Culture, click here

There is always some confusion on what a "puppy with papers" versus a "registered breeder" actually means. In Australia, purchasing a "purebred puppy from a registered breeder" means to be purchasing a puppy from a breeder which is registered with an ANKC member body (such as DogsNSW, DogsSA, DogsVictoria etc). A registered breeder should be able to show a membership card with their name, their prefix (kennel name) and a membership number. Such breeders are obligated to follow certain standards and codes of ethics, and will usually perform thorough health testing on their breeding animals. All puppies produced will have their own registration number and pedigree certificate. Some breeders will refer to themselves as "registered breeders" and provide "papers", because they are registered with a local council or other association (e.g. MDBA). IMPORTANT - these breeders are not the same as being a member of an ANKC member body. Papers may only be referring to the vaccination or health certificate and not pedigree ANKC papers. DogzOnline maintains a list of ANKC registered breeders on their website.

Here in Australia, dogs registered with ANKC can either be on the main register or limited register. Main registered dogs are those usually kept for showing or breeding purposes (sometimes referred to as show quality). Limited register puppies are those allocated for pet or performance homes (often referred to as pet quality). Just because your puppy is on limited register does not make it any less of an excellent example of the breed! First and foremost, we want all of our Australian Shepherds to be a treasured family companion. Usually only 1 or 2 puppies are considered "show quality" in a litter, and placed in homes for breeding and/or showing purposes. Limited register dogs can compete in other sporting disciplines, such as obedience, rally obedience, agility, herding, lure coursing, dancing with dogs.... the list is endless!

While you may have a colour or gender preference in mind, we encourage our potential new puppy owners to keep an open mind. What is more important is the temperament and activity level of the puppy to be matched to its future potential family. However if you have your heart set on a particular colour or gender, please realise it may take some time (often 1-2 years) to find the puppy suited for your family.

We will always take a puppy or adult dog back, if for any reason, if you can no longer look after him/her. We will also assist you in finding a new home if required. We would rather do this that find out one of our puppies was surrendered to a shelter or pound. Please contact us if you have any concerns.

The Australian Shepherd is not technically an Australian Breed, having been developed on American ranches and farms.

Australian Shepherds are traditionally a working breed, with an athletic build and energetic temperament. Aussies need regular and rewarding exercise. They also require mental stimulation to reduce the risk of unwanted behaviours. Most aussies benefit from a daily walk, and many will be happy to sit by you on the couch watching TV at night time. Aussies are not the kind of dog you can put in a backyard and leave. They love being around people and will want to be inside with you.

While most Aussies are well suited as family companions, we recommend that a dog should never be left alone with small children. Children should be supervised and instructed on how to behave appropriately around dogs.

Male - 51 to 58.5cm (20-23 ins) in height, weight 22-30kg Females - 45.5cm to 53.5cm (18-21 ins), weight 18-25kg Some Australian Shepherds will be a bit smaller or a bit bigger than this average.

The average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is between 12-15 years.

Australian Shepherds are generally a very well bred breed of dog. A small percentage can be affected by hip dysplasia, eye diseases and epilepsy. It is recommended that if you are looking to purchase an Australian Shepherd, that you research the breed and contact registered breeders. All breeding aussies at Melvada Australian Shepherds undergo DNA testing for heritable traits (e.g. Collie Eye Anomaly, Hereditary Cataracts, ivermectin sensitivity and PRA), regular eye examinations and hip and elbow scoring.

Some Australian Shepherds carry a natural bob tail (NBT) gene, which can mean they have a short tail, almost no tail, or a part tail. Aussies without this gene have full tails, but if bred to a NBT dog, can produce NBT puppies. Tail docking is no longer performed in Australia, but some imported dogs may have docked tails. Tail or not, Aussies make wonderful lifelong companions.

Australian Shepherds usually have a moderately long coat and will often shed, sometimes more than once a year. Brushing at least once a week is recommended to prevent matting. We also recommend that you learn how to do some maintenance grooming or get in contact with a local dog groomer who has experience in Australian Shepherds.

Australian Shepherds come in a variety of colours, with the most common being: - Blue merle - Black tri - Red merle - Red tri All colours may be with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points. Bi-colour is also possible.

Australian Shepherds can have blue or brown eyes, and some have different coloured eyes, combination of both colours in the same eye (heterochromia), or both eyes the same.

Australian Shepherds are an intelligent working breed of dog, often with herding and guarding instincts. They make loyal companions and often excel at various sporting disciplines. We recommend that your new Aussie puppy goes to a positive reinforcement puppy school and basic obedience class to build some foundation skills.