Faithwalk Aussies and Mini American Shepherds

Q. & A. with Jill

• Why did you start breeding?

  As a teen I volunteered at a large zoo, and later worked in a couple pet stores with exotic birds and reptiles, and then spent almost 20 years workings hands on with wolves in captive situations in licensed facilities. I rubbed elbows with wild wolf researchers and those working with other captive wildlife big and small. My early interest in big cats became a lifelong passion for canids and their behavior and that has been the focus of my life. I raised and trained a sled dog team that I ran all over this part of the country, and later fell in love with the Australian Shepherd after rescuing one. It was in living with and working with the wolves that I realized how critical quality of life and enrichment is for all animals, captive wildlife and domestic animals.

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• What makes your program special?

  I am extremely selective in choosing a dog for a potential breeding, as I have high standards. Since my dogs live with us as family members, I get to know their personalities quite well, and this gives me more insight into what kinds of temperaments they may pass on to their puppies. I find people keeping dogs in kennels may never really get to know their dogs the same way, as they don't see them in normal daily activities at home and in public. Our dogs are out in public with us often, and that not only enriches their lives, but shows me how they can relate to a wide variety of people, animals and situations. All this is very important to me. While I don't focus on just producing Aussies for one purpose (showing, agility, working livestock), I do want dogs that may have the potential to do those things. My first priority is producing healthy, sound dogs that are a joy to live with in daily life, since that is how we spend much of our time with the dogs. Having a dog that succeeds in activities but is unpleasant to be around the rest of the time is not fun.

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• What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

  Our Miniature American Shepherd puppies include black, red merle, blue merle, and red. Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies include blue merle, black tri, red tri, and red merle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

• Where do your breeding dogs live?

  They live in my home.