FAQ

What is the difference in a Miniature/Toy Australian Shepherd and a standard Australian Shepherd?	The only difference is size. If they are quality mini's, they should look identical to a standard aussie.
What colors are mini aussies?	Standard colors are Blue/Red merles and Black/Red tri's or bi's. See this page for a ton of interesting information about Aussie coloring and genetics. Click Here This is an amazing site with TONS of information.
When can you tell a puppies eye color?	I can usually have a pretty good idea by about 4 weeks.
Do they all have blue eyes?	Aussies can have shades of blue, green, brown or even a mixture. Some can have eyes of different colors, some are marbled or split. Example 1 eye might be blue and the other is 1/2 blue and 1/2 green. You can see more info on the page listed above.
How big is a mini aussie? A toy?	Mini aussies are 14-17 inches. Some registries will accept them up to 18 inches. Toys are 13 inches and smaller. However, some registries consider a toy 14 inches and under.
Do mini aussies shed a lot?	Some have more of a coat than others, so of course, some shed more than others. There is a brush called the FURminator. It works wonderful and you'll see a lot less hair if you use it only twice a month!
What kind of coats do mini aussies have?	Coats can range from long silky hair to fluffy and thick. Some have working coats and are a little bit shorter.
Males or females? What makes a better pet?	I know some people live by their beliefs that males are better or females are better. After raising minis and spending alot of time with both sexes I have not noticed any significant behavior differences. Both make wonderful companions.
If I already have a pet, male or female, should I get the same sex or opposite?	If you're just looking for a pet and plan to spay/neuter it doesn't make any difference. I have two un-neutered males that live in my house. They get along great! Its just a matter of preference.
How do mini aussies get along with children and other pets?	Minis are great with children and are wonderful family pets. They are also accepting of other pets. Remember, they are herding dogs and can sometimes herd the cats, dogs or other family members!
Do mini aussies need training?	Yes! All puppies need to be trained with consistency and love. Aussies love to be involved in family activities and do best with families that provide obedience training, socialization and exercise. Aussies are naturally reserved around strangers and need to be properly socialized early in their lives. They are also extremely loyal dogs; wanting to be by their masters side more than anything else on the planet! Aussies are extremely smart and want nothing more than to please their owner. They can very easily be trained to do anything!
Are mini aussies registered with AKC? How are they registered?	No, AKC does not recognize mini aussies as a breed yet. My dogs are registered with ASDR. I don't use NSDR anymore. However, if you want to register your puppy with NSDR you can hardship them. They will not have papers with pedigree from them, but they will from ASDR.
Do you sell your puppies with papers?	Yes, my puppies all come with full registration papers No additional fees will be added for breeding rights unless otherwise specified.
Do you ship your puppies?	Yes. My preferred airline carrier is Continental. Puppies fly in temperature controlled cargo. Its the same as being a passenger. Other airlines are available but prices may vary.
How much is shipping?	Shipping is $300. Price includes airline charges, crate, vet check, health certificate and certificate of acclimation. I do not charge for driving to the airport. However, I do try to ship more than one puppy at a time to make it worth the drive. Its almost a $100 trip for me!
Are these costs included in the price of the puppy?	No, all shipping fees are the responsibility of the buyer. HOWEVER, 2 puppies ship for the price of one!
I'd like to purchase a puppy, what do I do next?	Send a deposit and let me know which one you want! A deposit is required to hold a puppy. I allow one week including weekends for your deposit to arrive. If it does not, I can not keep holding the puppy. For more details click here!
How can I send the deposit?	For deposits I accept checks, money orders, paypal or a credit card can be taken over the phone. For the final payment I accept money orders or paypal/credit card. Or of course cash if puppy is picked up. You can send paypal money to PorterHorseSales@aol.com or to my phone number 580-695-7711.
If I decide I don't want a puppy anymore can I get my deposit back? What if I pick one I like better after I have already put a deposit on another puppy?	All money is non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason. The reason for a deposit is for me to hold the puppy for you. If I am holding a specific puppy for you, he can not be sold to anyone else. If I was to transfer the deposit to another puppy, I would be loosing several potential sales while the puppy was marked sold. I would have to start all over looking for a new home for the puppy.
Does my puppy come with a health guarantee?	Yes, a 72 hour health guarantee. It is extended to a 2 year health guarantee if your puppy is kept on NuVet. You can see my contract page here. I stand behind my dogs, but every situation is different and its impossible to write every possible situation on a contract. If there is ever a problem, it can be dealt with professionally and we can both be happy. I want everyone who gets a puppy from me to be happy!
When does my puppy have to be paid in full?	Puppies must be paid for in full by 8 weeks.
How early can a puppy be picked up?	Puppies can be picked up in person after they have their 6 week shots. Airlines require that puppies are 8 weeks old to ship. Puppies must be picked up or shipped out by 9 weeks. No exceptions.
Where are you located in case I want to pick up my puppy?	Lawton, Oklahoma. I'm about an hour south of Oklahoma City and an hour north of Wichita Falls, Tx. Further out? About 3 1/2 north hours of Dallas and 3 hours southwest of Tulsa, Ok.
Can I get more pictures of the puppies?	I spend 4-6 hours a day on my website, 7 days a week. Pictures are more than likely up to date. However, I can get more pictures for serious buyers. If you're just wanting to look at puppy pictures, please save me the time I take to take pics, edit them and put them on my website. I take picture taking very seriously and its not just a quick thing. Thanks for your understanding!
Can I come and see your dogs and play with all of the puppies?	Unfortunately, I've learned the hard way. I do not allow puppy visitors at my house and/or kennel. I have had puppies stolen and had people who have been 'puppy shopping' at several other kennels come my place. This is very dangerous for my puppies, as people can bring in all kinds of diseases they may have picked up from someone else's kennel or anywhere for that matter. My friends and family do not even handle my puppies. Only us and our help. This way I know what the puppies have and have not been exposed to. This helps guarantee the health of your puppy when it arrives at your home!
What do I do when I pick my puppy up?	Be prepared, it was a long day and airplane ride. It is possible he/she may have made a mess in their crate. A towel might be a handy thing to have just in case. There will be food on the crate, but a drink of water would be greatly appreciated by your new arrival! Lots of hugs and kisses are a great welcome!
Is there anything I should NOT do when I pick up my puppy?	Yes! Do not put your puppy on the ground at the airport to go potty! Hundreds of people a week pick up their new puppies at the airport where you do. A huge percent of them let their puppies run around where you would and your new puppy could get sick by walking around where other, possibly sick puppies have been. You can not be too careful. Wait until you get somewhere your puppy can safely potty where there have not been a bunch of other puppies. Gas stations and other parking lots are not the best choice either.
Can I take my puppy to the park or Pets Mart?	Oh, this is scary. As explained above, this can be dangerous. Parvo, among other things, is very easily transferred and is very contagious. This kills a huge percent of puppies who get it. If you have to take your puppy to pets mart, don't put him down and don't let strangers handle your puppy. Puppies are susceptible to parvo until they've had several sets of shots.
I thought my puppy had shots before it was shipped. Why is it still so dangerous to take him or her out?	Your puppy will be up to date on its shots according to its age when you get it. Parvo, for example, is very dangerous and unfortunately can still be contracted after several sets of shots. You can keep your puppy healthy by making sure its had its full set of shots before you take it to public places!
What shots has my puppy had and what does it need?	Your puppy is up to date according to its age when you get him or her. Here is some information on what shots your puppy has had and still needs! Vaccinations page
Do you have more information on this? What about car sickness? Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar for smaller puppies?	Yes! Check out this page! Its my medical page, you can find helpful information here.
What if I have questions or concerns after I have my puppy?	Call anytime. Please don't hesitate. If you have a serious problem and need help you can even call in the middle of the night. I would be happy to help with anything I can. I turn my cell phone off when I go to bed but in an emergency you can also try 580-284-9940.
What if I want to breed my dog?	That is fine, please if you're going to do so, all I ask is that you do it responsibly. I sell my dogs as pets. When you buy a dog/puppy from me, its your dog to do with what you want! But please remember, do this at your own risk. Complications can arise. Educate yourself. If you have questions feel free to ask.
I'm interested in adult dog or older puppy to breed in the future...what is your guarantee?	Adult dogs and older puppies that I raised are under the same 72 hour genetic guarantee that puppies are. I can not foresee any problems that might arise and can not guarantee any dog to be a good 'breeder' or a good mother. That is a chance we all take when we buy a dog to breed. I will not sell a dog to breed that I know is unsound or unfit to breed. So, to be very clear...no guarantee at all other than the 72 hour genetic guarantee.
Can you help me pick a dog compatible for breeding with mine?	Absolutely. I would be more than happy to help you pick a puppy that would work best for you! If you need help getting started, I'd be happy to help you out as much as possible. I know what its like to get started, its hard to learn as you go. No one was there to help get started, so I would be happy to help anyone who is serious about learning more about mini aussies!
Do you raise Corgis? How about Poodles? Shih tzus?	No, I sure don't. I only have a select few Welch Corgi females that I breed my aussie stud dogs to and my Poodles are only to breed with my aussies as well. I have a few Shih Tzu females that I have bred to aussies and the outcome has been wonderful for someone wanting something even smaller and hypo-allergenic. I love the aussies so much that other breeds just don't interest me much. Now the crosses, I have to admit, are almost as great as the aussies. Especially to someone with asthma or allergies to dogs!
Do aussie puppies go through a weird 'teenage' stage?	OH YES! Just like people, some more than others...but sometimes they will go through a stage where they have no hair. They're all legs and ears and you wonder what the heck you bought!? Well take a few pictures and try not to be too disappointed because after 2-3 months of this, all of the sudden one day they will be a different dog! You'll want that picture to laugh at later! Most of you who watch my website have seen some of these guys grow up. From my experience the ugliest ones are just ugly ducklings and they turn into the most beautiful dogs! I actually made a page just to show you how much they can change in just a couple months time! Check out my UGLY page!
What shots will my puppy have had by the time I pick it up at 8 weeks?	Shots are given on their weekly birthdays. 5 weeks Neo-Par (parvo only) 6 weeks Bordatella 7 weeks Neo-Vac (distemper only) 8 weeks Bordatella booster and 5 way vaccine
What is Neo-Par and Neo-Vac?	NeoPar is a very safe vaccine that is made just for Parvo. The Doctors at Neo Tec who make the vaccine are very helpful in answering any questions about vaccinations, how they work and the importance of timing when vaccinating puppies. Their website is NeoTecVaccines.com 1-877-636-8324
What is Bordatella?	Bordatella is a kennel cough vaccine that most vets and boarding facilities require to board pets.
What is a 5 way vaccine?	A 5-way vaccine is a vaccination for healthy dogs 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in preventing canine distemper caused by canine distemper (CD) virus, infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), respiratory disease caused by canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine parainfluenza caused by canine parainfluenza (CPI) virus, and canine parvoviral enteritis caused by canine parvovirus (CPV). This shot boosters the previous Parvo and Distemper shots.
When is my puppy's next shot due?	I highly recommend booster shots given at 12 weeks. From there you can discuss with your vet. But at least, another booster at 6 months followed by yearly boosters. Remember, after your 12 week shot...it takes 10-15 days for that vaccine to give your puppy anymore protection than it already has.
Why do you do shots at these times?	It's very important to remember that vaccines don't take effect immediately. It takes 10-14 days for a vaccine to give a puppy any protection. A shot given at 6 weeks old is just beginning to take effect at 8 weeks old. Some vaccines will not do a puppy much (if any) good before 8 weeks old. Their immune system is still too high from what they got from their mother to properly use the vaccines. This is why we use NeoPar at 5 weeks. It is made for younger puppies so their bodies can start to create immunity to Parvo at an earlier age. By giving this shot at 5 weeks old, they should have the full benefits by 6 1/2 -7 weeks
Why so many shots?
What about wormer, has my puppy been wormed?
Why do we worm so often?	Worming your puppy doesn't kill worm eggs. Only the worms. It's a process. You have to stop the life cycle of the worms.