New Family Member

I never realized how hard it can be to try to find the right dog to join your family. We have always adopted dogs in the past but with recent heart aches we decided to go with a purebred from a reputable breeder. That decided we searched until we found the Australian Shepherd. They are so adorable and just called out to me. J has had an Aussie and he too thinks they are pretty dogs. I have been searching now for about three months and either they want over $1000 or they will not ship to Germany or there aren't any available. Of course I am looking for a blue merle and if it has blue eyes that would be great. Maybe I am being to picky but I figure if I am going to have to pay so much (and it looks as if I will for this breed) then I should a puppy that I really want. Some breeders have this crazy notion that they can control where their pup goes if you fill out a questionnaire. Sorry to tell them but people are not necessarily honest and though their questionnaire's may deter some bad people, it will also deter good people who do not feel they need to be scrutinized. Then there are the contracts as well. Many breeders will sell you a dog with papers but require you to neuter or spay the dog. Why would you want to pay the extra money involved for a papered puppy only to get it spayed or neutered which can limit their showing in some arenas and definitely deters you from any future breeding you may wish to do (responsibly of course!). At the same time these breeders do not want you to go out and purchase some farm muts which encourages irresponsible breeding! AHHHHH!!!