Page 26 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Interview

Interview with a Breeder

Europe

Philipp

Harrer

Dear Philipp thank you for taking the time to provide the future. When I was 17, Grace, my first Aussie
us with an interview and answering our questions. moved in.

Please introduce yourself and your kennel to our Please tell us about your past and present dogs
readers? Why did you choose to own this breed? and the future?
Hello everyone. My Name is Philipp Harrer, I It all started with my first female, Grace in
was born in 1994. I was raised and still living 2011. She was my pet; she never had a litter
in beautiful Austria. My family lives in a small but was my Obedience and Agility dog. I got my
town called Passail, in the green heart of Austria first show dog from Hungary in 2012 from the
called Styria. Together with my wife and our Silver Dream Kennel, he was a Long-tailed Red
small daughter we Breed Australian Shepherds. Merle Dog. This dog quickly proved that he had
My Kennel name is “Austrian Dream”. I think all quality to win. In 2013 I got my first two USA
dogs are like Diamonds. It is a dream to own Imports from Thornapple kennel which began Text written by: Philipp Harrer. Photographs provided by: Philipp Harrer.
Diamonds, right? With living in such a stunning my serious interest in showing and Breeding.
place in Austria these two ideas combined to try The female was already an Adult while the male
to breed a Dream come true in Austria = Austrian was a puppy. Both proved themselves as very
Dream! I fell in love with our breed when I was nice Showdogs with great success. The female
around 10 years old. Our neighbours at the time was called Thornapple Bijan With a Twist
owned a red merle Bi Male, named Elvis and “Bijan”. She had the first Austrian Dream litter.
that is where it all started. I love how happy She had three great puppies, two Males and a
and always ready to work they are and connect Female who all proved themselves successful
with all types of humans and animals. I was so showdogs. From Baby Best in Show up to
impressed that it was clear this was my Breed for Best in Show and lots of titles along the way

26 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023