Page 49 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

has more of a sentimental connection to my Collie vital to a breeding program. A dams’ real worth
days and to my initial love of herding dogs. is not in the show ring, but rather in what she
can produce in the whelping box. We believe the
Can you tell to our readers on what lines have combination of both a tightly bred pedigree and
started your breeding? From which kennels did the choosing of a dog that physically compliments
you bought your first aussies? Who was your the dam is the key to breeding sound, healthy and
mentor at the beginning? typey puppies.
The commencement of any new breeding program
is extremely important and really lays the Who is the best example of the breed you have
foundations for whether or not your kennel will bred so far and why?
be a success. The process relies on the learning Since our first litter, we have bred/co-bred
and understanding of pedigrees and past dogs 20 Australian Champions and 3 Supreme
that have impacted the breed. We have been lucky Champions. We have also titled another 3
to have a number of mentors both in Australia Supreme Champions, with a further 2 of our
and Internationally who have helped us in our current show dogs, also nearing this title. I like to
breeding program and trusted us with their dogs. think we breed for quality, not quantity. Probably
In particular I would like to thank Judy Vandersteen our proudest achievement to date is having
and Kelton Hatton in the USA (Impacts Australian bred Australia’s youngest Australian Shepherd
Shepherds), Hunter Cong in China and Janne and Supreme Champion. This particular male,
Line Kronstam in Denmark for their trust, support Optimus “Sup Ch Ochaye I Am Prime” attained
and guidance along the way. the title at 17 months of age followed by our girl
Boo “Sup Ch Ochaye You Do You” then being the
What do you like the most on breeding Aussies? youngest female at just 20 months old. Optimus
We both appreciate that the Aussie Shepherd is
a very loving breed. We pride ourselves on the
temperaments that we breed and we love being
able to find the perfect homes and introduce new
people to a wonderful life of being owned by an
Australian Shepherd.

What is the most important for you in the
breeding?
Temperament and soundness are the most
important things. Our experience of the
Australian Shepherd is that they are
a very family orientated dog. All our
dogs are part of the family and are Temperament and soundness
both indoor and outdoor dogs. Our
puppies are raised in the house are the most important things.
and we find that to get the best Our experience of the Australian
out of them in the show ring,
it is important to have them Shepherd is that they are a very
included as part of the family orientated dog. All our dogs
family rather than being
kept in a kennel. We are part of the family and are both
both agree that a indoor and outdoor dogs.
well-bred dam with
good conformation
and structure is

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023 | 49