Watermark Kennels is an amateur operation in the Finger Lakes area of New York. Despite its small size, Watermark is a member of both the ASCA and AKC parent clubs. Owner Heather Gould is also a charter member of the local ASCA affiliate club. As such, she has extensive knowledge of the breed and is active within both the ASCA and AKC. As such, you can expect excellent health and temperament from the Watermark dogs you buy.
While buying from a breeder is a great way to save money, make sure that the Australian Shepherd dog you buy is vet-checked and has been through an extensive health evaluation. Puppy mills are not a good option. This can cause problems later on. Be sure to ask friends, relatives, and acquaintances for advice when buying from a reputable breeder. Always ask if the dog you buy is from a reputable place, as this could save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run.
You should ensure that the breeder you work with offers a health warranty. The health guarantee states that the puppy is free of any life-altering genetic defects when it is adopted. The puppies are microchipped to make it easy to track them, if necessary. If your search has led you to a breeder who is not willing to stand behind their guarantee, you may want to consider a different breed.
Australian Shepherds, like all pets, have high-priced expenses. CNBC recently reported that emergency care costs for pets range from $1,000 to $5,000. You can avoid these unexpected expenses by saving money for pet insurance. It’s well worth spending the money to care for your pet. Although the Australian Shepherd is a great pet, it is a significant financial investment. You can save hundreds of dollars by getting a good insurance policy and having regular veterinary visits.
Be sure to check the records of the breeder if you are looking for an Australian Shepherd puppy. These records include the type of litters, their health, and any awards they’ve won. You can also look for a breeder’s license from an accredited American dog organization and previous prizes and contests won. You can find all of this information on a breeder’s website or social media pages. You can also contact previous customers for reviews about the health of their puppies.
If you are on a tight budget, an Australian Shepherd puppy can be adopted for less than $400. The lower-cost dogs are usually older and may have some underlying health issues. The puppy cost is just the start of your expenses – you must also consider the cost of vaccinations, dog food, and dog toys. It’s also worth noting that a watermark Australian Shepherd puppy may cost $200 to $1500 or more.