4FEATHERS AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS

Photo by Shea Christine Photography, sheacardwellphotography@hotmail.com, https://sheachristinephotography.pixieset.com/

My name is Chris, formally known as C4 Australian Shepherds, now 4Feathers Australian Shepherds. Not only do I raise AKC/ASCA registered standard Australian Shepherds, I raise AQHA performance horses. My Grandpa introduced me to this spectacular breed when I was just a little kid on the ranch. He would always say, "You need a really good horse, and a really good Aussie to get the job done", my love flourished from there. My Australian Shepherds are purpose- bred for sound minds, strong structure, real ability. These are dogs that can perform, think, and have the confidence that is a must for any situation- not just look good in pictures. A great dog doesn't happen by accident; it's a result of thoughtful breeding and deep respect for the breed. My Aussies are a part of my daily life, not a sideline business. Every litter is carefully planned with a focus on temperament, structure, health and real-world performance.

All of my age-appropriate females are taking "In Between for Her" vitamins. My pregnant females take "Prenatal" vitamins and the females who have delivered puppies "Postnatal" vitamins. Our boys who are not breeding at the time take "In Between for Him" vitamins and our active studs take a reproductive support vitamin as well. Our puppies receive Nutri Cal up until they are eating on their own, at this point they are given a diet specifically to meet their growing needs, typically I start out with what I call mush, which is lamb, rice, some health additives, topped/ mixed with goats milk, all pureed so the puppies have ease to digest. My feeding program is structured for the individual dog, some eat the same thing, others have a special diet to benefit their needs. Puppies will be started on what fits the particular litters needs and doing well with this diet by the time they are going home. My adult dogs' diets depend on the dog, most all eat the same dog food, but like my retirees that remain here with me, they need more age-appropriate food, I typically use a higher fat content for seniors. Often people do not realize all that goes into raising Australian Shepherds, or any dog for that matter...it is a full-time job, sometimes the elements are not in our favor, and clearly things can go wrong at any time. Striving to have Aussies healthy is the top goal with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming's and all the extra, but things can still happen even with all the effort. Due to past experiences here on the farm, with an enormous loss of animals and theft, I no longer allow visitors. I am more than happy to face time, video call or whatever makes you comfortable. If that is not sufficient, I will happily refer you to a breeder who allows visits on their property. I send weekly photos, and videos of your puppy until they leave my care. Once the puppies have at least one vaccination and comprehend the aspect of staying with myself and mom, we go on adventures which include creeks, timber and open space, not only do I do this so they can learn terrain, I do it so they will understand the importance of staying with you off leash, having excellent call backs, and understanding when they have free time to romp and play safely. I typically will not even leash a puppy until they are right at 4 to 6 months, however by that time, they are well versed on the concept of staying with you, so it isn't a dramatic change. The main goal here at 4Feathers, is to provide you with a confident Australian Shepherd that can achieve whatever task you want. Not all of the 4Feathers Aussies go for herding dogs, some have gone as bomb detection, search and rescue, assisted in VA hospitals, therapy dogs for children in facilities, health related detection dogs for individuals, competition and confirmations dogs with AKC and/or ASCA and working on UKC, just to name a few, however those who just go as the best buddy for that special kiddo, that person that has lost someone and is lonely or a family who wants to incorporate a new member....being versatile to be a "can do it all" Aussies, that is what makes me super proud of my pack!