

	Picasso Miniature Australian Shepherds are located in Surprise, Arizona, outside of Phoenix. I'd like to give you a little background information concerning how I became involved with this delightful breed. I've always loved dogs, but met my first Australian Shepherd in 1988 when we moved to Phoenix. We had a senior adult neighbor, "Mr. Joe" who had a black tri Aussie as his constant companion. Gypsy was an amazing dog, not only in how smart she was, but I was impressed with her relationship with her owner. Then, a few years later, Elicia Calhoun and her awesome partner Suni became my favorite team in televised agility events. Eventually I got to meet Elicia and Suni, and they reinforced my growing desire to have a dog that I could have a "team mate" relationship with. In 1998 I found out there was a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd that a group of dedicated people had been developing. Fortunately for me, my first contact was with Linda Perry, of Patchworkfarms, who has worked for many years to help this new breed grow, while trying to protect it from the problems that develop when a breed becomes too popular for it's own good. I am proud to say that Linda has become my friend and mentor, and I appreciate the standards she has required me to adhere to in order to breed these wonderful little dogs. I am a small, "hobby" breeder, and have no ambitions to raise more than an occasional, well-planned litter. One of the reasons I wanted to do this in the first place is that I want to help improve the breed, and promote education among those people who are interested in adding a Mini Aussie to their family. I don't believe a Mini Aussie is for everyone - they are by nature a herding breed, and they need a job! If you're looking for a "fashion accessory", or a dog to leave on it's own in your yard, then this is NOT the breed for you! If, however, you would like an active companion, and a constant shadow who loves to "do stuff!" with you, then a Mini might be the dog for you. I work very hard to screen potential homes for my puppies, so that both puppy and owner are a good fit. I love it when I get updates from the new homes, and will share the pictures on this website. My primary area of competition with my own dogs is in the field of Agility. These little guys (and girls!) make great performance partners, and breeding for sound structure is very important to me. I have done some conformation showing, and will continue to from time to time, to make sure my dogs are measuring up to the competition, but a sound body and mind are the most important to me. My breed dogs are CERF cleared annually, and have their OFA done before they are ever part of my breeding program. The puppies are temperament tested, CERF tested, and have their structure evaluated by an experienced, unbiased breeder at the age of 8 weeks. At that point I have a good idea of what each puppy's strengths are, and what type of family situation he or she would best fit into.
	Located in Surprise, AZ, the "Valley of the Sun" becky@avantek.net or (623) 556-5236