Gillyweed Thunder of Aussie Trail
" Gillyweed "
ASDR Miniature Australian Shepherd

​Gillyweed has a special charisma that is matched by few. His temperament and personality win hearts everywhere he goes, and he is the most fun partner in all things sport and adventure related. I have yet to find a single activity that he takes on with anything less than enthusiasm and joy. You couldn't ask for a more willing partner or wonderful life companion. He goes everywhere with me and has yet to meet a stranger. He will calmly wander through busy farmers markets or sit quietly in the back of an auditorium. He loves children and playing with other dogs. At sporting events, he is calm and collected until it's go time. And then he will stare you down and bark excitedly to let you know he is READY! He is a quick learner, a good problem solver, and versatile in his talents. Although he certainly loves his person and is fairly handler focused, he can be sent out to work independently and is a bold and curious explorer. 

Sports / Training:
Gillyweed is currently excelling in UKC Nosework / Scentwork (titled through Superior level), NADD dock diving, herding (has worked sheep, ducks, and chickens), UpDog Disc Events, DMWYD Trick Titles, and lure coursing (has done AKC FastCat courses). He is also a tried and true reliable farm dog, as well as an easy travel companion for horse shows, ranching events, and everyday life. 

Basic Info:
Registration - American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR) Miniature Australian Shepherd
Black Tricolor (m/Mc228) - tested by UC Davis
(Note about color: to learn more about the fascinating and incredibly complex genetic science behind merle coloring, please follow this link to an educational FaceBook group, called the "🧬 Merle -SINE Insertion from Mc - Mh - Educational Forum", lead by industry specialists and geneticists who explain the science at great depth)
Red Factored
Weight - 30 lbs
Height - 18"
Full Dentition, Correct Bite
Docked Tail (does not carry NBT)
Blue and Amber Heterochromia​
Available for live cover, side by side, frozen, or fresh chilled shipped

Health Testing:
(See certificates below)

OFA CHIC #194388
OFA Elbows - Normal
OFA Hips - Excellent
OFA Patellas - Normal 
ACVO Eye Exam - Normal
See his OFA testing here.

Full DNA Panel Clear - tested by Embark
See his Embark results here.

​Clear (N/N) for Neuroaxonal Dystrophy through Purdue University Lab.

Notes on Performance / Drive and Personality:
Onset of Drive - early puppyhood (quick to offer behaviors for training as early as 8 weeks)
Toy Drive - Medium/high
Food Drive - Medium/high
Prey Drive - Medium/high
Praise Drive - Medium/high
Herding Instinct / Drive - Excellent Drive / Bold on Stock but not vicious 
Behavior in new environment - Eager and confidant, but composed.
Off Switch - Settles nicely. Maintains stable behavior in public or at sporting events. Will occasionally whine or bark if being left out of fun activities. 
Crating Behavior - Sleeps through the night. Quiet and calm in crate at home and when traveling
Reaction to Unknown Children - Friendly and will offer to approach
Reaction to Familiar Children - Friendly and ready to play fetch or tug
Reaction to Strangers in public - Friendly and will offer to approach
Reaction to Strangers entering home - will alert bark and rush to greet and investigate / does not bite or attack
Reaction to Farm Animals - Interested but controllable
Reaction to Dogs - Friendly and enjoys playing with non aggressive dogs 
Reaction to Aggressors - Protective of family members
​Car rides / travel - Quiet and relaxed. Can sleep on the passenger seat or rest comfortably in a crate.
Thunderstorm Anxiety - none
Fireworks Anxiety - none

Bloodline / Kennels of Note:
Pincie Creek, Slash V, Starstuff, Hangin' Tree, Pruitt, Las Rocosa, Timberline, Lobo's, Cut'n Loose, Right Cross, Rising Sun 

​Pedigree:
Online Pedigree Database link can be found here.