My idea of what I have wanted in a breeding program was to be small, exclusive, and to breed always with better health, more knowledge, and a desire to produce dogs that can: 1) be wonderful companions, 2) be athletes in the performance and confirmation arenas, and 3) bring the breed forward in terms of health and temperament. In the 25+ years I have had aussies and mini americans, I believe I have stayed true to these goals.
Gottabe started in 1994 when I purchased my first aussie. I had been showing and breeding schipperkes for over 10 years and decided that I wanted another breed, a dog who was a little less independent, one that wanted to do what I wanted to do. I also wanted to expand into other fields of competition and wanted a dog my daughter could do junior handlers with. I checked out corgis, shetland sheepdogs, and Australian Cattle dogs before I realized they all came from the herding group.
A friend had suggested aussies, but I dismissed them as those "muddy spotted dogs" I'd seen on ranches. Then one day I flipped my calendar and fell in love. There on January 23, 1993 was a blue merle puppy with two blue eye. It's a shame to say I fell in love with a picture and not a dog, but the more I investigated, the more I felt this breed was the "one". After contacting several breeders, I bought my first Aussie, Jazmin, from Sunshine Kennels (thank you Lynn Cobb!). Jazmin was a black tri who never got into trouble, never chewed up the hose, never barked too much and was very easy to housebreak. One problem - Jazmin hated to show.
I then purchased Katie from Windfall Kennels. Katie loved to show, wiggled her butt so much that she slapped her cheeks, and thought people were here just for her. Due to an unknown deadly bacteria, I lost Jazmin at the age of three. Katie missed Jazmin so much, Lynn gave me Sam. Sam is also a black tri and thinks that the world is here for her to herd, guard or kiss.
I loved my Aussies, but I soon found out that a 50 pound dog takes a LOT more time to groom for show, takes up lots more space, needs larger crates, heartworm, food, etc. In 1998 I was surfing the web and came upon a Mini Aussie site. These dogs looked just like what I felt a smaller Aussie should look like! I followed the links to several other sites and realized that these dogs were just the size I had been looking for. A smaller version of the dogs I had come to love.
I purchased my first mini in January, 1999 . Her temperament is EXACTLY that of my bigger girls, and she exhibits great herding instinct. She is also a ball fiend! But, she was not the type that I wanted. So, I decided to cross my standard girls with a mini in hopes of bringing in the standard aussie "type" that I loved. I bred my first mini/standard cross litter in 2000. I got the wonderful headtype, coat and bone from my standards, and the smaller size from the minis. Mult. CH. Gottabe's Spot The Winner, Multi. CH. Simon Says Fairplay, and OTCH MACH7 Multi-agility-titled Gottabe's Sparking Cider, and our wonderful Gottabe's Ima Makin U C Red were from these crosses and started the foundation of my kennel. They also show great instinct and drive. In 2015 I received AKC provisional judging status for the Miniature American Shepherd, and in 2016 received permanent judging status. I have also been honored to be chosen to give the AJSD MAS workshop judges seminar @ the 2017 AKC Advanced Judges Institute for aspiring judges, held @ the AKC Nationals in Orlando, Florida. I am also a recognized mentor for our breed club, and have mentored several other breeders, and I am a member of 5 breed/all breed clubs.
The Miniature Australian Shepherds are not shown in AKC or ASCA shows but in ARBA and IABCA, as well as CKC and Rarities shows. They were accepted for several years in UKC but have now been refused.
UPDATE: The Miniature American Shepherd is now fully recognized and has entered the Herding group.
UPDATE: As of March, 2011 the miniature australian is now the Miniature American Shepherd and have been accepted as a new breed in the AKC. Registrations from the parent club, NAMASCUSA, will be accepted for FSS and performance competition will commence May, 2011. The Miniature AMERICAN shepherd will enter the MISCELLANOUS CLASS July 1, 2012.
Here is a picture of MY opinion of what a mini is, and what I base my breeding program on. From left to right: Katie - 18.5" standard female; Freckles - 17.75" mini male, Sam - 19" standard female; Cider - 16.5" mini female.
Master Bodie with his family during their vacation
Ahmileena from our Ava/Finn litter - happy girl!
Hustle & Rascal had a great time @ an AKC Agility trial
UPDATE:
December, 2022
We are taking the month off for the holidays, but we may enter the New Year's Eve UKC show in Lodi, CA at the end of the month. We have such fun and enjoy being with ou doggie friends.
Nov, 2022
Ms DeeDee finished the needed 6 points at the Trucke Meadows DTC's FastCAT trial in Fernley, NV this month. She now has her FCAT - wahoo!!
October, 2022
We attended the Bonanza KC in Carson City - no conformation points but Ms Winnie cleaned up - she finished her Farm Dog title, passed both her Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog Novice tests, & was awesome at her very FIRST herding instinct on sheep (pics on her page). At the Harvest Moon classic in Santa Rosa the end of the month DeeDee garnered all but 6 of the 1,000 points needed for her FCAT & Miss Dilly picked up her first conformation point.
Aug/Sept, 2022
We headed up to Roseburg, OR in September to attend our first AKC conformation show in over a year. Right out of Reno we had a flat trailer tire, but changed to the spare and off we went. Ms Winnie received WB & BOW on Thurs, WB on Fri, and added to her point count. She was also able to get 1 leg on her Farm Dog title (the steward did a mixup & we were not able to compete in both trials). Miss Dilly enjoyed showing in the 4-6 mo class and took the Terrier Group both days she was able to compete (we had conflicts 2 days). Lots of good experience and we did great until the smoke rolled in on Sat. We enjoyed the daily ice cream too!
July, 2022
All but 1 mannie puppy are in their new homes & I'm receiving family pics. My last mannie, Fern, now Ziva, leaves on a plane with her new owner Sat. My keeper Dilly, has already attended her first fun match & will attend her first IABCA show this month. This will be my first show weekend since January, and the first after falling & breaking my arm. I am so ready to get out and see friends!!
June, 2022
This has been a challenging month. June 6th while moving puppies I tripped and fell, breaking my right arm in 5 places - with 13 puppies. I can't thank everyone enough who stepped in and helped us through it. My husband, neighbors, kids & friends all got us through. My hubby had hip replacement surgery in March and was only 7 weeks post surgery. These pups were truly raised by a village.
March, 2022
We decided to take the plung and breed both DeeDee (Standard Manchester Terrier) & Ivy (Miniature American Shepherd). Both girls are pregnant with pups due in April. Although I'll miss out on a lot of spring shows, I will be enjoying puppy breath and cuddles.
January, 2022
We started 2022 on a more positive note when "Ivy" went Best In Show @ the Lodi, CA UKC show the first weekend in January. Winnie also received her UKC Grand CH. We will also be hearing the pitter patter of tiny paws this year with several litters, both "mini" & "mannie". We are excited about these litters and invite all inquiries.
December 31, 2021
I want to wish all a blessed new year and may this be our best year yet!! I also want to thank my Gottabe community for the love and great life they give my puppies and adults. Thank you so much for continuing to send emails & pics.
December, 2021
This past year has been a very difficult one for me. Several private issues had to be taken care of and I did not keep up much with Gottabe. For that I apologize. I also lost one of my furbabies, my first manchester Cloe. It devistated me and I could not talk about it for months. I will not be sad to see 2021 leave. But with the new year comes new goals and a new perspective. This year I will be breeding 3 litters - 2 minis and 1 manchester. I am still working on potential studs but keep checking back as I will update my website.
March, 2021
February, 2021
January, 2021
December, 2020
July/August, 2020
April/May/June, 2020
December-March, 2019-20
September /October, 2019
August, 2019
July, 2019
June, 2019
The 2nd of our 2 Miniature American litters was born June 14th - Gracie blessed us with 6 beautiful babies. Click here Our "Irish Whiskey" pups will be going to their new homes July 5th.
May, 2019
The first of our 2 Miniature American litters have been born - an all red litter . 9 beautiful babies! The theme on this litter is "Irish Whiskeys"
April, 2019
End of April puppy evals for the "mannies" & then on to their new homes. Cloe & I hit an agility trial in Elk Grove & one in Carson City & picked up some new titles :)
March, 2019
We attended the AKC shows up in Anderson, CA & came home with 2 4-point majors for Ivy, eye clearances for Ivy, DeeDee & Phaedra, and Intermediate Trick Dog Title for Cloe, and 2 fastCAT qualifying runs for Cloe. All in all a great weekend!!
February, 2019
We had our 2nd litter of Manchester Terrier puppies. Excited to see how they grow!
January, 2019
Agility training is continuing, & we are hoping to get in a FastCAT trial this month. Mom's also working on another quilt :)
December, 2018
Mom's been hard at work making Christmas presents & doing holiday stuff. We added more NADAC titles to Cloe's "belt" @ the NADAC agility trial in Elk Grove, CA the 27-29th.
November, 2018
Cloe & DeeDee entered their 1st AKC lure coursing events - and we came home with a new title!!
October, 2018
Cloe added Q's towards her AKC agility titles @ her 1st AKC agility trial - the TMDTC trial here in Reno the 11-13th. Ivy is also in training & we hope to start competing in agility next spring. Cloe finished her first NADAC Novice Regulars title. She's on a roll!
September, 2018
We have cobred a litter with Passion Mini Americans in Sacramento. Puppies will be available to their new homes Sept. 23-24th.
We have entered our first agility trials - and kicked doggie butt!! Cloe also received her CGC & Novice Trick Dog Titles!
Also, my husband & I will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. I am so blessed!!
August, 2018
We are training & will be attending my first agility trial (NADAC) here Sept. 1-2. Wish me luck!!!
June, 2018
All puppies are in their new homes. We attended UKC shows in Salt Lake City & Kent, WA & brought home 2 new champions! Both Ivy & Bowie received their UKC CH titles and points towards their GR CH.
May, 2018
We are enjoying the wet spring weather, and planning our summer calendar. Puppies will be ready to go to their new homes June 2nd.
April, 2018
Spring has sprung - we have a beautiful litter of puppies. We attended our first UKC conformation show of the year, & came home with a new conformation CH & lure coursing aptitude title - wahoo!!!!
December, 2017
Headed to Florida to give the Miniature American Shepherd workshop to prospective judges @ the AKC Judges Institute. I'm also attending the Manchester Nationals & taking in all of the wonderful breeds being shown @ Royan Canin in Orlando.
June, 2017
We have bred Phaedra to Stirling (on our boys & girls pages) for Phaedra's first litter. Puppies due in August and clear for all but hips by parentage. List is forming now.
May, 2017
Our first litter has arrived! Vela & Parker gifted us with 4 puppies - 2 boys and 2 girls. Go to our puppy page for more informatioin.
April, 2017
Expecting Puppies! This litter is co-bred with Passion Mini American's in Sacramento, CA. We also travelled to Sacramento for the Sac KC shows & Mr. Bowie brought home 2, 4th in Group ribbons - way to go!
April, 2017
Vela has been bred to Parker for a May litter. Puppies due the first week in May. My Bowie
February, 2017
l judged minis, the NOHS Herding Group & all 4-6 month puppies @ the SunMaid show in Fresno. The puppy class was a hoot!
New Year - January 2017
We are off to the IABCA show in Santa Rosa - though the treck over the Sierras is definitely going to be an adventure! Update: Mr. Bowie came home with a Reserve Best in Show Puppy ribbon - Wahoo!!
December, 2016
We put major points on both Phaedra & Gracie @ the CA UKC show & plan on enjoying the holidays Heres to a prosperous new year!
November, 2016
I have received permanent judging status for the Miniature American Shepherds! The first breeder judge in our breed!!!
I Judged my 3rd AKC assignment Friday, Nov 4th @ the Salmon Cluster in Central Point, Oregon & had a great time!
October, 2016
We finished both DeeDee the manchester and Stirling the mini's AKC Championship @ the Lizard Butte shows up in Boise, ID with all majors!! Woot Woot!!! Phaedra started her conformation career @ the Dixon, CA shows with a Best of Winners.
September, 2016
Attended the Manchester Nationals in Vallejo,CA and DeeDee came home with a major and Best in Puppy Sweeps - Wahoo!!
August, 2016
Judged my 2nd show! Reno Kennel Club, Reno, NV
July, 2016
All puppies are now in their new homes. Ava is now officially retired.
May, 2016
Ava delivered 4 beautiful puppies
January 2016
All puppies are in their new home. Our next litter will be when Delilah comes into heat - probably around February, 2016. Until then we will be off to show.
October, 2015
Ava had 6 beautiful babies. We are enjoying the smell of puppy breath.
September, 2015
I attended the 1st MASCUSA AKC Nationals held in St. Louis, MO and had a great time! Getting ready for Ava's puppies!!
August, 2015
We are working with our new manchester girl, DeeDee to get ready for fall showing, and polishing up Stirling for fall shows. Delilah prooved to have a false pregnancy - we will try again in Nov/Dec, 2015
July, 2015
Both girls have come into heat and been bred. Delilah is due in August & Ava in October.
June, 2015
My application for AKC judgeship has been approved for Miniature American Shepherds!!!!! I am one of the first breeder judges for my breed - Wahooo!!!!!!
May, 2015
Gottabe has added a HUGE accomplishment - stay tuned for the announcement
April 3, 2015
Our 1st litter of manchester babies were born & we had 3 girls, 1 boy. All are doing great! We are hoping for a nice show girl
February, 2015
We have just bred Ava and are expecting puppies mid-April - list forming now. We have also bred our first litter of standard manchester terrier's - litter due April 8th
September, 2014
Stirling has passed his prelim with good on both his hips and patellas & eye check too.
August, 2014
We are busy performing health clearances - we are adding DM although my dogs have never produced it. Stirling will be getting his OFA prelim as he is training for agility and we will be CHIC'ing (OFA) Barons, NOAA, and Ava.
July, 2014
Gottabe's Supernova successfully crossed "the pond" and is now a furry family member of Victoria Harrild-Jones. She has already had her first herding instinct test - Look for this speedy girl in the UK agility ring soon!
June, 2014
Stirling and I are hitting the shows!
March 17, 2014:
We had our long-awaited litter from Ava. She was bred to Gottabe's Dressed to the Nines & had 7 puppies! 5 girls, 2 boys. All are placed.
September 2013:
Oct: Mult. CH. BIS Passion's Gottabe Darkfever Jerico, "Barons" has finished his MASCUSA Grand CH, and his AKC Certificate of Merit - wahoo!!!
July: Cloe and I are busy working on agility lessons & hope to be in the agility ring in 2014.
December, 2012
We made it!
Both Mult. CH. Gottabe's I'm A Fool for You, "Ava" & Mult. Ch. Passions Gottabe Darkfever Jerico, "Barons" have qualified for the 2012 Eukanuba Invitationals!!! Unfortunately, my husband had to have surgery and then had complications - we are hoping for 2013!
As of June 30th, the Miniature American Shepherd will enter the AKC Miscellaneous class
March, 2011
The Miniature Australian is now the Miniature American Shepherd and have been accepted as a new breed in the AKC. Registrations from the parent club, NAMASCUSA, will be accepted for FSS and performance competition will commence May, 2011. .
Look to see Gottabe dogs in the AKC conformation ring soon - they are competing and winning in agility, obedience, and rally already!
Wow! Gottabe pups are now on European soil!
Please visit Jessica Buswell's (great) web site at http://www.miniaussies.co.uk/
Jessica has imported the first Miniature Australian Shepherd into the UK AND has bred the first litter of mini aussies in the UK.
I did it! Graduated Phi Beta Kappa in May, 2010!! Me with my beautiful daughter Les, who is next for graduation in the McClelland family (Class of 2011) - you go girl!!
December, 2011 - she did it! Way to go Leslie!!
Gottabe Miniature Australian/American Shepherds
Lori, Reno NV 775-425-4040
January, 2022
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