Where are you located?
Rigas Mini Aussies LLC is located in Covington, PA, which is in North Central Pennsylvania, about 15 minutes from the New York State boarder.
How are your dogs registered?
All of our dogas are registered through the American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR) as Miniature Australian Shepherds and/or the American Kennel Club (AKC) as Australian Shepherds (not Miniature American Shepherds).
How big is a Mini Aussie?
From the floor to the top of the shoulder, Mini Aussies measure between 14" and 18". Weight does not determine the size of the dog. We do the best to determine what size our puppies will be based on the size of the parents and pedigree. However, sometimes puppies end up bigger or smaller than anticipated. There is no exact science to determine size.
Where do you raise your puppies?
All of our puppies are raised in our home (not in a kennel). We not only LOVE having our puppies in our home, we feel it is important to socialize them and get them used to the typical sounds/smells found in the home. It also gives us a chance to interact with each puppy and get to know their personalities.
Do Miniature Australian Shepherds make good family dogs?
Mini Aussies are loving and devoted to their family, they are sometimes referred to as velcro dogs because they want to be with you all the time. They are happy to follow you around the house, even when you'd much rather not trip over them. Aussies are generally reserved with new acquaintances, this is a breed characteristic. While this makes them a wonderful guardian of family and home, it does require early socialization. It is important to encourage your puppy/dog to meet new people, new situations and other animals. Puppy obedience classes are a great start. Your Aussie is smart and sensitive, so positive training methods are a must! Your Aussie will work hard to please you!
Do you do any health testing on your dogs?
Rigas Mini Aussies LLC tests all our dogs for the full Australian Shepherd panel. The results for each of our dogs can be viewed on Our Dogs page.
Can I get a puppy with a long tail?
All of our dogs and puppies have natural bob or docked tails according to the breed standard set by MASCA (Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America). We do not leave tails long.
I've filled out the puppy application, does that mean I'm guaranteed a puppy?
We want all of our puppies to go to the best homes. Therefore, we reserve the right to refuse the sale of a puppy anytime.
How much is the deposit to hold a puppy?
In order to hold a puppy in your name we require a non-refundable deposit of $400.
I've decided I don't want a puppy anymore. Can I get my deposit back?
Deposits are non-refundable except when a deposit is placed on a pending (not yet born) litter and at the time the litter is born there is not a puppy that fits what you want. In that circumstance, your deposit may be refunded or moved to the next available litter.
How do I pay for my puppy?
We accept payment in cash or through Good Dog payments (allows payment via credit card, debit card and bank transfer).
When does my puppy need to be paid for in full?
Your puppy will need to be paid for in full at pickup or prior to transport (if puppy is being transported). We will not allow a puppy to leave our care until full-payment has been made.
All shipping costs must be paid in full prior to us making any arrangements for shipping.
How early can I pick my puppy up?
Arrangements for pickup will be made when the puppy reaches eight weeks of age. We do not allow our puppies to leave us before they are eight weeks old.
Do your puppies come with a health guarantee?
Our full health guarantee is outlined in our contract. A summary of that guarantee is listed below:
Puppies sold by Rigas Mini Aussies LLC will be dewormed 3-4 times, be up to date on vaccinations and will have received at least one full veterinarian examination by the time they leave for their new homes.
We provide a 72-hour health guarantee, which starts from the time of pickup from the seller/transporter. During this 72-hour period the buyer agrees to the have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian. If for some reason the puppy is declared unhealthy by a licensed veterinarian examination, you may elect to keep the puppy or return the puppy to us for a replacement puppy or refund (excluding shipping costs). Failure to have your puppy checked by a licensed veterinarian within 72-hours will cause the guarantee to be null and void. This guarantee does not cover minor treatable issues outlined in our contract.
We stand by our puppies, but understand that it is impossible to address every possible scenario in our contract. If there ever is a health issue please contact us!
What do I need to know for the ride home with my new puppy?
Please remember that your puppy is not fully vaccinated when they leave us! Be very careful in public with your puppy until they have received all of their vaccinations. For example, after you pick up your puppy do not go to a pet store or dog park or allow your puppy to be on the ground where other dog may have been. Until puppies are fully vaccinated they are susceptible to catching illnesses carried by other sick puppies (for example, Parvo and Distemper). Wait until you get home to set your puppies feet on the ground. If you have a long distance to travel and want to stop for a potty break, leave your puppy in your car and use the puppy pads provided in your puppy pack.
Do you vaccinate your puppies?
Your puppy will be up-to-date on all appropriate vaccinations for their age. We will send a vaccination and deworming record home with your puppy. Most vaccination schedules don't have a puppy fully vaccinated until 15-16 weeks old. Therefore, the best way to keep your puppy healthy is to wait until all vaccinations and boosters are administered before taking them out in public. The Parvo virus is extremely dangerous to puppies who are not fully vaccinated.
