We have been breeding Mini American Shepherds since 2010. In the beginning, our kennel name was "Lost Island", but since the breed was recognized and we became a member of the CASD e.V., affiliated with the German Kennel Club (VDH) and FCI, we changed our kennel name to „Lost River“.

 

Our pack includes our girls Jenna, Malia & Yue, as well as her daughter Rayla, and Malia's daughter Ty Lee. Our first dog, a Parson Russell Terrier named Tino, left us on Nov. 29th, 2021 after almost 16 years. Our stud dogs are all living with good friends, so that they don't suffer when the girls are in heat, and also because this is the only way to ensure that every dog gets the attention and affection it needs for a happy life – without being just "one among many others".

 

We also have two Bengal cats living with us, Mafumu & Vayetsi, and two rabbits named Pino & Penny, who all support our socialization of the puppies. In the previous 12 years of our breeding program, our beloved bunny Pinto († ¹⁶′⁰⁶′²⁰²⁰) was a fantastic help in getting the puppies used to rabbits. All our four-legged friends are full family members and part of our everyday life. They have friendly, pleasant natures and live in harmony with us. We don't have kennels or dog rooms, all the animals can move around freely, and sleep in our bedroom at night, without being locked in separate boxes.

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Because we attach great importance to the socialization of our dogs and do a lot together, they are absolutely unproblematic in dealing with other people and animals, whether at home or out and about. They don't get nervous and are very adaptable. It's like not having any dog at all, because they are so calm and relaxed that they neither make a sound nor bark. However, if you ask them to work, they are into it with full enthusiasm and their will-to-please, as it's typical for herding dogs – but still work silently! ;)

We take them for walks in the forest several times a day, without a collar and leash, sometimes our cats are also joining us and attract everyone's attention. At the weekend we often go to the dog training facility and in summer we like to go to the dog beach and to go hiking in the mountains.

In our opinion "Aussies" – whether if toy, mini or standard – are the perfect companions for everyone who has a lot of time to satisfy the temperament of a herding dog; likes to be outdoors and can offer such an intelligent working dog the attention and affection he needs to be a happy and balanced family dog.