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WILLETT'S BEND FARMS

Dairy Goats, Working Dogs, and Saffron

In the Heart of Vermont

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Farm Visits by Appointment only

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Logo for the business showing the farmhouse and barn with a scrolling cloud in the sky

Australian Shepherds

Our Dogs are, first and foremost, members of our family.  We breed them so that others can enjoy the love and loyalty that only companion animals bring us. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is a one of only a few truly American breeds. It was bred in the American West as a cattle dog. It is an active dog with a strong herding drive, a great work ethic and an intelligent, highly trainable, owner-pleasing disposition.  Whether you want to raise them in the country or in the city, you won't find a more loyal furry friend or a better family pet.

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Why we won't dock the tails of our 
Australian Shepherd puppies

There is no medical reason for tail docking. Tail docking originates from a Roman superstition that dogs with docked tails wouldn't get rabies. (Obviously untrue.) The removal of tails at birth was a practice perpetuated by many countries which used docked tails as a kind of tax code. Countries such as Scotland didn't tax working dogs, but did tax leisure and hunting dogs. The docked tail was proof that a specific dog was a "working" dog.  It's a AKC breed standard because it was the standard when they started the breed, but it's cruel to cut off a puppy's tail just to maintain an appearance.  We don't believe in cruelty just because it's a convention.

There is no medical reason for tail docking. Tail docking originates from a Roman superstition that dogs with docked tails wouldn't get rabies. (Obviously untrue.) The removal of tails at birth was a practice perpetuated by many countries which used docked tails as a kind of tax code. Countries such as Scotland didn't tax working dogs, but did tax leisure and hunting dogs. The docked tail was proof that a specific dog was a "working" dog.  It's a AKC breed standard because it was the standard when they started the breed, but it's cruel to cut off a puppy's tail just to maintain an appearance.  We don't believe in cruelty just because it's a convention.

Explore the Available Puppies

We know you're going to find your favorite here.  A $500 deposit will hold the puppy until the pickup day.  Puppies can be picked up on Dec. 22, 23 or Dec. 26-30th.

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