Breeding Philosophy

How and Why

HOW I BREED

At Jedda Farm, I will only breed dogs who have been proven breed worthy.  
I adhere to the AKC Breed Standard and ACDCA Working Standard.

All dogs considered for breeding are registered with the American Kennel Club.  I adhere to the standards set forth by the AKC and parent club and any dog considered for breeding will have;

  • At least one working/sport title (CD/NA/HS/TD)

  • OFA Hip and Elbow Certifications

  • PennHip Evaluation

  • Genetic Eye Panel (PLL/PRA/PRCD4)

  • CAER Eye Exam

This is the minimum required from any dog that I own if they are being considered as breedworthy.  In addition I look at:

  • Genetics including Degenerative Myelopathy, NCL 5, 8, and 12 and undesirable traits such as long hair or recessive cream

  • Congenital Heart Disease Tested and Registered through the OFA Database

  • OFA Spine Evaluated

  • OFA Patellas

  • An unbiased comformation assessment (AKC Championship, Breed Survey, Judge or Peer Evaluation)

  • Evaluation on stock (sheep or cattle)

Stud dogs that I use are evaluated in performance either by having a working title (a minimum of either CD, TD, or HS), or by a personal evaluation of working style on livestock and temperment, (OFA CHIC or Prelims and compatible results), & a negative Brucellosis Test.

There is also much more I look for in breeding dogs; temperament, biddability & drive are three important parts of an Australian Cattle Dog that are not assessed by the above Health Testing. Conformation and Working Titles are important - but they only make up part of the total dog. And then pedigree must be considered and meeting and knowing the relatives and having those long late night talks with the owners and breeders of those dogs.

I like a dog that is well balanced, stable, easy to live with yet has the drive & eagerness to work. For my own needs, I like a dog that has a lot of grit and intensity on stock because I prefer working with those types of dogs. I prefer to mold rather than build up.

‍I train, trial and live with my dogs. I know them inside and out!

I breed Australian Cattle Dogs for work and performance. What this means is that my primary decisions in breeding will value the workability of the dog over features of type which have little impact on the dog’s working ability. Light eyes? Melanistic Mask? Half cast ears? If the dog is sound, cooperative and easy to train, athletic, biddable, has plenty of energy to allow me to work with him for hours if I want…. Give me that dog!

No dog is perfect! Everything should be in harmony and balance. Too much of one element and you can lose another. Sometimes you have to compromise on one thing in the hopes that the best qualities from both parents (and pedigrees) will be passed on. My dogs are my companions first. They live in my home, sleep on my bed, go to work with me, hang out with company and are a constant source of joy and partnership in my life. To do all the things that we do, the dogs have to be willing and have a strong desire to please which makes them excellent pets as well. They are no slouches though, they need to be given an outlet for their energy but they can make excellent pets for the right home!

I try to post accurate and complete information on this site. If you feel anything is missing or inaccurate please contact us and we will be sure to get everything up to date and answer your questions.

I am not trying to invent a new breed but to improve my dogs as members of this breed and preserve the breed as it was intended to be.

‍I breed with the intention of keeping a puppy - and I want a puppy bred to the highest possible standard.