JFCoventry
Australian Shepherds & Vizslas
Welcome to JFCoventry Aussies
COVENTRY (ASCA) AND JFCOVENTRY (CKC) AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS AND VIZSLAS
- JANIS MCCARTHY AND ROBERT BERGER
My partner, Robert Berger, and I live on a half acre in a forested part of Winnipeg, Manitoba. We regularly have deer, rabbits, raccoons, foxes and skunks crossing our property - mostly in the front yard because yes, our property is fully fenced. Our aussies and vizslas love it here - there is always some stimulating scent in the yard and always something to investigate.
I am a founding member of our ASCA club, MASC - the Manitoba Australian Shepherd Club - and am currently the Secretary/Treasurer and ASCA liason. I am a founding member of our national CKC club - the Canadian National Australian Shepherd Association and am the regional director for MB/SK. Because I've been around so long, I am also a founding member of AIM - Agility in Manitoba - and in the past, served on the board. Currently I am a member of the Inner Drive Flyball team.
We've had Aussies since 1991 and Vizslas since 1994. Our dogs are cherished members of our family and with them, we've travelled far and wide for dog shows, agility trials, flyball tournaments, Nationals and hunting trips (the Vizslas, of course!)
First and foremost with our Aussies is to produce dogs sound in body and mind. To this end, we breed to the standard, breeding for moderation according to the standards laid out by ASCA. Our dogs have all done well in the show ring and the performance venues. Our puppy owners enjoy the versatility of their dogs and their dogs, too, are valued family members.
To meet our goals when breeding our aussies, I participate in many venues with my dogs. I feel this promotes our breed in general, but also shows people the type of dogs I am producing.
I am proud of all of the Coventry Australian Shepherds out in the world. Through my extended Aussie family, I have learned so much and continue to do so. Having an Aussie keeps me on my toes, and challenges me to be a better trainer, handler, and owner. Aussies require challenges to meet their physical and emotional needs. They want a job and need a job. This doesn't mean you have to work stock (unless you want to!), but it does mean that if you have an Aussie, you cannot just sit back. You MUST do things with your Aussies, or they will create their own version of fun and work. Most of the Aussies in rescue are there because their owners didn't realize that the pretty package was a bundle of energy that required direction, devotion, and leadership.
If you think you can handle the unlimited energy, challenges, devotion, and sheer fun that an Aussie can give, then perhaps you are ready.
Please read on to learn more about our dogs and what they have accomplished. All of our dogs are family FOREVER, whether they are our dogs, or dogs we have produced.