minature australian shepard puppy

Question
Hi,

I am thinking about buying a new puppy. He is in a small
pet shop in my area. I trust these people.  I just don't
know about his ears.  One stands up and the other is laying
down is this normal?  Thank you.  Leah Bozzuto

Answer
Never buy a puppy from a pet store!!!!!!  You may trust them, but almost all pet shop puppies come from puppy mills, despite what the shop owners say.  Plus, the miniature Aussie is not recognized by the Australian Shepherd Club of America or the United States Australian Shepherd Association.  There is information about it on their sites, I believe.  In any case, reputable Aussie breeders do not knowingly sell their stock to mini breeders.  That's dangerous for you, as a buyer, because the Aussie breed in general has a very small gene pool, and quite a few serious diseases within it.  They are prone to eye disorders, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and other problems.  Good breeders try hard to eliminate those, but backyard breeders, puppy mills, and pet store dogs are at great risk.  Aussie ears standing up or not are the least of your worries!  The standard says that the ears can be rose, semi-prick, or button, but NOT prick (stand up).  
Please read these articles before you buy: http://www.caps-web.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=113&Itemid=...
http://warrentonkc.tripod.com/tentips.htm
http://www.phouka.com/dogs//bdr_irres.html
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/breeding/breeders.html