10 Australian Shepherd Breeders in California CA

Written by Jonathan Wingfield in Breeders

Australian Shepherd Breeders in California CA

Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale in California

The Australian Shepherd is one of the most versatile breeds in existence today. The Aussie, as it’s affectionately known, began its journey to America when it traveled with Australian sheepherders who migrated to the US in the 1800s. It wasn’t until 1920 that this working dog became recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). There are at least seven variations of the breed, each developed for a specific purpose: show dogs, herding dogs, stock dogs and so forth. This beautiful animal ranks #44 out of 187 breeds registered with the AKC in 2010.

Recently American Kennel Club has developed an Australian shepherd club specifically for California. California has a multitude of Australian shepherd breeders, who produce high-quality dogs. Owners report that their dogs are great companions and can be easily trained. The Aussie is always ready for playtime but will settle down when it needs to.

One Thing You Need To Ask Your Dog Breeder

For more information about Australian Shepherd breeders in California or dog breeds in general check out the links below.

Australian Shepherd Breeders List in California

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Breeder Location Phone Website
SkyHi Australian Shepherds Hickman, CA 209-204-7914 Website
Kreative Kennels Oakdale, CA 209-605-0068 Website
SLR Mini Aussies La Grange, CA 209-352-0308 Website
Lucky Little Aussies LLC Oakdale, CA 209-601-3013,
530-479-3547,
209-840-6698		 Website
Diamond K5 Yreka, CA 530-598-7027 Website
TooMiniAussies Chico, CA 530-891-0293 Website
Cedar Valley Ranch Sacramento, CA 928-522-3146 Website
Summerwind Australian Shepherds Red Bluff, CA 530-529-1641 Website
Windrift Santa Rosa, CA 707-481-2634 No Website
Vista Del Sol Australian Shepherds Lancaster, CA 661-317-0929 Website

Australian Shepherd Breeder Details in California

SkyHi Australian Shepherds
Hickman, CA
Call: 209-204-7914
https://www.skyhiaussies.com/

Kreative Kennels
Oakdale, CA
Call: 209-605-0068
http://www.kreativekennels.com/

SLR Mini Aussies
La Grange, CA
Call: 209-352-0308
http://slrminis.com/

Lucky Little Aussies LLC
Oakdale, CA
Call: 209-601-3013, 530-479-3547, 209-840-6698
https://luckylittleaussies.dog/

Diamond K5
Yreka, CA
Call: 530-598-7027
http://www.diamondk5.com/

TooMiniAussies
Chico, CA
Call: 530-891-0293
http://toominiaussies.com/

Cedar Valley Ranch
Sacramento, CA
Call: 928-522-3146
https://cedarvalleyranchminiaussies.com/

Summerwind Australian Shepherds
Red Bluff, CA
Call: 530-529-1641
https://www.summerwindaustralianshepherds.com/

Windrift
Santa Rosa, CA
Call: 707-481-2634
No Website

Vista Del Sol Australian Shepherds
Lancaster, CA
Call: 661-317-0929
https://www.vistadelsolaussies.com/

Alternative Places to Purchase a Australian Shepherd Puppy

Australian Shepherd Breeders in Neighboring States

For the complete list please see our Australian Shepherd List page.

What is The Average Price for An Australian Shepherd Puppy in California?

Australian Shepherd breeders in California sell dogs at a wide range of prices. The average price is $1,000 for an Australian shepherd puppy. Prices can vary depending on the breeder and the region of the state that you live in. More often than not, your best bet will be to find a reputable breeder with dogs that have been purchased by other well-known organizations such as American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club.

A purebred Australian Shepherd with AKC registration will cost around $1,000 for an adult dog. However, there are other factors that can influence the price too. For example, if he has a champion bloodline or if he is a proven show dog you can expect to pay more. On the other hand, you might be able to find some Aussies who only cost half of that price if they are still young pups, have not been registered yet with either the AKC or UKC and are deemed healthy by your local California Australian shepherd breeder.

Many experienced breeders recommend that new owners purchase their dogs from reputable breeders rather than purchasing at random through newspaper ads or online classifieds. With this said, it doesn’t hurt to spend time researching if you’re able to find a good deal.

What Are Some Tips for Buying Puppies Online?

There are many great resources online, but finding reputable Australian shepherd breeders is not always easy. To improve your chances for success follow these tips when searching:

1. Make sure you are dealing with a registered business. This can be done by checking the Better Business Bureau or simply by calling the breeder’s office and verifying that they are a member of their local Chamber of Commerce.

2. Avoid giving out personal information over the phone or via email unless you’re sure who you’re dealing with. To do this, try and find Australian shepherd breeders in California whose reputation includes extensive references. This is obviously more easily done with well-established breeders so if you know someone who has purchased one of their puppies or has heard about the reputable breeder from friends or family it’s probably a better idea to begin there than hitting up random websites like Craigslist.

3. Meet your puppy where he is born and raised – preferably at the Aussie breeder’s house/kennel – which means no shipping the animal. This is an important step as it allows you to easily see where your puppy has been living and playing. It’s also a good idea to meet the parents if possible so that you can ensure they are healthy and happy.

4. Make sure that you take your pup to a veterinarian within 48 hours of purchase for an official health exam.

How to Find A Responsible Australian Shepherd Breeder in California

There are a few things to look for when trying to find a responsible Australian shepherd breeder in California. First, try and find someone who is a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) or another national breed club. Breeders who are active in these types of organizations are typically more interested in improving the breed as a whole, which means they are likely to produce healthy dogs with good temperaments. In addition, responsible breeders will usually have some sort of health guarantee in place for their puppies and will screen potential buyers to ensure that their puppies will be going to good homes. Finally, responsible breeders generally do not sell their puppies through pet stores or online classifieds; they prefer to meet with potential buyers in-person to help ensure the puppies are going to good homes.

What Questions To Ask The Breeder?

When you find Australian shepherd breeders in California it’s best not to jump right into asking for their prices or whether they have any available pups at the moment. Instead, take your time and get a feel for who they are by meeting with them first before discussing business details.

Asking questions will let them know about your motivations and goals as well as give you an opportunity to see how knowledgeable they are about the breed, where their dogs come from and what health certifications have been performed. Before making your final decision you will want to ask some basic questions such as:

  • Are both mom and dad on-site? What kinds of temperaments do they have?
  • What health clearances have been performed on both of the parents? Has their breeding stock been certified free from genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia and von Willebrands Disease (a blood clotting problem)?
  • How often do you breed your females? Do they go through a heat cycle twice a year or just once a year?
  • Can I meet the mom and dad so that I can see how big they are and how healthy they look?

If you’re happy with what you hear, it’s probably safe to move forward with finding out more about costs/availability as well as possible payment options.

Visit Your California Australian Shepherd Breeder in Person

Before you consider bringing home any puppy, visit your breeder in person and check out the conditions the dogs and puppies are living in.

You should be able to see both parents – if not, ask why they aren’t there; this is one of most important questions to ask before buying an Australian shepherd puppy from a California dog breeder. If you can’t visit with both parents or see pictures, don’t even go. You want to know that your pup’s parents look like good representatives for the breed (e.g., healthy AND happy). Make sure that they’re friendly too – this means their temperament is good and stable – not skittish or shy – which is also something you will want to ensure that your potential Aussie pup will have.

Is the dog area clean? Are there enough toys or other appropriate playthings for all of the dogs? Is it large enough to actually exercise in, even if just inside at times? Is it safe? It should look like a place where your Aussie puppy will fit right into. If you find that you are not happy with any of these conditions then perhaps taking your business elsewhere is best.

Questions to Ask

Ask for References from Your Australian Shepherd Breeder in California

If you feel comfortable with the breeder of your Aussie pup, make sure to ask for references of other buyers whom they’ve provided pups for. You might give them a call and just chat with them about their own experiences if everything seems in order on your end. This will help you ensure that you’re on track with finding someone who is an ethical, business-smart Australian shepherd breeder in California who places results over making money.

Breeders like these are the best. Why? Because every puppy is born into responsible hands and possesses good genes from parents proven safe/sound by health testing. They also know what to look for in order to avoid buying any pups destined for the pet store or worse…the local dumpster.

You’ve found a breeder who you feel is reputable and cares about the puppies they sell, but it’s still best to keep your guard up. No matter how great a breeder seems at first, always try to get an Australian shepherd puppy from them with a contract or other sort of “binding agreement” so that if something should go wrong you can follow through on it by going to small claims court if necessary without having too much trouble taking back what was yours in the first place.

Ask Your California Australian Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers

If you are able to meet past customers of the breeder, it is typically a good sign. However, you should not stop there. You need to be sure that if your Aussie puppy was ever attacked by another dog or got lost that they would have no qualms about taking them back and paying for any necessary veterinary care just as if the pup were still one of their own dogs.

It’s always wise to ask questions when you are considering buying an Australian shepherd puppy from California dog breeders, but ultimately whether or not you want to move forward with making your purchase is something only you can decide. Just make sure to keep yourself safe within whatever contracts are in place so that everyone walks away happy.

Does Your California Australian Shepherd Breeder Have A Good Veterinarian They Use?

A breeder should be able to provide you with their veterinarian’s contact information so you can feel comfortable with the medical care your Aussie puppy will receive. Make sure to ask them these important questions:

  • How often does their veterinarian recommend vaccinations for my pup and why? Your dog’s breeder should provide you with information about when and how they vaccinate their dogs. If they don’t then just put it together that they know nothing about vaccinations or the adverse effects of over-vaccination in dogs (e.g., cancer, allergies, joint problems).

Look out for The Signs of An Unethical Australian Shepherd Dog Breeder in California

It’s not always easy to spot an unethical Australian shepherd dog breeder in California, but there are some signs you can watch out for. If the breeder tries to rush you into a sale, doesn’t allow you to visit their home or kennel, or won’t provide references then they are likely someone you don’t want to do business with. Beware of breeders who only seem interested in making money and have no regard for the puppies they sell.

These Breeders Often Have Puppies Available At Any Time

If the breeder always has puppies available, this is often a sign that they are not breeding responsibly. They may be mating dogs who are too closely related (resulting in genetic health problems), breeding unhealthy or unsound dogs, or simply allowing too many litters to be born in a short time.

Ask The California Breeder if Your Australian Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems

No responsible breeder will sell a puppy who is known to have any health problems. However, some health conditions can take time to develop and may not be apparent at the time of purchase. That’s why it’s important to ask the breeder about the health of both the parents and grandparents of your potential puppy.

It’s also a good idea to get your new pup from a breeder who offers a health guarantee of some sort. This ensures that if your dog does develop a health problem within a certain amount of time after purchase, the breeder will either refund your money or help you cover the cost of treatment.

How to Prepare Your Home for Your Australian Shepherd Puppy

When you bring your Australian Shepherd Puppy home, there are a few things you should have with them before they arrive. You don’t want to pick up your new pup and realize you’ve forgotten a necessary piece of equipment. Here’s what you need:

  • A Crate: A crate is going to be your dog’s den while they adjust to their new home. It allows them a safe place to go when they need some alone time or when it’s not appropriate for them to be running all over the house just yet.
  • A Collar and Leash: A collar and leash are a must for taking your pup on walks and for keeping them safe when they’re out in the yard.
  • Food and Water Bowls: Set up a designated spot for your dog’s bowls so they always know where to find food and water.
  • Toys: Australian Shepherds love to play, so make sure you have plenty of toys on hand for them to enjoy.
  • A Bed: Dogs like having their own place to call home, so get your pup a comfy bed to sleep in.

You’ll also want to puppy-proof your home before your new arrival comes over. This means putting away any cords or poisonous plants that could be harmful if ingested, closing off the space under your kitchen sink, shutting off any access to the garage so they don’t get locked in, and making sure all cabinets are tightly closed.

Potty Training Your New Australian Shepherd Puppy

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you bring your new pup home is start potty training them. This can be a bit of a challenge, but with patience and consistency, it can be done. Here are a few tips to help get you started:

Make sure your pup has plenty of opportunities to go outside. Take them out after they eat, after they drink, and every time you see them pottying in their crate or bed.

If your pup is having an accident in the house, don’t punish them. This will only make them more reluctant to potty in front of you. Instead, try taking them outside immediately and praising them when they go in the right spot.

Be patient. It may take a while for your pup to get the hang of things, but eventually, they will.