03/17/2026
As a breeder, you begin to identify the traits that matter most in your program.
For me—and for the mentors who have guided me—temperament and disposition are at the very top of that list.
What does that look like?
I look for a dog that is biddable, adaptable in many environments, and has a reliable off-switch. An Australian Shepherd should be capable of doing a job, but also able to settle comfortably into family life.
I do love to see an independent thinker. Those puppies can be incredibly talented and often thrive in homes that are very hands-on—families who love to stay busy and may be interested in performance events or working activities that require a lot of mental engagement. I especially appreciate this trait when evaluating potential herding prospects.
However, I am usually very careful when deciding whether to keep those types in my own program. Many families are ultimately looking for a dog that can both work and relax, and striking that balance is important.
When evaluating puppies—whether for show quality or breeding potential—I look for individuals that display quiet confidence. They may initially approach new situations with a bit of caution, but they are thoughtful rather than fearful. They assess, process, and then engage.
The puppies that really stand out to me are the ones who show they are malleable and open, rather than guarded or timid.
When they do come around, I love seeing them choose to interact. Not because they need reassurance, but because they genuinely enjoy the connection. The kind of puppy that seems to think, “Being around this person is fun.”
This type of temperament is what I strive to preserve in my lines.
These dogs tend to excel in a variety of roles—whether that’s working livestock, competing in the show ring, hiking on the weekends, or simply being a wonderful companion at home. They are capable dogs, but they are also balanced dogs.
Australian Shepherds are an incredibly intelligent and energetic breed, but my goal is to produce dogs that fit well into real families, not just highly specialized working homes.
When that balance is missing, dogs can sometimes end up in situations where their needs aren’t fully understood or met. Unfortunately, this is something I’ve seen firsthand through my work with Aussie rescue.
Producing dogs that are both capable and livable is something I take very seriously.
