I'm Ellen B., the breeder behind Armitage Shetland Sheepdogs located in Athens, OH. Preservation breeders of the Shetland Sheepdog breed, breeding to the AKC breed standard providing persons and family beautiful companions that are recognizable by look, temperament, personality, breed characteristics and traits.
Q. & A. with Ellen
Why did you start breeding?
I have been involved with dogs since I was child. I decided to start my breeding program in order to preserve the wonderful qualities of the breed. With each carefully planned litter, I focus on health, temperament, proper type, & conformation. My puppies have the ability to excel in the show ring and at home as cherished family members!
What makes your program special?
I am an experienced, ethical breeder of Shetland Sheepdogs. My involvement in the show ring speaks to the standards that I breed my dogs by. I have bred over 20 champions! I do not produce a litter unless each of my parent dogs is fully healthy and excellent representations of the standard. I am dedicated to always having responsible policies when it comes to breeding, training, and rehoming my pups. I love what I do and truly want nothing more than to see each and every one of my puppies shine!
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include blue merle and white, sable and white, blue merle white and tan, black and white, and black white and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Fiona
Went home
Female
Dolly
Went home
Female
Bradley
Went home
Male
Tucker
Went home
Male
Peanut
Went home
Female
Austin
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Ellen
Ellen has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $100 non-refundable deposit and between $1,700 - $3,900 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“Puppies priced based on individual quality. Pet puppies on spay/ neuter agreements and AKC limited registration, breeding_show prospects more expensive. To hold the puppy of your choice for seven days a deposit of $100 must be made. This deposit is nonrefundable.”
Contract & health guarantee
Ellen may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Ellen offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Ellen directly.
Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Puppy health practices
Vet check
First round of shots and deworming
Vet records
Microchip
Extras
Initial potty training
Food & treats
AKC registration
Puppy starter kit
Toys
Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Ellen.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Athens, OH
249 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at John Glenn Columbus Airport
296 miles away
·
Meet in Altoona, Pennsylvania
113 miles away
·
More about Ellen
Club memberships
Ellen is a member of CENTRAL OHIO SHETLAND SHEEPDOG ASSOCIATION and American Shetland Sheepdog Association.
Certifications & recognitions
CHIC Certified, American Kennel Club Canine College, Professional Groomer, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T..
Ellen has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years
Ellen was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Ellen is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Armitage Shetland Sheepdogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Ellen B.
Litter update on 17 May •
Sawyer
JJ and Elsa's litter
Parent dogs
Lizzy, mom
Shetland Sheepdog
About Lizzy
Lizzy is a female Shetland Sheepdog. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ellen decided to make her part of their program. Ellen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Armitage Shetland Sheepdogs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Shetland Sheepdogs.
Hip Dysplasia (Preliminary), Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Dentition, Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA), Brucellosis
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Animal Genetics Panel, von Willebrand Disease III (vWD III), Dermatomyositis, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Ellen to bring home their puppies.
Randy/Maggie G.
Verified owner · Sept. 2024
We started our Sheltie search on a sad note as we had just recently lost our 16 year old terrier to a stroke that ended his life before we were ready. This new puppy would have to be really special to take the place of our “Jack Daniels”. We spent an enormous amount of time searching the internet websites for a Sheltie puppy, but kept coming back to the Good Dog site and the 6 puppies offered by Armitage Shetland Sheepdogs. These puppies had classic perfect sable and white coats, full white collars, white tipped feet and tails and even white on their noses. We contacted the breeder/owner through Good Dog and immediately liked her, Ellen Ball,as she just seemed so genuine, honest and forthright. Unlike some of the other owners, she was very responsive to our many questions, sent pictures of puppies to help in our decision, and answered all our questions. She was very patient with us, as we asked a lot of questions! We determined that she raised Shelties more for the love of the breed than the money, as she has a full time business aside from puppies. She truly loves Shelties and has raised 20 champion show dogs! She teared up when we took our little girl from her and has continued to communicate with us, wanting to know that all was good. Our puppy ( which we named “Josie”), has clearly been socialized in many different settings, has readily adapted to her new home and our other pup (“Sadie”, a 16 month old rat terrier). Josie is very playful, even fiesty, good natured and loving. We look forward to many years with her and couldn’t be happier with our decision!