I'm Melissa L., the breeder behind Cloverdale Australian Shepherds located in Bay Area/Foothills, CA. We are an ethical purpose breeder with a focus on producing healthy dogs that meet the breed standard. Our dogs excel in the conformation ring, performance venues, and make great pets. We are passionate about Australian Shepherds and look forward to sharing the breed with others who love them just as much as we do!
Q. & A. with Melissa
Why did you start breeding?
It is my passion to breed these incredible dogs and help ensure the future of the Australian Shepherd. I would consider myself a SMALL purpose breeder. I do not have litters or puppies available often. When I do, I am so happy to be able to share these wonderful dogs with other loving families and individuals.
What makes your program special?
I ensure my puppies have health clearances and I use Puppy Culture to train and socialize. Each puppy is sent home with some awesome puppy goody bags. I’m always available for advice at any time in the dog's life. I don’t have a kennel facility, the dogs are my pets first and are on my bed/couch or sleeping around the house, we utilize crates as needed when it’s quiet time.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include red merle, blue merle, black tri-color, and red tri-color. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and guardian homes.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
North
Went home
Male
Raven
Went home
Female
Journey
Went home
Male
Birch
Went home
Male
Oak
Went home
Male
Basil
Went home
Male
Clover
Went home
Female
Reed
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Melissa
Melissa 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Puppies receive an eye exam, health check, first vaccine, worming, microchip, and a goody bag with lots of info for the puppy parents. All of our puppies are the same price regardless of color or gender.”
Contract & health guarantee
Melissa 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 Melissa 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 Melissa directly.
Cloverdale Australian Shepherds 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
Parent dogs
Ramsay, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Ramsay
Ramsay is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Melissa decided to make her part of their program. Melissa 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.
BIG, dad
Australian Shepherd
About BIG
BIG is a male Australian Shepherd almost 5 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Melissa decided to make him part of their program. Melissa 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
Cloverdale Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds.
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.
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).