I'm Shaela G., the breeder behind Copper Sky Aussies & Mini American Shepherds located in Montpelier, VA. We are a family-run breeder specializing in quality Aussies & Miniature American Shepherds. Since 2009, we've been passionate about these dogs. Our AKC/ASCA-registered dogs excel in conformation, agility & family time. We raise socialized puppies in our home & cherish sharing this breed with others.
Q. & A. with Shaela
Why did you start breeding?
I fell in love with the breeds while working for my first vet after tech school—she bred them, & I absorbed everything I could. That passion grew into a mission to improve the breed, focusing on health, temperament, & structure. Through careful breeding, I aim to preserve their best traits while contributing to their future. It’s more than a program—it’s a commitment to the breed I love.
What makes your program special?
My program stands out for our focus on health, temperament, & longevity. I prioritize genetic testing, responsible breeding practices, & ensuring each pup is well-socialized. By combining veterinary expertise with a deep passion for the breed, I’m committed to producing a shepherd that excel in both family life & working environments, with the goal of bettering the breed for future generations.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our Miniature American Shepherd puppies include red tri-color, black tri, red merle, and blue merle. Australian Shepherd puppies include red merle, blue merle, black tri-color, and red tri-color. Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies include blue merle, black tri, red tri, and red merle. 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.
Flash
Went home
Female
Static
Went home
Female
Electra
Went home
Female
Bolt
Went home
Male
Sizzle
Went home
Female
Vienna
Went home
Female
Bali
Went home
Male
Cairo
Went home
Female
Boston
Went home
Male
Caspian
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Shaela
Shaela 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 between $1,500 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“Pricing includes first set of vaccines, deworming, take-home basket, puppy socialization, extended health guarantee, and more. A non-refundable deposit secures your puppy and place on the waiting list. Remaining balance due before pickup/delivery. Contact us for full details.”
Contract & health guarantee
Shaela 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 Shaela 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 Shaela directly.
Copper Sky Aussies & Mini American 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
Litter and program updates
Shaela G.
Litter update on 23 July •
These pups get so much socialization. They're growing fast! They're smart and friendly. 5 are still looking for their forever homes. Pictures are updated. They just turned 5 weeks. (7/22/25)
…
Roadie and Sip's litter
Parent dogs
All breeds
Australian Shepherd
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Trinket, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Trinket
Trinket is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Shaela decided to make her part of their program. Shaela 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.
Coda, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Coda
Coda is a male Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Shaela decided to make him part of their program. Shaela 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.
Sip, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Sip
Sip is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Shaela decided to make her part of their program. Shaela 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.
Roadie, dad
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Roadie
Roadie is a male Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Shaela decided to make him part of their program. Shaela 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
Australian Shepherd
Miniature American Shepherd
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Copper Sky Aussies & Mini American 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.
DNA Disease Panel, 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).