Discovery Hill Australian Shepherds
- Marshfield, VT
Meet the breeder
I'm Ruth K., the breeder behind Discovery Hill Australian Shepherds located in Marshfield, VT. With full panel genetic testing, we raise our AKC dogs inside our home as family. We use ENS with the puppies to promote confidence and give them a solid start. We don’t dock … full tails offered and natural bobtails. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to find the best homes for them!
Q. & A. with Ruth
Why did you start breeding?
I have been working with dogs all my life, with concentrated experience in rescues. I began working with purebred shepherding dogs in 2018 and knew I was in love. When my first fell victim to a rare lymphoma in 2022, I decided the next time I open my heart, I would choose to share it by breeding. And sure enough, we have the best wigglebutts to keep us company on that journey!What makes your program special?
We do full breed panel genetic testing, AKC registration and some ASCA/ASDR. Additionally, we use ENS when raising litters and work with our puppies to help develop confidence. We believe that a good Aussie is a well-exercised Aussie and provide plenty of stimulation and play for our babies. We want them to enjoy life as much as we do and believe that happy parents make healthy babies.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black & white, 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.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Rosemary
Went homeFemale
Clove
Went homeMale
Paprika
Went homeMale
Nutmeg
Went homeMale
Pepper
Went homeFemale
Cinnamon
Went homeMale
Thyme
Went homeMale
Sage
Went homeMale
Basil
Went homeMale
Chandler
Went homeMale
Ross
Went homeMale
Rachel
Went homeFemale
Monica
Went homeFemale
Phoebus
Went homeMale
Gunther
Went homeMale
Joey
Went homeMale
Pele
Went homeFemale
Chloe
Went homeFemale
Captain Cully
Went homeMale
Schmendrick the Magician
Went homeMale
Prince Liir
Went homeMale
Chelsea
Went homeFemale
Benson
Went homeMale
Sharon
Went homeFemale
Charlotte
Went homeFemale
Woodstock
Went homeMale
Jay
Went homeMale
Holly
Went homeFemale
Morgan
Went homeFemale
Quechee
Went homeFemale
Chester
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Ruth
Ruth 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 $250 non-refundable deposit and between $2,000 - $2,400 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“This price includes AKC registration, vaccinations, deworming, and a puppy pamphlet and gift bag to take home. The minimum price does NOT include surcharges, which may be passed along. Deposits will reserve your puppy. They are transferable to another puppy but not refundable.”
Contract & health guarantee
Ruth 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 Ruth 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 Ruth directly.
Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more
What’s included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- AKC registration
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Initial potty training
- Puppy starter kit
- Toys
- Food & treats
- Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Ruth.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Marshfield, VT
452 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Patrick Leahy Burlington Airport
436 miles away
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Flexible meeting point
Ruth can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Ruth
Club memberships
Ruth is a member of American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR), American Kennel Club (AKC), and Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA).
Ruth has been a member of Good Dog for about 2 years
Ruth was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Ruth is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Discovery Hill 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
Litter and program updates
Ruth K.
Program update on 05 Aug. •…Thanking all my clients for a fantastic spring. All puppies from Fainche’s litter have been placed. One even made a starring appearance at dog yoga for local studio holding a bachelorette party! Upcoming changes to the program: We’re rolling out a new interview process assessing puppy readiness and adding a $100 rebate for in-person training! These new protocols will continue to ensure our pups and clients have the very best outcomes, together. Looking forward to seeing you in the days to come! - Ruth
Ruth K.
Litter update on 17 Feb. •…Hey guys! We may be snowed in, but Hippo and Fainche know how to pass the time! Looking forward to our annual spring litter from this sweet potato right here. Listing price on GoodDog is $2,550. This includes sales tax and mark-up for GoodDog’s 6.5% processing fee. Looking forward to the days to come!
Hippo and Fainche's litter
Parent dogs
Luna, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Luna
Sweet dainty girl who moves with grace and feels deep down inside that she’s my one and only. Luna’s big blue eyes are huge for the people she trusts. She’ll quickly defer to other dogs and is very affectionate. Luna “hugs,” and she’s so gentle when she does it’s one of my favorite things when we are spending time together. ASDR/AKC/ASCA registered
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), +5 more.
Fainche, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Fainche
The most stranger-friendly dog in our woof pack, this girl embodies licks and pets. Originally from Texas and very well socialized, Fainche (pronounced “Finch”) joined our crew in March 24 and has quickly made her way into our hearts. Fainche has one eye that is half blue and half brown … very cool and called a “heterochromia.” With great health returning on her CAER’s, we hope to see similar in her pups!
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), +3 more.
Hippo, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Hippo
AKC, ASDR, and ASCA registered. Gentle goober who loves nothing better than to swim in the water basin. Love him and love watching him grow. Policeman of the pack - he’ll stand up for whomever he thinks is getting bullied (whether they are or not, lol). Loves hugs and deep gazes into your eyes. Hates getting his nails trimmed. Another faithful companion. Medium prey drive.
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), +5 more.
Amber, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Amber
Amber is a sweet girl who just wants to be loved. That said, she’ll let people like Fainche push her out of the way to get first licks! Amber is so polite, and so funny. Originally from South Carolina, Amber joined our crew in March 24. We are so pleased to welcome her into our family!
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), +3 more.
Bear, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Bear
Show coat sweetie with eyes as deep and blue as the sea. His affect is mellow and eager-to-please, and his litters take after him. Champion and Grand Champion Lineage!
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), +3 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Discovery Hill 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 (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 (Preliminary), 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.
Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC), Australian Shepherd Type, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), DNA Disease Panel
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 Ruth to bring home their puppies.
Matt K.
Verified owner · Oct. 2024
Ruth was amazing! When we spoke she seemed very knowledgeable about the breed. You could see the love she has for her puppies and this type of breed. She gave us updates and pictures of our little guy! She took all the puppies health serious and if anything went wrong she would immediately give us an update. We drove to pick up our baby at her home. Her home seemed warm, clean and well prepped for taking good care for puppies. We highly recommend Ruth, if you are seeking an Australian shepherd. We also appreciated she did not dock their tails (which a significant numbers of breeders do). This was important for us.
Aiden C.
Verified owner · May 2024
+8Ruth has been a great help from the start, answering any and all questions i have had. She does a great job with the pups and it shows! healthy and well bread Aussies.
