I'm Donald J., the breeder behind DreamCatcher Miniature American Shepherds located in Virginia Beach, VA. We breed for pups that will make wonder family members as well as pups that have the potential to compete in a variety of venues! We breed AKC registered Miniature American Shepherds and Australian Shepherds. We breed for show and performance, but we are most concerned with breeding to produce wonderful family members. Our dogs are family members/house dogs. We are looking for loving families who will treat their puppies likewise.
Q. & A. with Donald
Why did you start breeding?
I have had dogs all my life. late in life, I decided to learn and participate in dog shows. That desire led to my wanting to produce my own show dogs. That's how DreamCatcher Australian and Mini American Shepherds came to be.
What makes your program special?
We breed on a very limited basis and to breed our next wonderful show dog. So far we have bred AKC Show Champions, Grand Champions, Master Agility Champions, and Titled dogs in Dock Diving, Tracking, and herding. We are most proud that all of our dogs have been such wonderful family members. We never lose sight that nothing is more important than the temperament and health of the pup.
What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies are miniature size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.
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. 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.
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Donald
Donald 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 between $1,000 - $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes AKC registration, up-to-date shots/worming, a micro-chip, a packet of information on parents, a lifetime of support, etc.”
Contract & health guarantee
Donald 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 Donald 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 Donald directly.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Donald.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Virginia Beach, VA
178 miles away
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More about Donald
Club memberships
Donald is a member of Virginia Beach Kennel Club, Australian Shepherd Club of America, United States Australian Shepherd Association, and Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA.
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder of Merit.
Donald has been a member of Good Dog for over 2 years
Donald was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
DreamCatcher Miniature 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
Parent dogs
Kelly, mom
Miniature American Shepherd
About Kelly
Kelly is a female Miniature American Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Donald decided to make her part of their program. Donald 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
Miniature American Shepherd
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
DreamCatcher Miniature 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 Miniature American Shepherds.
Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered), 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 (rDVM, not registered)
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 Examination (rDVM, not 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.
Cardiac Evaluation (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC)
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).