I'm Kirsten T., the breeder behind Echolight Australian Shepherds located in Rapid River, MI. Our breeding program is centered around producing quality Aussies that can do it all, while building relationships with others through a shared love of the amazing Australian Shepherd! We are active in ASCA, AKC, & UKC competing in the Conformation ring, Obedience, Rally, Agility, and more.
Q. & A. with Kirsten
Why did you start breeding?
I grew up as a second generation breeder, as my mother has been breeding Dachshunds for over 30 years. When I grew older, I decided I wanted a more energetic and trainable companion to eventually do dog sports with. I researched breeds and settled on the Australian Shepherd. After bringing home my first Aussie in 2009, I’ve never looked back.
What makes your program special?
My breeding program is centered around producing moderate, versatile Aussies while building relationships with others through a shared love of the amazing Australian Shepherd!
Not only do we perform thorough health testing, but we take appropriate, stable temperament and sound structure very seriously.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include red & white, 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 and guardian homes.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Ghast
Went home
Female
Creaking
Went home
Male
Ravager
Went home
Male
Vex
Went home
Female
Hoglin
Went home
Male
Flub
Went home
Male
Botch
Went home
Male
BooBoo
Went home
Female
Error
Went home
Male
Gaffe
Went home
Male
Bungle
Went home
Female
Blooper
Went home
Female
Blunder
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Kirsten
Kirsten 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 $300 deposit and $1,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Our puppies are all priced the same regardless of color or gender. Intact homes for show/breeding program prospects are agreed upon by private treaty on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss. Deposits are non-refundable, except in the event we do not have a suitable puppy available for you. You will be given the option of a refund, or to roll the deposit to the next litter - your choice.”
Contract & health guarantee
Kirsten 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 Kirsten 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 Kirsten directly.
Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
Vet check
First round of shots and deworming
Microchip
Vet records
Extras
Puppy starter kit
Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
AKC registration
Basic obedience & manners
Initial potty training
Toys
Food & treats
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Kirsten.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Rapid River, MI
677 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Green Bay–Austin Straubel Airport
665 miles away
·
Meet in Louisville, KY
450 miles away
·
More about Kirsten
Club memberships
Kirsten is a member of Australian Shepherd Club Of Michigan, United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA), and Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA).
Certifications & recognitions
CHIC Certified, Professional Groomer, Puppy Culture Breeder, AKC Breeder of Merit.
Kirsten has been a member of Good Dog for over 2 years
Kirsten was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Echolight 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
Kirsten T.
Litter update on 02 Nov. •
Fall fun! 🍁🍂
Mac and Cree's litter
Kirsten T.
Litter update on 12 Oct. •
Peepers are open, they can hear, and they can walk (not well yet, but are mobile none the less!)
Mac and Cree's litter
Parent dogs
Bug, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Bug
Bug is an outgoing, sweet, spicy, fun little girl with medium-high energy, high drive, and a great off switch. She has loads of confidence. She LOVES toys and would do anything for one! Bug is currently showing in conformation and training/trialing in rally. We’re also working on agility training and plan to trial her summer 2026.
Creed, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Creed
Creed is a calm energy, medium drive, thoughtful boy with an “old soul” demeanor. He is kind and stable minded, and gets along with other dogs wonderfully. He is truly old school “aussie-reserved” with new people - he will say hello with a little lick or a nose boop, then generally go about his business.
Reaper, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Reaper
Reaper is a male Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Kirsten decided to make him part of their program. Kirsten 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.
Joy, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Joy
Joy is a trick dog champion who competes in obedience trials. She loves being a beach bum and is a beautiful girl!
Cree, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Cree
Cree is a thoughtful, sweet girl with calmer energy and more serious personality. She is more reserved with new people but warms up quickly when introduced. Cree excels most in herding, but also competes in rally, coursing, and more!
Toasty, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Toasty
Toasty is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kirsten decided to make her part of their program. Kirsten 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.
Giddy, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Giddy
Giddy is a male Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Kirsten decided to make him part of their program. Kirsten 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.
Lippy, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Lippy
Lippy is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kirsten decided to make her part of their program. Kirsten 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
Echolight 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.
Dentition, Brucellosis, Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
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.
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).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Kirsten to bring home their puppies.
jenine l.
Verified owner · July 2025
Kirsten is an amazing person. She was very responsive and answered the tons of questions I had to make sure we were ready for our puppy. She sent updates of Patches and kept us informed on how our sweet girl’s personality was developing. This was my first experience working with a breeder and Kirsten made it the best experience ever. So knowledgeable about the Aussie breed and the information packet she gave has been so helpful. I felt very comfortable working through Good Dog, that helped make this process secure and Informative