I'm Ariel M., the breeder behind Empire Miniature American Shepherds located in Groesbeck, TX. We’re proud of the healthy, affectionate, and behaviorally well-rounded puppies we raise for other families to love! The loyalty and loving disposition of this breed are simply the best! We put a great deal of effort into raising our litters to ensure our puppy families will have the best experience raising their new family members.
Q. & A. with Ariel
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include red tri-color, black tri, red merle, and blue merle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Fontina
Reserved
Female
Stilton
Reserved
Male
Burrata
Reserved
Female
Brie
Reserved
Female
Hot tamale
Went home
Female
Twizzler
Went home
Male
Tux
Went home
Male
Popper
Went home
Female
Vibe
Went home
Male
Happy
Went home
Female
Solo
Went home
Male
Midnight
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Ariel
Ariel 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 $1,000 - $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
Contract & health guarantee
Ariel 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 Ariel 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 Ariel directly.
Empire 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
Litter and program updates
Ariel M.
Program update on 08 Dec. •
Getting ready for Christmas!
Ariel M.
Litter update on 16 Nov. •
Sweet pictures from the whelping box 🥰
Petrie and Dancer's litter
Parent dogs
Lux, mom
Miniature American Shepherd
About Lux
Lux is a female Miniature American Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Ariel decided to make her part of their program. Ariel 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.
Great health testing
Neuroaxonal Dystrophy NAD, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), +5 more.
Dancer, mom
Miniature American Shepherd
About Dancer
Dancer is a gentle soul with a heart full of love. She’s known for her soft, affectionate nature and her love of cuddles. Calm and tender, Dancer has a way of bringing quiet warmth to every moment she shares with her people. Her sweet temperament and loving personality make her a truly special companion, always happiest right by your side.
Petrie, dad
Miniature American Shepherd
About Petrie
Petrie is a quiet, thoughtful boy who finds his happiness in simple adventures and the company of his people. He loves spending time outdoors, especially exploring trails and taking peaceful hikes. While he may be reserved at first, Petrie’s loyalty and gentle affection shine through to those he loves most. He’s the perfect blend of calm companionship and steady devotion.
Ravioli, dad
Miniature American Shepherd
About Ravioli
Ravioli is a happy, easygoing boy who radiates joy wherever he goes. He’s currently in training to become a therapy dog — a role that perfectly suits his gentle heart and love for people. Ravioli absolutely adores children and never misses a chance to make someone smile. His friendly nature extends to everyone he meets, both two- and four-legged alike. With his calm demeanor and cheerful spirit, Ravioli is truly a special dog and a wonderful companion.
Spyder, mom
Miniature American Shepherd
About Spyder
Spyder is a fun-loving, outgoing girl with a heart as big as her personality. She’s wonderfully biddable and eager to please, always ready to try something new with a happy wag and bright enthusiasm. Spyder’s goofy charm and affectionate nature make her a joy to be around — she never fails to bring a smile to everyone she meets. She truly loves people and thrives on being part of the fun.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Empire 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.
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, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC), 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).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.