I'm Julie D., the breeder behind Free Spirit Ranch located in Holcombe, WI. We are a small, in-home breeder of quality AKC Miniature American Shepherds. Our puppies are raised under foot, spoiled, and well taken care of.
Q. & A. with Julie
Why did you start breeding?
We purchased our first Mini American in February 2010 and were immediately hooked. Since then, we have been breeding and showing our quality dogs.
What makes your program special?
Our puppies are kept in the lower level of our home which is set up for their comfort and safety. There is constant attention between us and our puppies. They have a penned in area to sleep and eat in, and are introduced to the outdoors for potty training and playing where they have another penned off area just for them.
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
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Tyson
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Julie
Julie 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 $200 non-refundable deposit and between $800 - $1,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Once you've been approved to adopt, a $200 non-refundable deposit will hold your choice of puppy.”
Contract & health guarantee
Julie 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 Julie 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 Julie directly.
Free Spirit Ranch 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
All breeds
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Miniature American Shepherd
Shadow, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Shadow
Shadow is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Julie decided to make her part of their program. Julie 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.
Toddy, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Toddy
Toddy is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Julie decided to make her part of their program. Julie 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.
Cookie, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Cookie
Cookie is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Julie decided to make her part of their program. Julie 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.
Annie, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Annie
Annie is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Julie decided to make her part of their program. Julie 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.
Faith, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Faith
Faith is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Julie decided to make her part of their program. Julie 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.
Spirit, dad
Miniature American Shepherd
About Spirit
Spirit is a male Miniature American Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Julie decided to make him part of their program. Julie 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.
Baby Doll, mom
Miniature American Shepherd
About Baby Doll
Baby Doll is a female Miniature American Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Julie decided to make her part of their program. Julie 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.
Scotty, dad
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Scotty
Scotty is a male Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Julie decided to make him part of their program. Julie 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.
Jackie, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Jackie
Jackie is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Julie decided to make her part of their program. Julie 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
Great level
Free Spirit Ranch 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
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.
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).