Ghostfire Mini Aussies

Vanessa S.

Breeder of Miniature Australian Shepherds

  • Penn Valley, CA
  • Responds within a few hours

Meet the breeder

I'm Vanessa S., the breeder behind Ghostfire Mini Aussies located in Penn Valley, CA. Welcome to Ghostfire Mini Aussies! We are a dedicated responsible hobby breeder of amazing mini aussies. Providing excellent well adapted healthy pups from our loving family to yours. Our pups are raised indoors for optimal health and are always up to date on all veterinary care.

Q. & A. with Vanessa

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I was raised in 4-H on a farm I always have been familiar with animal breeding, veterinary and husbandry. I began breeding pugs at first. Peaceful valley pugs was a delightful experience where I helped many families find their new best friend. After retirement of Peaceful valley my son decided he wanted a mini aussie in 2020. We drove to Oklahoma for Chica & Ghostfire became our new future name.
  • What makes your program special?

    Our program is special because aside from the genetic tests, vaccinations, de-worming schedules, cleaning and care, socializing with people,children, and an array of animals. We provide the best, most lovable, protective, happy, healthy pups. These pups have personality. They will melt your heart. Extremely intelligent loving, hugging, talk back to you kind of pups.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include red & white, black & white, blue merle, black 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.

Getting a puppy from Vanessa

Vanessa 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 $700 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“The price includes ASDR registration. First round of vaccinations. De worming schedule and puppy socialization. Deposit is required to hold a puppy of your choice until ready for pickup. ☆PUPS MUST BE PICKED UP AT 8 WEEKS. HOLDING A PUP LONGER WILL RESULT IN☆ BOARDING FEES☆☆☆.”

Contract & health guarantee

Vanessa 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 Vanessa 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 Vanessa 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
      • Scent introduction
      • 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
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Initial potty training
      • Food & treats
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Vanessa.

Breeder’s location

Meet in Penn Valley, CA

5557 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Sacramento Airport

5598 miles away

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More about Vanessa

  • Vanessa has been a member of Good Dog for almost 2 years

    Vanessa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.

  • Vanessa’s links

Vanessa is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Ghostfire Mini Aussies 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

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Ghostfire Mini Aussies 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 Australian 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 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.

  • 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).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Vanessa to bring home their puppies.

  • Scott P.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2025

    Thanks so much Vanessa! Ghost’s been doing great and settling in beautifully. She’s full of personality and so smart already! I really appreciate how smooth and transparent the entire process was! . Vanessa was communicative, kind, and clearly cared deeply about her pups. For others considering Vanessa I would highly recommend!

    Maria R.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    Vanessa was super communicative and responsive since very first inquiry I sent her. She accepted to video call with me right away so that I could see my puppy, and she saved me some driving time by meeting me at a closer place. She’s very kind and knowledgeable about the puppies, and I will be recommending her to anyone interested in getting a new puppy! :) And my baby Khonshu is in excellent shape, he is healthy, active, smart and cuddly. I couldn’t be more in love with him.

  • Myles C.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2025

    We chose Vanessa’s program on GoodDog because the litter was stunning and her profile emphasized doing things the right way, making things safe, transparent, and focused on the puppies’ physical and emotional health. After engaging with her, everything on the profile was accurate. Communication was excellent from the start. She replied within minutes and stayed warm, friendly, and proactive the whole time, sending photos and videos since we were about 5 hours away. We paid on-platform, and there were some added taxes and fees from GoodDog, but the protections and convenience felt worth it. GoodDog listed health testing for both parents, Charlie and Chica. Our puppy, Max, now “Ash," is a beautiful merle with one brown eye and one blue. Paperwork at pickup matched what was promised with vaccinations, deworming, a vet check, vet records, registration, starter food and treats, and a blanket with mom and litter scent. Photos and videos showed dogs that were clearly well cared for. Vanessa’s program emphasizes early socialization with people of different ages and appearances, other dogs and animals, car rides, potty training, exposure to everyday sounds, surfaces, and tactile stimulation, and daily handling. The pickup logistics showed kindness from Vanessa. She met us a few towns from Penn Valley in our direction, which made a long day much easier. Post-pickup support has been great. Ash is healthy, energetic, and very much in the puppy-training phase in the best way. The experience from the first message through bringing him home felt organized, caring, and honest. I’d recommend Vanessa to anyone looking for a well-bred mini-Aussie. We’d happily buy from her again.

    Kailynn L.

    Verified owner · Oct. 2025

    Vanessa was very responsive and met all of our needs & more & makes sure to communicate! We could not have had a better experience that ultimately led us to the most amazing puppy! Our girl is so sweet, kind & gentle, even with our 17 month old daughter, once again thank you Vanessa for being an amazing breeder

Photos

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.

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.

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