I'm Thom K., the breeder behind Gold Hill Aussies located in Gold Hill, NC. Our dogs are members of our family and are right by our side for daily life. Our experience with them inspired us to share their affectionate personalities with other loving families!
Q. & A. with Thom
Why did you start breeding?
Gene Cooper the owner/breeder of Coopers Australian Sheperds got me hooked on the breed. I wanted to help make sure that the highest quality/standards of the breed would be perpetuated into generations to come.
What makes your program special?
We are a small-scale breeder our dogs are our family and get treated as such. We have 1-2 litters per year of top tier Aussies. They are not confined to kennels. They are free range on our property doing doggie stuff all day.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include 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 a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Hank
Went home
Male
Seven
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Thom
Thom 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 refundable deposit and between $1,400 - $1,800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes first rounds of vaccinations, deworming, AKC registration and health guarantees and socializing. Deposit to hold puppy until you select one from the litter.once puppy is selected the balance of 1/2 is due. Balance at pickup.
Merle’s $1800
Tris $1600.”
Contract & health guarantee
Thom 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 Thom 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 Thom directly.
Gold Hill 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
Parent dogs
Charlie Cooper, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Charlie Cooper
Charlie is truly a Velcro dog. He wants to be with you always. He is a kind and loving boy. He gets along well with all people, dogs and cats. He is a bit spoiled. He is thoughtful and has great manners. He is my buddy
Sadie, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Sadie
Sadie loves her Charlie boy and me. She would like nothing more than to be on your lap. She plays well with others and is smart as a whip. She understands everything I say and is very obedient.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Gold Hill 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 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.
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).