I'm Barbara R., the breeder behind Grace River Aussies located in Killingly, CT. Our dogs are part of our family. We focus on raising well balanced, healthy dogs with good temperament and manners. Our dogs stole our hearts right from the start and we found ourselves wanting to get more involved. Breeding was a natural next step and we haven’t looked back since!
Q. & A. with Barbara
Why did you start breeding?
I got into breeding after being approached by a friend who had recently gotten a beautiful tri-colored female. This little dog was the whole package! Loving, sweet, athletic, small enough to travel anywhere and rugged enough for the farm and horse shows. I fell in love and shortly after we got our first Mini.
What makes your program special?
Our breeding program is special because we truly think of our girls as family. We breed them infrequently and are very selective about their mates. We review their DNA results and carefully select males that will give them the best qualities and traits. We are not just a breeding program we are a family that is very dedicated to raising healthy puppies for loving families.
What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Our puppies are tiny size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include blue merle, black tri, and red. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Barbara
Barbara 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 $250 non-refundable deposit and between $1,250 - $3,250 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes AKC registration, first vaccinations, deworming, microchip. Puppies are socialized and introduced to nail trims, grooming and potty training. Puppies are send home with food, blanket for scent, and vet record. Puppies are priced based on sex and color.”
Contract & health guarantee
Barbara 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 Barbara 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 Barbara directly.
Grace River 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
Shelby, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Shelby
Shelby is the ideal family dog. She is very athletic and loves to play on the agility course. She is just as happy following me around our horse farm and travels with me where ever I go. She is quick to warm up to guests and people we meet at horse shows. She has an off switch when indoors and loves to sit in our picture window. She is eager to please and is very smart!!
Snickers, dad
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Snickers
Snickers is an adorable energetic love bug. He has nver met a stranger, he loves everyone! He gives endless cuddles. He has beautiful coloring, back with tan points and almost no white. His blue eyes are unforgetably vibrant!! His coat is thick and luxurious! He is happy around and equally as happy on the couch!! He is small and loves to go where ever you go!!
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Grace River 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.
DNA Disease Panel
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).