McElroy Homestead Austrailian Shepherds

Marla M.

Breeder of Australian Shepherds

Running Springs, CA ·
Responds within a few hours

Meet the breeder

I'm Marla M., the breeder behind McElroy Homestead Austrailian Shepherds located in Running Springs, CA. From Running Springs, CA, our dogs are surrounded by acres of viridian forests and the solace of mountain life. We have hens on our homestead and are looking to expand the animals that live on our little escape in the woods.

Q. & A. with Marla

Why did you start breeding?
We love the breed and would like to keep our first two dog’s bloodlines going in our family. We also want to share about the amazing qualities of this breed. We have aspirations for enrolling our dogs into champion companion competitions and clubs.
What makes your program special?
We are breeding mountain dogs who are socialized in this environment. We also select dogs based on their pedigree and temperaments with the goal of breeding dogs who can enter agility and obedience shows. Otherwise, we are local to Southern California which should be special to many folks that live here and want an Australian Shepherd.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black, red merle, blue merle, red, 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.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Wilson
Went home
Male
Wallen
Went home
Male

Getting a puppy from Marla

Marla has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Marla partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“We take great care of placing each puppy in a good home. We interview families and highlight that if they cannot keep the puppy to return them back instead of sending them to shelters or rescues.”

Price

Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,500 - $3,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“The price includes AKC registration, full vetted genetic tests, food, snacks, vitamins, blanket from mom, first round of vaccines, dewormer, and wellness exams. Deposit is to secure a specific puppy prior to 8 weeks old.”

Contract & health guarantee

Marla 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 Marla 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 Marla directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

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
  - Various sounds
  - Car rides
  - Car rides
  - Surface & tactile stimulation
  - Surface & tactile stimulation
  - Socialized with children
  - Socialized with children
  - Socialized in new places
  - Socialized in new places
  - Scent introduction
  - Scent introduction
  - Daily handling
  - Daily handling
  - Socialized with other dogs
  - Socialized with other dogs
  - Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
  - Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
  - Socialized with other animals
  - Socialized with other animals
- Puppy health practices
  - Vet check
  - First round of shots and deworming
  - Vet records
- Extras
  - Initial potty training
  - Toys
  - Food & treats
  - Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
  - AKC registration

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Running Springs, CA

2207 miles away

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Palm Springs Airport

2182 miles away

Meet in Phoenix, AZ

1954 miles away

More about Marla

Marla has been a member of Good Dog for about 2 months
Marla was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.
Marla’s links
- Instagram

Marla is a trusted Good Dog breeder

McElroy Homestead Austrailian 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

Parent dogs

Wenatchee, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Wenatchee
Wenatchee is sweet-tempered, obedient, agile, and playful girl. She was born from Westrip Aussies in Crane, MO on 11/13/2024 from a Leo x Nomii litter. She was purchased on Good Dog. She is also enrolling in Good Canine Citizen Training and and Agility Course.
Woodland, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Woodland
Woody is agile, intelligent, excitable, extremely active, and a handsome Aussie male. He is from Navas Ranch Aussies from Jurupa Valley, CA. He is AKC certified. He is obedience trained and will be completing Good Canine Citizen Training as well as Agility Training. He is intelligent and empathetic. He is also very good at taking photos.

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

McElroy Homestead Austrailian 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 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.
Vet Wellness Exam
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
DNA Disease Panel, 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).