Melick Kennels

Melinda W.

Breeder of Australian Shepherds

Meet the breeder

I'm Melinda W., the breeder behind Melick Kennels located in Adams, MA. We breed and show our dogs out of a love for and dedication to the protection and betterment of the breed. Our program was built with care and intention in every step. We are passionate about the health and wellbeing of this breed, and we want our program to be an example of how to responsibly breed high-quality, healthy dogs. Because we strive to meet such standards, all of our breeding dogs are fully health tested, including:elbows (ofa), hips(ofa), eyes cleared yearly (cerf), and a full genetic panel run through embark or paw print genetics.

Q. & A. with Melinda

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I started in junior showmanship when I was 10 years old. I grew up in a home that actively competed in performance sports with their dogs. My grandmother was a huge inspiration to me and my breeding program, she still at the age of 76 competes competitively in dog sports to this very day.
  • What makes your program special?

    We take pride in the fact that we fully health tested all of our breeding dogs. You don't find many breeders that put the amount of time and money that we do, into their dogs. We strive to ensure that we are breeding healthy happy dogs that represents the breed whole heartedly.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include black, red merle, blue merle, and red. 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 Melinda

Melinda 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 $1,800 - $2,600 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Price includes your puppy is seen by a vet and has a wellness examination done prior to going to their new home. Your puppy also comes microchipped and has its first round of shots, everything a puppy can have at the 8 week age bracket. Your puppy also comes akc registered with papers. Deposit is non-refundable and Deposit amount is taken off the overall price of the puppy. Your Deposit holds your puppy pick in the current litter, and if for some reason you are unable to get a puppy from the current litter, your Deposit is able to be transferred to a different litter of ours, of your choice.”

Contract & health guarantee

Melinda 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 Melinda 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 Melinda 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
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder’s location

Meet in Adams, MA

3734 miles away

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Other pick-up locations

Meet at Albany Airport

3757 miles away

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More about Melinda

  • Club memberships

    Melinda is a member of Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) and United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA).

  • Certifications & recognitions

    CHIC Certified, Professional Groomer, Associate Dog Trainer, Puppy Culture Breeder.

  • Melinda has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years

    Melinda was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

Melinda is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Melick Kennels 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

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Melick Kennels 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.

  • 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).

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