I'm Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton, the breeder behind Niyu Aussies located in Colorado. We enjoy showing our dogs, and they are our companions in every adventure. We are invested in helping this breed thrive. We do all that we can to give our puppies the best lives, including proper health care, thorough socialization.
Q. & A. with Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton
Why did you start breeding?
I got into breeding in 2019, after we finished my first wellbred Australian Shepherd Yue’s AKC conformation Championship. We don’t have very many litters, we believe in Quality over Quantity.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include red merle, blue merle, and black 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.
Kelso
Went home
Male
Creed
Went home
Male
Mesa
Went home
Female
Paonia
Went home
Female
Denali
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Rainier
Went home
Female
Acadia
Went home
Female
Cascade
Went home
Female
Kenai
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton
Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton 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 $1,300 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Contract & health guarantee
Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton 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 Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton 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 Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton directly.
Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Niyu 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
Vivid, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Vivid
Vivid is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton decided to make her part of their program. Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Harper, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Harper
Harper is a female Australian Shepherd over 5 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton decided to make her part of their program. Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Pyke, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Pyke
Pyke is a male Australian Shepherd about 3 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton decided to make him part of their program. Toni Ballard / Shanna Gorton has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Niyu 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.
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).