I'm Kristen N., the breeder behind QC Homestead Miniature Australian Shepherds located in Greenville, SC. We focus on conformation to the Breed Standard for quality of structure & integrity of a bright, devoted, caring, studious temperament. Every canine is a pet in our home, w/ the best veterinary care, testing, training, & educational adventures so your pup will fit in “like they’ve always been here”.
Q. & A. with Kristen
Why did you start breeding?
While raising & training Great Pyrenees as Livestock Guardian Dogs for our ranch, we gained experience in selection & the hereditary influence of genetics, conformation, temperament & instincts on the working dog. When our first mini Aussie passed, we knew we wanted to start showing & sharing the blessing of these amazingly intuitive dogs. It’s inspiring to see our pups benefit & influence lives.
What makes your program special?
We select for sound & correct structural conformation, & a versatile, trainable, intuitive, kind disposition. Our dogs have an off switch so they are quiet when things are quiet & ready to play when you are. Our pups are health tested & thrive in many different home types, & lifestyles, from family pets to work partners. Every dog in our home is a best friend, sharing all of our life & vacations.
What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies are miniature size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our Miniature American Shepherd puppies include black tri and blue merle. Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies include blue merle and black. 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.
Ecco
Went home
Female
Puma
Went home
Female
Chaco
Went home
Female
Fila
Went home
Female
Nike
Went home
Male
Brooks
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Kristen
Kristen 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 $1,300 - $2,600 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“Just as we show our dogs to test for quality of structure & temperament, each puppy is priced individually based on specific qualities. The deposit is non-refundable because if you go to a different breeder, your reserved pup will have missed out on possible homes. Your deposit may transfer to another of our available pups.”
Contract & health guarantee
Kristen 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 Kristen 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 Kristen directly.
Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
Vet check
First round of shots and deworming
Vet records
Extras
Registration
Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
Initial potty training
Puppy starter kit
Toys
Food & treats
Basic obedience & manners
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Kristen.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Greenville, SC
397 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Greenville–Spartanburg Airport (Roger Milliken Field)
388 miles away
·
Meet in Raleigh, NC
234 miles away
·
More about Kristen
Kristen has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years
Kristen was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.
Kristen is a trusted Good Dog breeder
QC Homestead Miniature Australian 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
Litter and program updates
Kristen N.
Program update on 28 June •
I. Love. You.❣️
Kristen N.
Program update on 28 June •
Watch out! A strong chance of puppy kisses on the canine food isle of the local Tractor Supply!
Kristen N.
Program update on 28 June •
Styling in TSC for Socialization!
Kristen N.
Program update on 28 June •
Here is a little peak into one of Rio’s leash training sessions!
Kristen N.
Litter update on 24 June •
“Our friendship, devotion, and loving loyalty know no bounds.”
Sincerely, Sweet Sky and big brother Rio
Bryce and Bisbee's litter
Kristen N.
Litter update on 24 June •
Sky to Rio!
Sky-“Shh Rio! I have a secret!”
Bryce and Bisbee's litter
Kristen N.
Litter update on 24 June •
Our little miss personality proudly working the camera and modeling her many expressions!
Bryce and Bisbee's litter
Kristen N.
Litter update on 24 June •
Sky on the right and Rio on the left!
Bryce and Bisbee's litter
Kristen N.
Litter update on 24 June •
Bryce and Bisbee's litter
Kristen N.
Litter update on 23 June •
Here’s a video update of our pretty princess, Skylar Laine!
Bryce and Bisbee's litter
Parent dogs
All breeds
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Toy Australian Shepherd
Rowdy, dad
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Rowdy
ALL ABOARD THE CRAZY TRAIN, call name ROWDY, is 14 inches tall and 15 lbs, Black Tri with double ice blue eyes, Health test CLEAR for all genetic, heritable diseases and defects. He has a stellar personality and is not vocal. He is so kind, soft to corrections, biddable, and steady in mind. He loves to please and has very quickly picked up obedience and advanced tricks with positive reinforcement and no treats, just praise! He is an excellent family dog, he is patient with kids and happily allows friends toddlers to love on him. He is confident, loves playing with his toys and games, adventuring, car rides, especially boating and lake trips! He has correct conformation, a beautiful coat, and is a gamey dog with great prospects for showing Agility, Rally, Obedience, all adding to his Championship Conformation Showing Titles.
Bonnie, mom
Toy Australian Shepherd
About Bonnie
Bonnie) is 11 inches tall and 10 lbs, Blue Merle with 1 blue eye and 1 brown w/ blue flecked eye, CLEAR Health test. She is very calm, sweet, smart, and is never vocal unless on the rare occasion that she needs to warn us of danger. She is always at our heels and loves to be with her family. If there are snuggles or adventures to be had, Bonnie wants to be apart of them!
Wave, mom
Miniature Australian Shepherd
About Wave
Wave is a female Miniature Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kristen decided to make her part of their program. Kristen 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
Good level
QC Homestead Miniature Australian 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 Miniature Australian Shepherds.
Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
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 (rDVM, not registered)
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 Examination (rDVM, not 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.
Cardiac Evaluation (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Dentition, Standard Veterinary Blood Panel, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Temperament Test
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.
Chondrodysplasia/Dwarfism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Generalized, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8 (NCL8), Australian Shepherd Type, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 6 (NCL 6), Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Hyperuricosuria (HUU), Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC), Australian Shepherd Type, Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Cone Degeneration, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, DNA Coat/Trait Panel, Agouti DNA Test, DNA Profile, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific), Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), 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).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Kristen to bring home their puppies.
CG
Carlena G.
Verified owner · Dec. 2025
Absolutely love our new puppy! I was a little nervous to buy a puppy online you never know what’s real. Within a few hours I got a call back from Chloe who had asked the right questions and gave all the right answers that made me feel secure that these are the people I want to work with. Now the puppy, he is the most beautiful, playful, loving ball of fur! When he is not on our laps he is playing with our Chihuahua or our Pyrenees. He is very socialized and just fit in perfectly. You can tell that he was well loved and taken care of before we got him. Dr. Kristen and her daughter are amazing to work with! Thank you so much!
Monty C.
Verified owner · Sept. 2025
To say we have the most profoundly perfect puppy would be an understatement. She has brought so much joy to our lives and is the enduring light we didn’t know existed. She is the perfect calm companion during the day and an energetic bolt in the park, until she proceeds to flop on the ground and declare that fetch is done.
She has been a delight to train and ever remains a treat enthusiast. So much of this I credit to the wonderful work of Dr. Kristen and QC Homestead. We felt an abundance of support from the get go and when it was time to pick up our puppy we couldn’t have been more delighted. We were greeted by the most loving of dog breeders whose passion for the health and happiness of her animals was radiating through our puppy. The entire process was a breeze from beginning to end and we were calmed by the clarity of care and instruction given by Dr. Kristen.
The early training given by Dr. Kristen and QC Homestead was exemplary. From the moment we picked her up to the moment we got her home after a plane, a train, and car ride we didn’t hear a single whine or bark. Instead we received a bounty of kisses and were overwhelmed by affection. I cannot emphasise enough the gratitude that we felt for the work that was put in before we picked her up, it was the perfect start for her and made our lives so simple.
She has maintained the most delightful personality and loves to meet anyone willing to give her a pet. She’s inquisitive, enthusiastic, and always comes back to us if she ever needs reassurance. We could not be happier and only hope that we provide her with the same joy that she brings us.
Sue M.
Verified owner · Mar. 2024
Quarter Creek gave me a very accurate description of the personality of my puppy. She acts just like they said and it is a perfect fit with me and my household. She has been here two weeks and is already going to the door to go outside and if I keep an eye on her, there are no accidents in the house. She is beautiful and a joy!
Haley P.
Verified owner · Dec. 2025
Kristen was very transparent and eased all my worries as I tried to discern who was a scammer and who was legit. Our pup came with a joyous personality, properly documented paperwork, and already using the pee pad. I am honestly amazed at how well our pup has been taken care of and how helpful Kristen has been during the transition. Our pup is playful, happy, energetic, and loves to nap and sleep with my children. We are so thankful for Kristen and her family for taking such good care of our new baby. 10/10 recommend and I know in a few years we will be back for another. Thank you so much Kristen!
Christina W.
Verified owner · June 2025
We got our sweet toy Australian Shepherd, Dolly, from Kristen, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, Kristen was incredibly kind, responsive, and helpful. She made the entire process so easy and stress-free, and it was clear how much she genuinely cares—not just about her dogs, but about the families they go to.
She went out of her way to make sure we were completely comfortable and happy, answering all of our questions and making sure Dolly was the perfect fit for us. You can just tell she puts her heart into what she does.
Dolly has been the most amazing addition to our little family—she’s sweet, smart, and full of personality. We’re so grateful to Kristen for bringing her into our lives.