I'm Janis K., the breeder behind Quixotic Shepherds located in Tyngsboro, MA. My goal is to produce dogs with sweet "bombproof" temperaments that can roll with whatever life throws their way, and robust health that will give them the quality-of-life and longevity you want for your best friend. We want our babies to be your well-loved and unforgettable family members.
Q. & A. with Janis
Why did you start breeding?
After being a companion, foster, and performance home for Aussies for 24 years, I feel like I finally am comfortable enough with my knowledge of training, troubleshooting, health and genetics, placements, helping others with their puppies/training/homing/rescues/rehab that I could help improve the breed, their progeny will do well, and I can make sure my puppies are placed well.
What makes your program special?
While "nobody wants an ugly dog," I never got into these breeds because I wanted a show-dog. I wanted a friend, first and foremost - and that's what I want to provide. Not a family hamster to leave in the yard, not a barbie-doll, but a true companion who will be with you for all life's journeys, (hopefully) never give you cause for any concern, and will live a long and complete life.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Janis
Janis 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 $600 - $1,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“All of our puppies are temperament tested and placed in the homes best suited for them. Final cost may vary to include training, microchipping, travel, or other additional services or arrangements. When puppies are whelped and on the ground, I will start taking deposits for the number of available puppies from the background-checked applicants on a first-serve basis.”
Contract & health guarantee
Janis 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 Janis 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 Janis directly.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Janis.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Tyngsboro, MA
404 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Boston Logan Airport
409 miles away
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More about Janis
Club memberships
Janis is a member of American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), The English Shepherd Club (ESC), Canine Performance Events (CPE), Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), and United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA).
Certifications & recognitions
American Kennel Club Canine College, Whelping and Medical Intervention Course Completed (AKC), ASHGI – 10-Steps to a Healthier Australian Shepherd Breed, Breeding Basics Course Completed (AKC), ABC's of Canine Anatomy Course Completed (AKC), ABC's of Dog Breeding, Genetics Course Pt 1 & 2 Completed (AKC), ABC's of Dog Breeding, Pedigree Course (AKC).
Janis has been a member of Good Dog for almost 6 years
Janis was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Quixotic 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
Sage, mom
English Shepherd
About Sage
Sage is a spunky yet sweet and affectionate puppy, and making an amazing service-dog (in-training). She's also great at rally and obedience, loves "nose work" class, and will next work on her CGC. She's still a puppy yet, so won't be dating until she's old enough and "passed all her exams." In the meantime, she is living up to all my expectations of being a versatile companion who (even though is a puppy) is capable of being serious when she's working with a great "off-switch."
Uploaded health tests
Full Embark Panel, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), +2 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Quixotic 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 English 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.
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.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
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.
Full Embark Panel, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific)
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).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.