I'm Heather N., the breeder behind Rockiń N Kennel located in Mason, IL. Hi, I'm Heather Nelson
I'm the breeder behind Rockin N located in Mason, IL. We focus on temperament, health, obedience, structure and color. Throughout the time the puppies are with us, we ensure each one is socialized, healthy, and prepared to excel in their forever home. Wetreareach puppies like they are never leaving us. They are raised around all sizes of dogs and very well-socialized around humans of all sizes. We love our dogs!
Q. & A. with Heather
Why did you start breeding?
I started breeding after discovering how much joy I found in caring for dogs and watching them grow. What began as a small family passion became my true calling. I love raising healthy, social puppies and helping them find loving homes. Being part of each puppy’s journey brings me happiness daily, and I’m grateful for every moment spent raising them with love and care here every day with joy daily
What makes your program special?
My husband Josh and our boys help care for, train, and socialize every puppy. Our home is lively, with plenty of snuggles from family and friends. We work hard to raise healthy, well-loved pups ready for family life. At Rockin’ N Kennel, we’re proud to be a trusted breeder in Mason, IL, raising friendly, happy dogs with room to run and thrive.
What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Aussiedoodle puppies include mini and standard sizes. Shihpoo puppies are mini size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our Australian Shepherd puppies include black, red merle, blue merle, red, sable, dilute red, and dilute blue. Aussiedoodle puppies include blue merle, red merle, black phantom, black and white, black tri-color, red phantom, and red tri-color. Shih Tzu puppies include black, red, red and white, and black gold and silver. Shihpoo puppies include merle, blue and white, brindle, black white and silver, black gold and silver, black and white, and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Mercedes
Reserved
Female
Turkey - Mini Shihpoo
Went home
Male
Nutmeg
Went home
Female
Autumn
Went home
Female
Harvest - Mini Shihpoo
Went home
Male
Rusty now TONKA
Went home
Male
Nine
Reserved
Female
Ace
Reserved
Male
Queen
Reserved
Female
Ten
Reserved
Male
Seven
Reserved
Female
Eight
Reserved
Female
King
Reserved
Male
Jack
Reserved
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 5
Went home
Female
Boy 6
Went home
Male
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Ivy
Went home
Female
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Heather
Heather 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 $1,000 - $2,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes health guarantee, AKC registration if applicable, first round of vaccinations, deworming and puppy socialization. All of our puppies require a deposit to hold and that amount will come off the purchase price or the pupz.”
Contract & health guarantee
Heather 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 Heather 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 Heather directly.
Rockiń N Kennel 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
Heather N.
Program update on 05 Nov. •
Our mini Shihpoo puppies are now 6.5 weeks old and thriving! They’re nearly fully potty box trained and growing into adorable little bundles of fluff. Each one is playful, curious, and full of personality — it’s such a fun stage to watch them develop!
…
Heather N.
Program update on 17 Feb. •
Mini Shihpoos
Heather N.
Program update on 17 Feb. •
Parent dogs
All breeds
Poodle
Weimaraner
Shih Tzu
Australian Shepherd
Aussiedoodle
Rock, dad
Poodle
About Rock
Rock is a male Poodle. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Heather decided to make him part of their program. Heather 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.
Hazel, mom
Weimaraner
About Hazel
🌊 Meet Hazel! 💕
Hazel is our beautiful Weimaraner girl with a heart as big as her love for adventure! She’s full of life, always ready to go wherever we go — whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, meeting new people, or heading out on a weekend getaway.
Every Friday, Hazel knows exactly what’s coming — lake time! As soon as Mom gets home from work, Hazel’s excitement kicks in. Her tail starts wagging, her ears perk up, and she can’t wait to jump in the car for the trip to the lake house.
At the lake, she’s in her element — soaking up the sun, enjoying boat rides, splashing in the water, and watching everything around her with those curious, expressive eyes. Whether she’s exploring the shoreline, relaxing on the dock, or riding up front on the boat like a pro, Hazel is happiest when she’s with her people.
Friendly, loyal, and full of personality, Hazel truly makes every day brighter. She’s not just a lake dog — she’s a best friend, adventure buddy, and loyal companion who loves life to the fullest. 💦🐾
Serenity, mom
Shih Tzu
About Serenity
This is the beautiful mama of the pups, an 18-pound mini Shih Tzu with a soft, plush coat and a sweet, gentle expression. Her fur is a rich mix of chocolate brown and white, with perfectly groomed layers that highlight her round face and big, soulful eyes.
She has that classic Shih Tzu charm—a slightly rounded muzzle framed by silky fur, and a look that radiates warmth, affection, and a touch of sass. Her compact build and well-kept coat give her a polished, elegant appearance, while her eyes show off the loving and calm temperament the breed is known for.
Altogether, she’s the picture of a devoted and nurturing mama—calm, affectionate, and irresistibly adorable.
Scout, dad
Poodle
About Scout
This is Scout, the mini poodle dad of the puppies. He’s a handsome little dog with a merle coat—a stunning mix of gray, black, and tan shades that gives him a marbled look. His fur appears soft and curly, typical of a poodle’s texture. Scout has alert, expressive dark eyes and a sweet, intelligent expression that reflects his gentle and attentive nature.
Sage, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Sage
Sage is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heather decided to make her part of their program. Heather 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.
Checy, mom
Aussiedoodle
About Checy
Checy is a female Aussiedoodle. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heather decided to make her part of their program. Heather 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.
Cadi, mom
Poodle
About Cadi
Cadi is a female Poodle. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heather decided to make her part of their program. Heather 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.
Heidi, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Heidi
Heidi is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heather decided to make her part of their program. Heather 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.
Mercedes, mom
Poodle
About Mercedes
Cream Poodle
May, mom
Australian Shepherd
About May
May is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heather decided to make her part of their program. Heather 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.
Oaklee, mom
Aussiedoodle
About Oaklee
Oaklee is a female Aussiedoodle. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Heather decided to make her part of their program. Heather 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
Aussiedoodle
Australian Shepherd
Shihpoo
Shih Tzu
Rockiń N Kennel 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 Aussiedoodles.
Full Embark 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).