Side Tongue Shepherds
Meet the breeder
I'm Dara D., the breeder behind Side Tongue Shepherds located in Poway, CA. We raise quality Australian Shepherds for families and individuals. We focus on genetics, temperament, companionship, and love. We devote our time, energy, and efforts to each litter to ensure our puppies are properly socialized from the moment they are born and prepared to excel in their forever homes.
Q. & A. with Dara
Why did you start breeding?
We wanted to put our passion for Australian Shepherds to good use. Breeding healthy, happy puppies is our way to give back to the breed and the families who love them. We want nothing more than to see each of our dogs and puppies shine. It's an amazing feeling knowing that we made a positive contribution to these dogs and the families who love them!What makes your program special?
We focus on breeding dogs that have enough drive to keep up with our lifestyle, but also have amazing temperaments and can quickly adapt to a calm family setting. Our commitment is to provide you with a professional and friendly puppy-buying experience. It would be our pleasure to introduce you to your next Australian Shepherd puppy!Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Oogie Boogie
Went homeMale
Lock
Went homeMale
Shock
Went homeMale
Jewel
Went homeFemale
Barrel
Went homeMale
Zero
Went homeFemale
Sally
Went homeFemale
Emily
Went homeFemale
Thackery
Went homeMale
Max
Went homeMale
Dani
Went homeFemale
Winnefred
Went homeFemale
Billy
Went homeMale
Binx
Went homeMale
Asha
Went homeFemale
Roxie
Went homeFemale
Getting a puppy from Dara
Dara has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
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
“This price includes AKC registration, deworming, 1st and 2nd round of vaccinations, 1 month insurance through Trupanion, 1 month insurance through AKC and puppy packs! All puppies are the same price regardless of coat color or gender and are sold on a limited registration only. Pups are 2,000 with a 300 deposit towards your final sale. Full Rights +500.”
Contract & health guarantee
Dara 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 Dara 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 Dara directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
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 Dara.
Breeder's location
Meet in Poway, CA
2231 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at John F. Kennedy Airport (was New York Airport)
225 miles away
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More about Dara
Dara has been a member of Good Dog for almost 5 years
Dara was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Dara is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Side Tongue 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
Apollo, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Apollo
Apollo has this way about him that he always seems to be in deep thought. He’s the only dog I have seen that will look up at the stars or the rain and actually look like he’s contemplating some deep unspoken universal secret. I’m always asking him “what yah thinking about?” And he always gives me this same knowing look, but he’ll never tell lol.
Roxie, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Roxie
Roxie is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Dara decided to make her part of their program. Dara 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.
Sadie, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Sadie
Sadie is the foundation of our program and why I got involved with Australian Shepherds. This happy go lucky girl has won the hearts of everyone she meets, humans and fur friends alike.
Parent health testing
Great level
Side Tongue 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 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.
Animal Genetics 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).
