I'm Ayris C., the breeder behind Summit Australian Shepherds located in Hartford, SD. I am happy to offer bloodlines from highly respected HOF and foundation kennels. My dogs are all that the Australian Shepherd is meant to be. Versatile, smart, loving, and loyal. I am grateful for the people who created, loved, and cultivated the Australian Shepherd over decades of careful breeding and I take that responsibility very seriously.
Q. & A. with Ayris
Why did you start breeding?
I believe responsible breeding practices are the path to less dogs in shelters. A responsible breeder will provide a lifetime of support to their owners and place puppies with families and situations where they can be successful. I love this breeds versatility and everything about their temperaments. I want to continue the work done by those before me and preserve the amazing traits of the Aussie!
What makes your program special?
My dogs show amazing versatility. They are our family companions and up for whatever tasks we have for them, whether that be urban adventures, farm chores, hiking, camping and dog sports. My dogs have done it all. They each have titles in one or more dog sports and will continue their careers as long as they are loving it. This is why I love the Australian Shepherd. They are truly special.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black and blue merle. 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.
Jaya
Went home
Female
Vinson
Went home
Female
Fuji
Went home
Male
Olympus
Went home
Female
Eiger
Went home
Female
Everest
Went home
Male
Denali
Went home
Male
Rainier
Went home
Female
Nevis
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Ayris
Ayris 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 $350 non-refundable deposit and between $550 - $1,650 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price of the puppies include first vaccination, regular deworming, puppy take home bag, AKC registration, health guarantee, microchip, and puppy socialization. I offer a $100 refund for buyers who provide a certificate of completion from an accredited puppy training class before the puppy is nine months old. I also offer a $250 incentive for any owner who obtains a title for their puppy in any accredited AKC or ASCA event, excluding CGC or puppy house manners. Your deposit will hold a puppy for you. Puppies will be matched by temperament with color and gender preferences taken into account. Your deposit will be applied to the next litter if a puppy is not acceptable in the current litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Ayris 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 Ayris 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 Ayris directly.
Summit 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
Parent dogs
Soleil, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Soleil
ASCA/AKC Skyborne's A Star is Born. Call name: Soleil.
Oh my sweet Soleil. This dog continues to impress me with her athleticism. There isn't much I would change about this girl. She comes from a strong background of GCH, WTCH, and HOF kennels. People who, over generations, carefully bred for desirable qualities, excellent temperaments, and sound structure. She is incredibly versatile and has her trick dog title, points toward her obedience title, started agility training, and will begin either dock diving or SAR next spring. I have every confidence she will excel in whatever sport I choose. She is incredibly motivated to please and the easiest dog I have ever trained. One of the many fantastic things about her is her teflon coat! Dirt, mud, water, leaves all just brush right off this girl. It is amazing and super handy around the farm. She is the true velcro dog, active when we are and in my lap on the couch when we are home. I am honored to have this girl as my foundation.
Bodhi, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Bodhi
Why did we choose a Pincie Creek bred dog for our foundation?
Bodhi is from ASCA HOF kennel Pincie Creek. His color is to die for, but what really makes him special is his versatility. This dog has such a solid temperament and is loved by all who meet him. He is a low drive dog UNTIL you put livestock in front of him and then you get an intensity that is amazing to watch. He is gritty, independent and instinctual. The dogs in his pedigree not only have multiple WTCH but more importantly they work on ranches throughout the US, including his mom and dad. A relative even won ranch dog of the year.
He is just as happy working a job as he is lounging in his favorite chair and snuggling his family. Bodhi was shown by a 7 year old junior handler to earn his TKN title. He is our hiking companion, social ambassador, junior handler agility prospect, farm dog, and all around one of the best dogs I've ever had the privilege to know.
This type of temperament doesn't just happen. It was cultivated over generations and I'm proud to continue the journey with him.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Summit 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 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.
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.
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).