I'm Kalista E., the breeder behind Tranquil Pines located in Cadillac, MI. We strive to produce healthy and versatile Australian Shepherds—whether that be for sport, working, service or therapy work, or just a beloved companion. Puppies go home with all health records (puppy vaccines, worming, docking, etc.), health guarantee, limited registration, and microchipped.
Q. & A. with Kalista
Why did you start breeding?
It really all started with an animal game online when I was really young—a fascination with this breed I had never seen before. At age 15 I had actually come upon the opportunity to own an Aussie and it was something I immediately knew I wanted to pursue. The brilliance, dedication and absolute drive to do whatever they wanted to have me just as absolutely captured as when I first was introduced.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black, red merle, blue merle, and red. 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.
Smitten
Went home
Male
Melrose
Went home
Male
Ambrosia
Went home
Female
Beacon
Went home
Male
Crisp
Went home
Male
Wyken
Went home
Male
Delicious
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Kalista
Kalista 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 $250 non-refundable deposit and between $1,150 - $1,350 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes Health Guarantees, AKC Registration, Neccessary health clearances, Going home packet, Vaccinations and worming etc. All deposits are the same at $250 once number of puppies is confirmed at birth
Puppies are placed first on personality to homes, then gender and color preference.”
Contract & health guarantee
Kalista 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 Kalista 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 Kalista directly.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Kalista.
Puppy pick-up locations
Meet in Cadillac, MI
Meet at Traverse City Airport airport
Meet at Cadillac Airport airport
Meet at Grand Rapids Airport airport
More about Kalista
Club memberships
Kalista is a member of AKC.
Kalista has been a member of Good Dog for over 5 years
Kalista was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Kalista is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Tranquil Pines 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
Kaia, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Kaia
Kaia is a female Australian Shepherd over 7 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kalista decided to make her part of their program. Kalista 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.
Tranquil Pines 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.
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.