I'm Katie M., the breeder behind Vast Roots Ranch located in Sprague River, OR. We strive to produce high-quality, healthy puppies with a focus on exceptional working ability and temperaments. Our dogs are excellent working dogs, and we are proud to continue their line. We breed both to provide families with loving and capable companions and to improve upon our dogs' fantastic traits with each generation. Being able to fit into many situations and families and farms.
Q. & A. with Katie
Why did you start breeding?
Working with and having dogs my whole life, it wasn't until I had such an amazing crew and saw the potential of sharing that with farms around me. It grew from there. While I like to stay small scale because of dogs are or family, I've had such incredible reactions and responses from people that we keep it up. Maintaining the dogs natural instincts and abilities are top priority. There is something so special about seeing dogs that are happy and know that they serve their specific purpose and are doing what they were meant to do. Whether that be the guardian dogs watching over their flock, or a shepherd mix watching their kids play in the yard and snuggling close at night.
What makes your program special?
I believe our breeding program is special because our dogs are part of our family and farm. They are integral in keeping our livestock and property safe and secure but serve as amazing, loving companions in between. We put so much love into every part of our farm and it shows in the special little pieces that go out into the world to work on somone else's farm or be a part of someone else's family. Basic "manners" training is incorporated so they have a base foundation to learn and grow from. The adult dogs that work and live alongside as the pups grow show them their place in the world and what may be expected of them.
What are the different breed sizes in your program?
Our puppies are large size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies have smooth coats. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are black and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Katie
Katie 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 deposit and between $300 - $2,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“All puppies receive shots and are wormed. Working mixes (akbash/ maremma) and small farm/ family mixes (akbash/ German shepherd) range from $600-$800. Registered maremma pups are $2,000 / $2,500 without/with registration through the MSCA (Maremma Sheepdog Club of America). Non refundable but may be transferred between litters with limitations.”
Contract & health guarantee
Katie 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 Katie 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 Katie directly.
Vast Roots Ranch 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
All breeds
Maremma Sheepdog
German Shepherd
Akbash
Mayla, mom
Maremma Sheepdog
About Mayla
Mayla is a female Maremma Sheepdog. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Katie decided to make her part of their program. Katie 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.
Quinn, mom
German Shepherd
About Quinn
Quinn is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Katie decided to make her part of their program. Katie 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.
Sitka, dad
Akbash
About Sitka
Sitka is a male Akbash. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Katie decided to make him part of their program. Katie 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
Vast Roots Ranch 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 Working Dog Crosses.
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.