To start the process, we ask that you complete a puppy application. This form helps us understand your lifestyle, preferences, and what you’re looking for in a puppy. By doing this, we can better match you with an Australian Shepherd or Mini Australian Shepherd puppy that will fit perfectly into your family.

At Copper Sky Kennel, our Australian Shepherd puppies and Mini Australian Shepherd puppies (also known as Miniature American Shepherds) are typically priced between $2000 and $2500. On rare occasions, you might find a puppy priced slightly lower, depending on various factors such as markings and other characteristics., age, etc.

Yes, if you choose to pick up your puppy in person at Copper Sky, you will need to pay the applicable sales tax based on the current rate in Virginia (about 6%). This is because puppies are considered goods, and sales tax is required for in-person transactions.

Our prices are non-negotiable. At Copper Sky, we invest significant time, effort, and financial resources into the health, training, and care of our Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds. The price reflects that commitment to quality and care, and we do not engage in price reductions. On occasion a puppy may be priced a little lower for various reasons. They are a case by case basis and can be discussed when need be.

While we can provide an estimate of when a litter might be available, we cannot guarantee a specific delivery date due to the natural unpredictability of breeding cycles. If you're planning ahead, joining our waitlist is the best way to ensure you have first choice from our upcoming litters. We recommend getting in touch early to secure your spot!

Our waitlist offers the opportunity to choose a puppy from our litters before they are made available to the general public. To secure a spot, we require a non-refundable deposit of $200. After our evaluations around 6-8 weeks of age, we will contact you with the available puppies that match your preferences. If you decide not to choose from the current litter, you can wait for the next one—up to three times. (on occasion puppies will be available within a week of being born).

While we understand the desire for a specific color or gender, please note that we cannot guarantee these preferences, as they are ultimately determined by nature. At Copper Sky, we focus on matching puppies with the right families based on lifestyle and energy levels. In some cases, we may suggest a puppy that we feel is a better fit for you, regardless of its color or gender. Our goal is to ensure that your puppy is a good match for both your family and the dog, not just based on physical traits. We have been breeding these dogs for many years, and while some puppies can have the "one off" in personality, we are pretty good at knowing our lines and what they will produce personality and energy level wise.

We understand that travel plans come up, but puppies must be picked up within 7 days of their release date, unless prior arrangements have been made. If you need to hold your puppy longer, there will be a boarding fee of $30 per day, and this must be paid upfront. Please note that holding a puppy is not guaranteed and depends on availability, so we kindly ask that you only reserve a puppy if you're committed to picking it up on time.

Breeding rights are considered on a case-by-case basis. Our priority is the health and well-being of our dogs, and we only allow responsible breeding by individuals who share our commitment to continuous learning and improving the breed. If you are interested in breeding rights, please add that information when submitting an application. We also have specific health testing requirements for any dog that will be used in a breeding program.

At Copper Sky, we accept payments via Zelle, or bank Venmo. If you’re picking up your puppy in person, we do accept cash as well.

Our primary focus at Copper Sky is breeding Australian Shepherds and Miniature Australian Shepherds to be loving, well-adjusted companions for your home. While we cannot guarantee a dog’s suitability as a service dog or emotional support animal (ESA), our puppies are confident, outgoing, and ready to bond with their families. How you train and develop your dog after bringing them home is your choice, and we trust that you’ll provide the care and guidance necessary for your dog to excel in any role. If you have a specific service dog need, we can discuss options. Good temperament and disposition are very important to us because many pups have gone to homes where they must provide a "service". We have pups in search and rescue, seizure detection, autism support, allergy/gluten detection, MS support, diabetes/blood sugar detection, and PTSD support, as well as many in homes with active licensed therapists/psychologists.

On occasion we have the ability to watch your dog/puppy while you are away. If you do not have another option (family or doggy boarding) we can "puppysit". Price is $30 a day and must bring their crate. Availability to watch them is on a case by case basis.

As you search for an Australian Shepherd (Aussie), Miniature Australian Shepherd (Mini Aussie), or Miniature American Shepherd (Mini American), you might notice these names are often used interchangeably. This can lead to some confusion about how they compare and what sets them apart. Despite the different names, these breeds share a common background, including many of the same dogs farther back in their pedigrees. The variations in naming stem from differences in kennel club classifications and registration practices. Unless you plan to breed or compete in specific kennel club events, these registration distinctions may not play a major role in your decision. Instead, it's more important to focus on key aspects like health testing, proper socialization, and ongoing breeder support when choosing your new companion. If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out, we are MORE than happy to help!

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD: Registering organizations include the American Kennel Club AKC, Australian Shepherd Club of America ASCA, and American Stock Dog Registry ASDR. Size can vary, however preferred size is 18-24 inches, and this translates to approximately 40-65 lbs. AKC and ASCA frown on the use of the term "Standard." MINI AMERICAN: The main registering organization is the American Kennel Club or AKC. The standard for size is 13-17 inches for females and 14-18 inches for males. While dogs outside those ranges cannot be shown, dogs outside those ranges are a part of the breed and utilized to maintain genetic diversity. Can be dual registered with the American Stock Dog Registry ASDR as Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussie or Toy Aussie. MINI AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD: Also affectionately known as the Mini Aussie. The main registering organization is the American Stock Dog Registry ASDR. Can be dual registered as a Miniature American Shepherd with the American Kennel Club AKC. Size is 14-18 inches from floor to the top of the shoulder. Weight is generally 17-40 lbs.

🐾 Blue Merle – Speckled like a watercolor painting 🎨 (the black and white blend looks like a "blue" color, hence why it is called that). 🐾 Red Merle – A swirl of cinnamon and sugar 🍂 (This color really does look exactly how you would think). 🐾 Black Tri – Classic, sleek, and stunning 🖤(These ones are a solid black with copper points and white on the face, legs, neck, chest, etc. This is my personal favorite, it tends to others least, but I would have 100 black tris if I could). 🐾 Red Tri – Warm and bold like autumn leaves 🍁(These ones are the same as the black tri, except in red. they will also have the copper/tan points and white. There are different variations of these, some tend to have more white than others, some tend to have more dark than others, and the tan points can be anything from a light tan to a deep deep copper penny color.

In today’s world of online shopping and instant decisions, picking out a puppy has started to feel more like ordering a product than forming a lifelong bond. For thousands of years, humans and dogs have built relationships based on connection, trust, and companionship. But now, with just a few clicks, people scroll through endless photos of Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds, drawn in by flashy colors and striking patterns. The problem is, photos don’t tell the whole story. A picture can’t capture a puppy’s personality, its quirks, or the way it interacts with people. It’s easy to get caught up in appearances, but choosing a dog should be about more than just aesthetics. Since I can’t always have families visit in person, I rely on how the puppies interact with my family, my kids, and visitors to get a sense of their personalities. What’s interesting is that the puppy who stands out the most isn’t always the flashy merle that everyone initially wants. Time and time again, I’ve seen families and kids gravitate toward the “plain” puppy—the one that might not catch your eye in a lineup of photos but has something special when you meet them in person. I wish I could fully capture that feeling in pictures or words, but I know I never quite can. Choosing a dog isn’t like picking out a new gadget—it’s about finding a companion whose personality fits your life. That’s why I always encourage people to look beyond color and markings. A great dog isn’t defined by how flashy it looks but by its heart, its loyalty, and the bond it builds with its family. So, if you’re searching for a puppy, take a moment to look past the obvious choices. Ask about temperament, think about what kind of personality will fit your home, and be open to the unexpected. Because sometimes, the best dogs are the ones you didn’t even realize you were looking for.