My Breeding Journey: From Chaos to Calling

When people ask how I got started breeding, I always laugh — because honestly, it wasn’t graceful. Years ago, I dove head-first into the world of dog breeding on a very big scale. I bought an entire kennel full of dogs with nothing but love in my heart and absolutely no idea what I was doing. I just knew I loved dogs.

Merle Toy Poodle

As long as I can remember, I was the kid dragging home dogs — okay, okay, turtles too — and my mom would swear, “We are not keeping it!” But eventually, she’d cave (some of the time). That love for animals wasn’t random. I grew up watching my grandmother breed Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. Her passion for dogs rubbed off on me, and over time, it even grew on my mom.

The First Chapter: Learning the Hard Way

Life eventually threw changes my way, and I decided to sell everything and walk away from large-scale breeding. The reality was that it no longer honored my true passion — my love for dogs. I went back to college (again), earned my second degree, and started a new career helping troubled juveniles. That work quickly became another passion of mine. But my love for dogs never went away.

In 2017, I decided to start again — this time on a very small scale. Maybe it was my way of justifying to everyone why I always had a herd of dogs, but truthfully, dogs are part of who I am. And let’s be honest — a herd of dogs isn’t cheap, at least not if you’re raising them right.

Falling in Love With Aussies and Poodles

Part of that herd included a Mini Aussie we bought from a farm for $100. My entire family fell in love with her. Naturally, I wanted to continue that love story, so I bought my first Mini American Shepherd (Mini Aussie) with the goal of breeding Aussiedoodles for sale. When she was about six months old, I brought home my first Mini Poodle boy — the perfect partner for her someday. But this time, I wanted to do everything the right way.

Discovering Responsible Breeding and Health Testing

The breeding world had completely changed. Back when I bred before, no one talked about health testing. You bred based on color or build and hoped for the best. But now, there was DNA testing, genetic health screening, and an entire science behind breeding responsibly.

At first, I felt lost in this new world of genetics and data. Each breed had its own unique risks and testing needs. Coming from an old-school background — where my vet taught me to do everything from collections to artificial insemination — this was a new kind of learning curve.

Then, right before my Mini Aussie turned a year old, I noticed her knees popping in and out. My instincts told me what it was: luxating patellas. The vet confirmed it. It wasn’t severe, but it meant she couldn’t be used for breeding. Still, we couldn’t let her go. She was family. I reached out to her breeder to let them know, and their response shocked me:

“Lots of little dogs have luxating patellas. I don’t see the big deal.”

That was my wake-up call. Not everyone in this world breeds with heart, honesty, or respect for the animals. And that’s exactly why choosing the right breeder is so important.

Hard Lessons and Honest Reflections

Even after that, I made more mistakes. I put deposits down with another breeder for two females — and got scammed. Once again, I was left with my perfect little Mini Poodle boy. At that point, I thought maybe I’d just offer Mini Poodle stud services instead of raising litters myself. I even bought another Mini Poodle male to expand my lines — only to find out his testicles never descended, despite two vets swearing they would.

But he turned out to be one of the coolest poodles I’ve ever met. My family fell in love, and we couldn’t imagine letting him go. He was fixed, and he is living his best life. (If enough of you comment, maybe I’ll share Remy’s story one day — because it’s a good one!)

Finding Purpose Through Setbacks

Once again, I found myself questioning why I was doing this. Despite Remi’s own breeding story being less than ideal, we came to an agreement that the breeder would send me a female to have my own litter with the perfect boy I already had — and that’s how Opal came into my life. While Opal was with me, I watched her flourish. I knew deep down that she was meant to stay. (Are you noticing a trend here? They come here…and never leave.)

Since then, I’ve added another Poodle female and male, and after years of rebuilding, I’m finally preparing for my very first Mini Aussiedoodle litter.

Where I Am Now

Some of my Mini Poodles and Toy Poodles are still completing their health testing before they can be considered for breeding. But instead of feeling defeated, I’ve learned to follow what calls to me. I don’t know exactly what the future holds for my breeding program, but I do know this: my dogs make my heart smile. They’re my purpose, my joy, and the reason I do what I do.

I breed companion dogs that are as healthy, happy, and well-loved as possible — because everyone deserves to feel the happiness that my herd gives me every single day. The money I make goes straight back into my dogs: their care, their health, their training, and their lives. And yes, that means my puppies aren’t cheap — but neither is doing things the right way.

At the end of the day, this journey isn’t about profit. It’s about passion, purpose, and preserving that love for dogs that’s been passed down through generations — from my grandmother, to my mother, and now to me.

Looking for Aussiedoodles for Sale?

If you’re looking for Aussiedoodles for sale, Mini Aussiedoodles, Mini Poodles, or Toy Poodles, you’re in the right place. Each puppy is raised with love, health, and heart — because that’s the only way I know how to do it.

👉 View Available Puppies

👉 Learn About Our Breeding Program

The Journey Continues

As I reflect on my journey, I realize how much I’ve grown. Breeding isn’t just about producing puppies; it’s about creating bonds, nurturing lives, and ensuring each puppy finds a loving home. I often think about the families that will welcome these little furballs into their lives. It warms my heart to know that I play a part in that joy.

Every day, I learn something new. Whether it's about genetics, training techniques, or simply how to better care for my dogs, I embrace it all. I’ve met incredible people along the way, from fellow breeders to puppy parents. Each interaction has enriched my experience and deepened my commitment to responsible breeding.

The Importance of Socialization

One of the key aspects of raising puppies is socialization. I believe that well-socialized puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted adults. I spend countless hours exposing my puppies to different environments, sounds, and people. This helps them adapt to their new homes and thrive in their new families.

I often joke that my house resembles a mini zoo. With all the barking, playing, and occasional mischief, it’s a lively place! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Each puppy brings its own personality, and watching them interact is pure joy.

Health and Wellness: A Top Priority

Health is paramount in my breeding program. I ensure that all my dogs undergo thorough health testing. This not only helps me make informed breeding decisions but also ensures that the puppies I produce are as healthy as possible. I’m committed to transparency, and I encourage prospective puppy parents to ask questions about health testing and lineage.

I often share my experiences with health issues, not to scare anyone but to highlight the importance of responsible breeding. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s one I’m passionate about.

Creating Lifelong Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of breeding is the connections I make with puppy parents. I love hearing updates and seeing photos of my puppies as they grow. It’s heartwarming to know that they’re bringing joy to their new families. I often say that once you bring home a puppy from me, you’re part of the family. I’m always here to offer support, advice, or just to chat about our shared love for dogs.

Final Thoughts

As I look to the future, I’m excited about what’s to come. My breeding program continues to evolve, and I’m committed to ensuring that every puppy is raised with love and care. I hope to inspire others to embrace responsible breeding practices and to cherish the bond we share with our furry friends.

So, if you’re considering adding a furry companion to your family, remember that it’s not just about finding a puppy. It’s about finding a connection, a bond that will last a lifetime. I’m here to help you on that journey, and I can’t wait to see the joy that a puppy from my program will bring to your home.

Let’s embark on this adventure together!