Question 1

How do I apply for an Australian Shepherd puppy or Mini American puppy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How does your waitlist work?

Accepted Answer

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 puppies are born, we will contact you with available puppies that match your preferences. Another deposit of $300 will be due at that that time to hold a specific puppy.

All deposits go towards the balance of the puppy.

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).

(Please note, on occasion we will hold a few puppies for evaluations to keep back for our program. That usually happens around around 6-8 weeks of age).

Question 3

Do you allow in-person meet-and-greets with the puppies?

Accepted Answer

We know how exciting it is to meet your future puppy, and we’re committed to helping you feel confident and connected throughout the process. For the health, safety, and well-being of our puppies and family, we do not offer in-person meet-and-greets prior to purchase.
Here’s why:
Health & Safety: Young puppies are vulnerable to illness before their vaccinations are complete. Limiting outside exposure helps keep them safe.
Minimizing Stress: Visits from unfamiliar people can overwhelm young puppies and disrupt their routines, which are carefully managed to support healthy development.
Security & Privacy: We protect our home and family by limiting access to our property.
Efficient and Focused Matching: We take the time to match each family with the right puppy, based on temperament and personality, which can not always be seen by a few minutes. We take great care and assessment in making sure personalities fit each family, not just appearance.

✨ Virtual Meet-and-Greets Available
 While we don’t allow in-person visits, we’re happy to schedule a virtual meet-and-greet so you can see your puppy in real time, ask questions, and get to know us and our program better.
We also provide regular photos, videos, and updates so you can watch your puppy grow and feel connected every step of the way.

Thank you for understanding and trusting us with this special journey!

Question 4

Can you explain to me the size difference in the Aussie and Mini American & Mini Aussie?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

I am not really sure about the colors, can you tell me more about them?

Accepted Answer

🐾 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.

Question 6

Why do you say "A Good Dog Is Never A Bad Color"?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

I have something the day puppies are ready to go, can you hold my puppy until I return?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Do you sell service dog prospects or ESA prospects?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

We are going on a family vacation and are not sure if we have someone to watch our dog/puppy, is that something you are willing to do?

Accepted Answer

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.

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