Our Health Standards, Testing, and Policies

At Barn Raised, we breed Australian Shepherds with purpose: sound minds, strong structure, and the instinct to work with heart and clarity. Producing that kind of dog requires intentional breeding decisions, transparency, and a commitment to health for generations — not just for today. Our program is built around selecting dogs that are proven on stock, well-balanced in temperament, and genetically and orthopedically sound.

Embark DNA Testing

Every breeding dog in our program is genetically tested prior to being paired. We use reputable laboratories to evaluate for the most relevant inherited conditions seen in Australian Shepherds. This testing helps guide pairing decisions and ensures puppies are not born at risk for preventable genetic diseases.

Typical markers we screen for include:

MDR1 (drug sensitivity)
CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly)
PRA-prcd (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
HC (Hereditary Cataracts)
DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)
Other parentage, color, and coat genetics as needed

Genetic results don’t just tell us what not to do — they help us pair dogs intentionally, maintaining diversity, working ability, and strong health foundations in the breed.

OFA Certification

Structure matters — especially for a working dog expected to stay sound over years of movement, pressure, and quick decision-making.

Each breeding dog undergoes OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) evaluation, including:

Hips
Elbows

We do not breed dogs that fail to meet soundness standards. Strong structure isn’t about show-ring flash — it’s about a dog that can work all day, stay comfortable, and live a long, active life.

Temperament & Working Evaluations

While health testing matters, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A truly great Aussie has:

A natural ability to read livestock
Confidence without recklessness
Willingness without being soft
Heart, grit, and clarity of mind

All of our breeding dogs are worked on stock and observed in real-world environments. We select for biddability, drive that can be directed, and emotional stability — the kind of dogs you can trust with your children, your livestock, and your livelihood.

Placement Policies

While health testing matters, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A truly great Aussie has:

A natural ability to read livestock
Confidence without recklessness
Willingness without being soft
Heart, grit, and clarity of mind

Health Guarantee & Responsibility Statement

We stand behind every dog we raise. Our goal is to produce Australian Shepherds who are physically sound, mentally steady, and capable of a lifetime of partnership and purpose. We do our part through genetic screening, OFA evaluations, thoughtful pairings, and raising puppies with a strong foundation. We ask our buyers to do their part through proper nutrition, vet care, training, and safe daily management.

Our Health Guarantee

Each puppy leaves Barn Raised:

In good health and free from infectious illness
With age‐appropriate vaccinations and deworming
On a quality nutrition program and socialization foundation
Microchipped and registered to both breeder and owner
(We retain a secondary contact for lifelong safety.)

If a congenital or hereditary condition is diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian and confirmed by our vet within the first 24 months, we will:

Work with you to determine the best and most humane course of care
Offer a replacement puppy from a future litter at no additional cost
(We do not require the original dog to be returned. Their home and comfort come first.)

We do not cover injuries, accidents, or conditions caused by environmental factors such as:

Overexertion during growth
Poor nutrition
Trauma
Excessive repetitive impact activities (e.g., forced running, prolonged stairs, agility before maturity)

Working dogs must be protected while they are growing.

Lifetime Return Policy

If at any time — at any age — you cannot keep your Barn Raised Aussie, we will always take them back.
No explanations required. No judgment. No rescue, no shelter, no Craigslist.

Once a Barn Raised dog, always a Barn Raised dog.

Buyer Responsibilities

You agree to:

Provide routine veterinary care
Use age‐appropriate activity until joints are mature
Use heartworm/flea prevention responsibly
Provide safe containment, mental engagement, and companionship
Contact us if behavioral or training challenges arise (early is always better)

We are here to support you — and we want to help.

Working vs. Companion Homes

Some of our puppies are naturally higher-drive, sharper thinkers, or more assertive on stock. Others are softer, steadier, or more companion-oriented.

We will always guide placements based on: