Big Zen Aussies

Marissa K.

Certified Breeder of Australian Shepherds

  • Richmond, TX
  • Responds within a few hours

Meet the breeder

I'm the breeder behind Big Zen Aussies located in Richmond, TX. We are a small, ethical breeder focused on raising healthy, well-socialized puppies in a loving home environment. Our dogs are health-tested, family-raised, and matched with homes! We prioritize quality over quantity and believe every puppy deserves the best start in life.

Q. & A. with Marissa

  • Why did you start breeding?

    As a dog groomer, I’ve spent years working with breeders and gaining insight into the breeding world, My love for dogs, especially Aussies, inspired me to take the next step & become a breeder. After witnessing the difference between responsible breeding & backyard breeding, I knew I wanted to focus on quality, raising well-loved, healthy puppies that are set up for success in their future homes.
  • What makes your program special?

    All of my puppies are raised in my home with hands-on care and attention. They’re health-tested and socialized with people, kids, other dogs, and everyday sounds to ensure well-rounded temperaments. I focus on quality and take pride in raising confident, healthy pups ready for their forever homes. I also match the temperament of the pup to the lifestyle of the family.
  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Marissa

Marissa 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 range from $1,000 - $1,800 and include a non-refundable deposit of $400. Marissa offers Klarna for payment flexibility. Learn more

“Your puppy will come with: -First sets of shots and worming -Microchipped -Health tested parents -Tail docking -Health guarantee -Puppy contract.”

Contract & health guarantee

Marissa 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 Marissa 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 Marissa directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Microchip
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Initial potty training
      • Toys
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Food & treats
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

You can fly or drive to pick up your puppy from Marissa.

  • Meet in Richmond, TX

    5260 miles away · Marissa's location


Puppy transport options

Marissa offers options to safely drop-off your new puppy.

More about Marissa

  • Marissa has been a member of Good Dog for almost 2 years

    Marissa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.

  • Marissa’s links

Marissa is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Big Zen Aussies 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

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Good level

Big Zen Aussies 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 Australian Shepherds.

  • DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1)

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Marissa to bring home their puppies.

  • Maria G.

    Verified owner · Aug. 2025

    The experience with Big Zen Aussies has been amazing every step of the way! I’ve gotten 2 pups from them from different litters and cannot recommend them enough! Marissa is super informative and will answer all of your questions in a timely matter. Loved working with them and will definitely recommend to whoever is looking for an Aussie!

    LW

    Lee W.

    Verified owner · June 2025

    It went well.

  • Monique W.

    Verified owner · Aug. 2025

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marissa has been amazing from start to finish! She was so easy to communicate with and always happy to answer my questions and coordinate a seamless pickup. You can truly tell how much love and care she puts into her puppies — they’re healthy, happy, and so well socialized. Our sweet girl came to us confident and loved, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Marissa and Big Zen Aussies for giving her such a great start in life.

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.