I'm the breeder behind Coal Creek Shepherds located in Loveland, CO. Coal Creek Shepherds is a small hobby show breeder of quality and health tested Australian & German Shepherds. We love our dogs and enjoy sharing them with happy and healthy homes. Our goal is to breed quality Shepherds that are fit for show and performance while making excellent family dogs and companions.
About Riley
Shepherds are my heart breed. I got my first one when I was 13 years old and have had one since! I love their loyalty as well as their trainability that lends itself to being a great family dog. Temperament, health, intelligence, versatility, and beauty are our main goals while maintaining the breed standard.
What makes Riley’s program special
All of our dogs are picked based on health, pedigree, conformation, and temperament. Well rounded, versatile dogs are an important goal in our program. Our puppies are born into our hands, raised and socialized in our home with our family. Our dogs are bred to the AKC and ASCA breed standards where we also compete with our dogs in conformation, agility, and other performance venues
Zeppelin (Red Collar)
Male • Ready Feb. 9
German Shepherd
Nirvana (Teal Collar)
Female • Went Home Feb. 9
German Shepherd
Hendrix (Yellow Collar)
Male • Went Home Feb. 9
German Shepherd
Jovi (Purple Collar)
Female • Went Home Feb. 9
German Shepherd
Halen (Green Collar)
Male • Went Home Feb. 9
German Shepherd
Santana (Pink Collar)
Female • Went Home Feb. 9
German Shepherd
Motley (Orange Collar)
Male • Went Home Feb. 9
German Shepherd
Lavender Girl
Female • Went Home Nov. 10, 2023
German Shepherd
Green Boy
Male • Went Home Nov. 10, 2023
German Shepherd
Pink Girl
Female • Went Home Nov. 10, 2023
German Shepherd
Blue Boy
Male • Went Home Nov. 10, 2023
German Shepherd
Karl
Male • Went Home Jan. 23, 2023
Australian Shepherd
Dunkin
Female • Went Home Jan. 23, 2023
Australian Shepherd
Dior
Female • Went Home Jan. 23, 2023
Australian Shepherd
Boy 2
Male • Went Home Jan. 23, 2023
Australian Shepherd
Murphy
Male • Went Home Jan. 23, 2023
Australian Shepherd
Grace
Female • Went Home Sept. 5, 2022
Australian Shepherd
Ben
Male • Went Home Sept. 5, 2022
Australian Shepherd
Vanya
Female • Went Home Sept. 5, 2022
Australian Shepherd
Allison
Female • Went Home Sept. 5, 2022
Australian Shepherd
Fei
Female • Went Home Sept. 5, 2022
Australian Shepherd
Klaus
Male • Went Home Sept. 5, 2022
Australian Shepherd
Lila
Female • Went Home Sept. 5, 2022
Australian Shepherd
Newborn German Shepherds from Rambo and Mazikeen
Born Dec. 2024. Ready Feb. 9
Newborn German Shepherds from Rambo and Mazikeen
Born Dec. 2024
Ready Feb. 9
Riley R.
First time with the frozen Marrow bones for crate time!
Rambo and Mazikeen's litter
Riley R.
Playing with auntie Visenya!
Rambo and Mazikeen's litter
Riley 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. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. 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.
Puppy prices range from $2,500 - $4,000 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“Price includes a non-refundable $500 deposit applied to purchase price. AKC/ASCA Registration, Age Appropriate Vaccinations & Deworming. We do not charge extra for coat color, eye color, or sex as all of the puppies in a litter are raised and cared for exactly the same. We reserve the right to refuse sale for any reason.”
Riley 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 Riley 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 Riley directly.
We raise our puppies using Puppy Culture methodologies. This includes early neurological stimulation the first 2 weeks, critical thinking exercises, exposure to multiple surfaces and noises, exposure to multiple people of different backgrounds and ages, and safe exposure to our other adult dogs. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Socialized with other animals, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Socialized in new places, Socialized with children, Car rides, Surface & tactile stimulation, Various sounds, Noise desensitized , Various Surfaces , Structures, e.g. Climbing, Early Neurological Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Socialized with Cats, Socialized with Children, Noise desensitization, Car Training , Human Interactions , Clicker Training, Crate Training, and Puppy Culture .
All puppies are docked and dewclaws removed (per the breed standard). They are dewormed at 2 and 4 weeks with pyrantel pamoate, and then fenbendazole at 6 and 8 weeks. They are given their first 5 way vaccine at 7 weeks old along. They are also vet checked prior to leaving. They come with a health guarantee.
We send our puppies home with Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Initial potty training, Puppy starter kit, Toys, Food & treats, Vet records, and Registration.
Riley offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Work with a trusted flight nanny or transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Riley started breeding
I breed for love of the Australian & German Shepherd breed, preservation by maintaining the breed standards, and a desire to share these incredible dogs with others. When we breed, we breed for ourselves first and foremost with the intention of keeping a puppy from the litter. We do not breed to simply produce puppies.
Riley is a Preferred Good Dog Breeder
Preferred Breeders are recognized for their quick replies and exceptional buyer support.
Riley has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years
Riley was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Riley’s program includes two colors
Riley’s Australian Shepherd puppies include blue merle and red merle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Coal Creek Shepherds meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
German Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
About Mazikeen
Mazikeen is a female German Shepherd over 3 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Riley decided to make her part of their program. Riley has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Great health testing
Full Embark Panel, Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +1 more
Australian Shepherd
About Siren
Siren is a female Australian Shepherd over 6 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Riley decided to make her part of their program. Riley has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Excellent health testing
Full Embark Panel, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +3 more
Australian Shepherd
About Badger
Badger is a male Australian Shepherd over 10 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Riley decided to make him part of their program. Riley has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Great health testing
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI)
Australian Shepherd
Excellent level
Coal Creek Shepherds 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.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Dentition
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Full Embark 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).
Hear what other owners say about working with Riley to bring home their puppies.
Abigail G.
Feb. 2023
Amazing! Riley was very professional and provided updates throughout the entire journey. Murphy is settling in well and we are so in love with him! I couldn't recommend her enough!
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.