I'm the breeder behind Excelsior Shetland Sheepdogs located in Schaghticoke, NY. We love to responsibly raise and train our puppies so they have the tools to be well-rounded, beloved family members. We give our dogs the best lives possible. We are looking for families and individuals who will provide our puppies with the same level of love and care.
About Marissa
Hi! I’m a professional groomer who has been involved in the dog world for over 20 years. I have a background in training as well as competing in conformation dog shows.
What makes Marissa’s program special
Heavy emphasis on early socialization and training. Pups are started on grooming routines, introduced to crate training and leash training prior to leaving the house
Rizz
Male • Ready Feb. 24
Shetland Sheepdog
Asha
Female • Went Home Aug. 24, 2024
Shetland Sheepdog
Olaf
Male • Went Home Aug. 24, 2024
Shetland Sheepdog
Mushu
Male • Went Home Aug. 24, 2024
Shetland Sheepdog
Pan
Male • Went Home Aug. 24, 2024
Shetland Sheepdog
Charming
Male • Went Home Aug. 24, 2024
Shetland Sheepdog
Kaya- Girl
Female • Went Home Dec. 30, 2023
Shetland Sheepdog
Newborn Shetland Sheepdogs from Sir and Katniss
Born Dec. 2024. Ready Feb. 24
Expected Shetland Sheepdogs from Sir and Kitty
Due Apr. 2025. Ready June 13
Newborn Shetland Sheepdogs from Sir and Katniss
Born Dec. 2024
Ready Feb. 24
Expected Shetland Sheepdogs from Sir and Kitty
Due Apr. 2025
Ready June 13
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. 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 $3,000 - $3,500.
“This price includes AKC registration, our healthy pup guarantee, lifetime support for puppy and free intro grooming sessions for puppies who remain local.”
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.
Regular interaction with children, cats and other dogs. Handling with use of Puppy Culture. Crate training and leash training is introduced. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Socialized with other animals, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Scent introduction, Socialized in new places, Socialized with children, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Various sounds, Socialized with Elderly, Socialized with Chickens, Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Socialized with Cats, Socialized with Children, Basic manners, Noise desensitization, "No" Biting or Chewing, Crate Training, Leash Walking, and Potty Training.
Puppies receive first vaccines and deworming prior to leaving.
We send our puppies home with Vet records, Puppy starter kit, Initial potty training, Toys, Food & treats, Basic obedience & manners, and Registration.
Marissa 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 to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Marissa started breeding
With over twenty years in showing dogs, I have finally found the right breed and set of dogs who meet my stringent requirements for health and temperament. My hope and goal is to breed Shelties with amazing family dog temperaments, willing to please and succeed on the couch and in the ring
Marissa has been a member of Good Dog for over 1 year
Marissa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Excelsior Shetland Sheepdogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog
About Kitty
Kitty is a female Shetland Sheepdog over 1 year old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marissa decided to make her part of their program. Marissa 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.
Good health testing
Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI)
Shetland Sheepdog
About Sir
Sir is a male Shetland Sheepdog over 4 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Marissa decided to make him part of their program. Marissa 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
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA), Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI)
Shetland Sheepdog
About Katniss
Katniss is a female Shetland Sheepdog. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Marissa decided to make her part of their program. Marissa 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.
Shetland Sheepdog
Excellent level
Excelsior Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs.
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.
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.
DNA Disease Panel, von Willebrand Disease III (vWD III), Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), 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).
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.