Northern Lights Working Dogs
- Mount Sterling, OH
- Responds within a day
Available puppies
Arrow
4 months old · Female
Meet the breeder
I'm Tara B., the breeder behind Northern Lights Working Dogs located in Mount Sterling, OH. Whether you are looking for a pet, a working dog, or a champion, quality show dog, we have the perfect pup for you! We offer top-quality puppies from carefully planned litters. We focus on temperament, soundness, and beauty. Please see our website to submit an application.
Q. & A. with Tara
Why did you start breeding?
When working with the rescues and training centers, we had many dogs with severe crippling and fatal health conditions that were entirely preventable. I decided to start my program with the hopes that I could preserve a healthy dog with long life, for both love and work. I am a preservation breeder striving for quality, health, and to ensure the future of the Australian Shepherd and Giant Schnauzer for generations to come.What makes your program special?
Our program is special because of our dogs. Australian Shepherds and Giant Schnauzers are such a joy, and we find so much fulfillment in raising and preparing them for their loving, forever homes. Our dogs are health tested for EVERY single genetic marker that is available to the breed. They undergo all OFA x-rays and exams pertinent to their breed. Pups of any carriers are tested at birth. We offer a lifetime guarantee against hereditary ailments. We place puppies based on temperament; we are not stop-and-shop breeders. We love what we do and truly want the very best for our puppies and their forever families.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Australian Shepherd puppies include red merle and blue merle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Draco
Went homeMale
Storm
Went homeFemale
Isla
Went homeFemale
Luca
Went homeMale
Cleo
Went homeFemale
Vegas
Went homeMale
Acorn
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Syren
Went homeFemale
Star
Went homeFemale
Orb
Went homeFemale
Hawk
Went homeMale
Inky
Went homeMale
Nyx & Orb
Went homeFemale
Jet
Went homeMale
Coal
Went homeMale
Dash
Went homeMale
Mulan
Went homeFemale
Xena - Black/Silver
Went homeFemale
Lilo
Went homeFemale
Zorro
Went homeMale
Cupid
Went homeFemale
Blitzen
Went homeFemale
Comet
Went homeFemale
Dasher
Went homeMale
Dancer
Went homeFemale
Prancer
Went homeFemale
Donner
Went homeMale
Vixen
Went homeFemale
Getting a puppy from Tara
Tara 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
“Also included are two sets of vaccines, regular deworming, microchipping, full info folder, lifetime guarantee, and support. Aussies are AKC/ASCA/UKC registered and Giant Schnauzers are FCI/AKC/UKC registered. $500 non-refundable deposit once a pup has been matched to you.”
Contract & health guarantee
Tara 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 Tara 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 Tara directly.
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
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- AKC registration
- Basic obedience & manners
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Tara.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Mount Sterling, OH
Other pick-up locations
Meet at John Glenn Columbus Airport
More about Tara
Club memberships
Tara is a member of Ohio Working Dog Preservation Society, United State Australian Shepherd Association, and Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA).
Tara has been a member of Good Dog for almost 5 years
Tara was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Tara’s links
Tara is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Northern Lights Working Dogs 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
All breeds
Australian Shepherd
Giant Schnauzer
Totem, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Totem
Totem is a male Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Tara decided to make him part of their program. Tara 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.
Dahlia, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Dahlia
Dahlia is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Tara decided to make her part of their program. Tara 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.
Cardi, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Cardi
Cardi is a beautiful full coated Red Merle Aussie. He has incredible Service Dog abilities and highly focused and easy to work with. Low key - non reactive and easily adaptable to unique situations.
Great health testing
Dentition, Patellar Luxation, +4 more.Myst, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Myst
Myst is a lovely well balanced girl. She rocks the showring, and has a level easy going manner that makes her easy to train. She is driven but not high drive. Her pups from her first litter have excelled in performance venues.
Great health testing
Dentition, Patellar Luxation, +6 more.Fury, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Fury
Fury is an outgoing, blue eyed black tri. He is a Champion and is working on his Grand and will soon be competing in performance events as well. Fury gets along with everyone, male / female / pup / kids. He is a lovebug. His first litter - 3 of his offspring went on to service work.
Excellent health testing
Dentition, Patellar Luxation, +8 more.Jinx, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Jinx
Jinx is a very devoted and loving family guardian. She protects the farm, and gets along well with all the other dogs, males / females / pups - you name it. She adores children. She is not the one that will just run up to strangers, it takes her a minute to observe. She is a gorgeous girl well balanced and an excellent mother. Her first litter - 3 of her offspring went into service work.
Excellent health testing
Patellar Luxation, DNA Coat/Trait Panel, +6 more.Luna, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Luna
Luna is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Tara decided to make her part of their program. Tara 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.
Quest, dad
Australian Shepherd
About Quest
Quest is a male Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Tara decided to make him part of their program. Tara 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.
Sara, mom
Giant Schnauzer
About Sara
Sara is a female Giant Schnauzer. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Tara decided to make her part of their program. Tara 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.
Altan, dad
Giant Schnauzer
About Altan
Altan is a male Giant Schnauzer. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Tara decided to make him part of their program. Tara 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.
Vodka, mom
Australian Shepherd
About Vodka
Vodka is a female Australian Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Tara decided to make her part of their program. Tara 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.
Bond, dad
Giant Schnauzer
About Bond
Bond is a male Giant Schnauzer. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Tara decided to make him part of their program. Tara 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.
Parent health testing
Australian Shepherd
Giant Schnauzer
Excellent level
Northern Lights Working Dogs 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.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA), Standard Veterinary Blood Panel, Working Aptitude (WAE), Shoulder Osteochondrosis, Brucellosis, Dentition, Temperament Test, Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
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.
Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption (IGS), Australian Shepherd Type, DNA Coat/Trait Panel, Agouti DNA Test, Animal Genetics Panel, Hyperuricosuria (HUU), Dominant Black DNA Test, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific), Dilated Cardiomyopathy 1 (DCM1), Cone Degeneration, Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC), Australian Shepherd Type, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), D Locus (Dilute) DNA test, Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 6 (NCL 6), DNA Disease Panel, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), DNA Profile, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), Cyclic Neutropenia, Grey Collie Syndrome (CN), Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
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 Tara to bring home their puppies.
Anthony J.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026
+4From start to finish, this was an incredible experience. Tara was always responsive, patient, and genuinely took the time to answer every question we had, no matter how small. What really stood out to us was how intentional and personal the entire process felt. She took the time to truly get to know us and thoughtfully matched us with our dog, rather than simply trying to make a sale. Even though she’s been breeding for a long time, Tara didn’t treat the day like “just another pickup.” She treated it like what it was for us — a huge, emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moment. You could tell how much she genuinely cares about her dogs and the families they’re going to. She helped us find our best friend and we’re thankful for that.
Jeannie N.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026
Tara was wonderful to work with—very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about her dogs. She was attentive to our needs and made sure we were placed with a puppy whose temperament was the right fit for our lifestyle. We felt confident and supported throughout the process.
Charles L.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026
Tara was wonderful to work with. We setup a time to look at the pups and was able to select one on the first day. From that point we got regular updates on our puppy. When we picked up the pup we had all history and actions to do to keep her heathy.
Carol M.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026
Tara was incredibly responsive and I was impressed with her knowledge about the Australian shepherd breed. She also asked thoughtful questions to make sure that we made the right choice with the right puppy. She provided a clear and easy to understand sales contract which made the purchasing process easy for us. When we picked up our puppy, she gave us an incredibly detailed binder and flash drive with all the info we needed about our puppy's vaccination schedule, AKC registration info, necessary medications, and more. The effort she put into helping us transition into new puppy parents is very much appreciated. I would return to buy another puppy from her in the future. We love our puppy and so excited that she's part of our family.
Carly B.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026
+7Working with Tara at Northern Lights Working Dogs was a great experience. She was communicative, organized, and clearly very invested in the health and well-being of her dogs. We appreciated the thorough health testing, transparency throughout the process, and regular updates. Storm has been a wonderful addition to our family, and it’s clear she was thoughtfully raised. We’re very happy with our experience.
Shea V.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026
+5Our experience with Northern Lights Working Dogs and Tara was exceptional! Our little boy is a perfect fit for our family and she facilitated that by getting to know us first. We truly enjoyed walking her farm and hearing about all her dogs and their awards and getting to know our pup well before we picked him up! He is helping heal our hearts from the passing of our elderly Aussie back in October.
