I'm the breeder behind Red Desert Australian Cattle Dogs located in Mena, AR. Red Desert is founded upon love and respect for all things dog. We are dedicated to placing the perfect pups into loving homes. We breed with a focus on conformation and health, and we adhere to the breed standard. Our pups make excellent show prospects and family companions. It would be our pleasure to introduce you to your next ACD!
About Tara
We are a selective program that focuses on conformation and the overall well-being of our dogs. We breed to produce happy and healthy puppies that can continue to excel in their forever homes.
What makes Tara’s program special
Our puppies are raised with love in our home, and we strive to help each one grow up with confidence so they are ready to leave with their new families. They are affectionate, intelligent, and cute as can be!
Bear
Male • Ready July 6, 2024
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Mouse
Female • Ready Nov. 12, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Sunny
Male • Ready Mar. 28
Australian Cattle Dog
Bug
Male • Ready Mar. 28
Australian Cattle Dog
Clover
Female • Ready Mar. 28
Australian Cattle Dog
Rain
Female • Ready Mar. 28
Australian Cattle Dog
Poppy
Female • Ready Mar. 28
Australian Cattle Dog
Cassiopeia
Female • Went Home Nov. 12, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Boötes
Male • Went Home Nov. 12, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Draco
Male • Went Home Nov. 12, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Orion
Male • Went Home Nov. 12, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Girl 4
Female • Went Home July 6, 2024
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Boy 2
Male • Went Home July 6, 2024
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Girl 3
Female • Went Home July 6, 2024
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Boy 1
Male • Went Home July 6, 2024
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Freya
Female • Went Home July 6, 2024
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Girl 2
Female • Went Home July 6, 2024
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Strawberry Shortcake
Female • Went Home May 29, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Toffee
Female • Went Home May 29, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Cupcake
Female • Went Home May 29, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Cobbler
Female • Went Home May 29, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Streusel
Female • Went Home May 29, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Muffin
Female • Went Home May 29, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Cannoli
Male • Went Home May 29, 2024
Australian Cattle Dog
Galadriel
Female • Went Home Sept. 15, 2023
Australian Cattle Dog
Tauriel
Female • Went Home Sept. 15, 2023
Australian Cattle Dog
Legolas
Male • Went Home Sept. 15, 2023
Australian Cattle Dog
Arwen
Female • Went Home Sept. 15, 2023
Australian Cattle Dog
Keeper
Female • Went Home Sept. 15, 2023
Australian Cattle Dog
Éowyn
Female • Went Home Sept. 15, 2023
Australian Cattle Dog
St.Nick
Male • Went Home Mar. 5, 2022
Australian Cattle Dog
Noelle
Female • Went Home Mar. 5, 2022
Australian Cattle Dog
Comet
Male • Went Home Mar. 5, 2022
Australian Cattle Dog
Mistletoe
Female • Went Home Mar. 5, 2022
Australian Cattle Dog
EggNog
Male • Went Home Mar. 5, 2022
Australian Cattle Dog
Peppermint
Female • Went Home Mar. 5, 2022
Australian Cattle Dog
Newborn Australian Cattle Dogs from Moose and Rohan
Born July 2023. Ready Sept. 15, 2023
Newborn Australian Cattle Dogs from Moose and Rohan
Born Jan. 2025. Ready Mar. 28
Planned Australian Cattle Dogs from Quigley and Kaci
Due Apr. 2025. Ready May 2025
Planned Australian Cattle Dogs from TBD and Bailey
Due July 2025. Ready Aug. 2025
Newborn Australian Cattle Dogs from Moose and Rohan
Born July 2023
Ready Sept. 15, 2023
Newborn Australian Cattle Dogs from Moose and Rohan
Born Jan. 2025
Ready Mar. 28
Planned Australian Cattle Dogs from Quigley and Kaci
Due Apr. 2025
Ready May 2025
Tara C.
The babies are starting to open their eyes!
Moose and Rohan's litter
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. 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 $1,500 - $2,500 and include a non-refundable deposit of $300.
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.
We spend lots of time socializing and training our pups so they will have a great foundation of good behavior and neurological development. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Surface & tactile stimulation, Socialized with other animals, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Daily handling, Scent introduction, Socialized with children, Car rides, Various sounds, start of puppy recall with treats, Puppy Culture , Livestock Exposure, Outdoors (when Weather permits), crate training, Noises , Touch Desensitization, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Sound Stimulation, Toys, e.g. Ball, Scents, Socialized with Children, Socialized with Elderly, Socialized with Cats, Well socialized puppy that a family can take and enjoy their new family member in their adventures , Weekly Nail Trims , Touch, pets, and kisses are encouraged during human socialization., We begin potty training along with crate training & believe the two go hand in hand., Human Interactions , Early socialization, Litter Box Trained, Basic Manners, Initial House Training, Initial Crate Training, Various Surfaces, Noise Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Socialized with People, and Socialized with Other Animals.
All puppies will be dewormed, vaccinated, and BAER tested, and they will go home with a health certificate from our local vet.
We send our puppies home with Toys, Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Registration, Vet records, Food & treats, Microchip, Bone, Toy with Littermates' Scent, Puppy Collar, Vaccinations, Microchip, Certificate of Health, Blanket with Mom's Scent, and AKC Registration.
Tara 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 Tara started breeding
We want to do our part to better the breed. Our breeding program focuses on maintaining the unique characteristics specific to Australian Cattle Dogs while striving to produce puppies of superior health and structure.
Tara is a Preferred Good Dog Breeder
Preferred Breeders are recognized for their quick replies and exceptional buyer support.
Tara has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years
Tara was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Tara’s program includes six colors
Tara’s Australian Cattle Dog puppies include red speckled, blue mottled, and blue. Tara’s Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppies include gray, white, and fawn. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Tara’s links
Red Desert Australian Cattle Dogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Australian Cattle Dog
Excellent level
Red Desert Australian Cattle 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 Cattle Dogs.
Hip Dysplasia (Preliminary), 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 (Preliminary), 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.
Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA)
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.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), Cystinuria Type II-A, Australian Cattle Dog Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), 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).
Hear what other owners say about working with Tara to bring home their puppies.
Tameka S.
July 2024
This was the easiest dog buying process. Tara was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! She was very knowledgeable and responsive. We drove from NC to Arkansas to purchase our new addition and it was love at first...
Joel D.
July 2024
Had a great experience with the entire transaction. I’ve had many questions for Tara before, during and after puppy pick up and still today bother her with random questions haha. Everyone one of my...
Emily A.
June 2024
All aspects of dealing with Tara have been great. She listened to my story, she understood exactly what we were looking for in our new girl. She answered all my questions and believe me I had a few!...
Lillian R.
June 2024
Tara was so responsive and knowledgeable about the breed. You can tell they really care about their dogs and take pride in how they are treated. They stayed in touch and sent me regular updates about...
Lauren J.
May 2022
Very helpful and great experience. I was looking for a heeler and had great success finding a wonderful breeder. The interaction and response where awesome. I used Tara from Red Desert Australian...