Vineyard Ridge Mini Aussies

Loni R.

Breeder of Miniature Australian Shepherds

  • St.James, MO
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Loni R., the breeder behind Vineyard Ridge Mini Aussies located in St.James, MO. We love to responsibly raise and train our puppies so they have the tools to be well-rounded, beloved family members. We have developed several protocols to ensure the health and well-being of all of our dogs. It’s our top priority to make sure each of our puppy families welcomes a happy and healthy new family member into their homes!

Q. & A. with Loni

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I first fell in love with Mini Aussies over a decade ago, and what started as a deep admiration for the breed turned into something much more special. We now raise just a couple of litters each year on our farm, keeping it small and intentional so we can give each puppy the time, care, and love it deserves. Breeding Mini Aussies has become a meaningful part of our family’s life. It’s more than just raising puppies—it’s about teaching our kids responsibility, compassion, and the value of hard work. Watching them help care for the dogs and learn what it means to nurture life is one of the biggest blessings. But the best part of it all is seeing the joy on families’ faces when they meet their new puppy for the first time. Knowing that one of our puppies is going to be loved and bring happiness to another home makes every early morning and late-night feeding worth it.

  • What makes your program special?

    All of our adult dogs are our pets and live in our home with us. We are a small but quality breeding program where the adult dogs have full freedom to run our farm property instead of being in kennels. The puppies are raised in large play areas and get plenty of love and attention daily from our whole family!

  • What are the different breed sizes in your program?

    Our puppies are miniature size. Sizes will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include blue merle, red merle, red, and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • 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 Loni

Loni 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 include a $100 non-refundable deposit and between $900 - $2,400 final payment, before taxes & fees.

"The price includes the guarantee, ASDR (American Stock Dog) Registration, first round of vaccinations, reworking, and puppy socialization. We require a non-refundable deposit in order to hold and/or travel with a puppy."

Contract & health guarantee

Loni 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 Loni 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 Loni 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
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • 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
    • Extras
      • Toys
      • Registration
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Food & treats

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in St.James, MO

4666 miles away

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Other pick-up locations

Flexible meeting point

Loni can meet at a location that works for both of you

More about Loni

  • Loni has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years

    Loni was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

  • Loni’s links

Loni is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Vineyard Ridge Mini 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

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Vineyard Ridge Mini 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 Miniature Australian Shepherds.

  • Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered), 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 (rDVM, not registered)

    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 Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA), 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 (rDVM, not 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.

  • DNA Disease Panel, Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts (HC; JC)

    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).

Photos

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