I'm the breeder behind WestOak Miniature American Shepherds located in Isanti County, MN. We breed happy, healthy, quality dogs for the show ring AND to be your new best friend! Our goal is to produce top-winning dogs in the show ring with a strong work ethic. Our dogs have the temperament and health to achieve all your dog-owning dreams. We are happy to tell you more about what life with an American Shepherd is like and how they will not only enhance your daily life, but exceed your expectations!
About Dana
My journey started when I was in college in 2003 for veterinary technology. I purchased my first pet Bulldog quickly followed by my first show Bulldog and started showing. In 2012, I got my first Miniature American Shepherd and started all over with a new breed. My goal may be the next top-winning dog, but I strive to produce healthy dogs and will not settle when it comes to health and temperament.
What makes Dana’s program special
I'm a small breeder. I raise my puppies with Puppy Culture and sleep next to the whelping box. My puppies are underfoot until the day they go home. My adult dogs sleep in my bed with me (puppies are crated in the bedroom as well). My life is my dogs! They truly are what help transform my house into a loving, family home.
Dana is a member of 2 clubs
Northstar miniature American shepherd club , Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA
Dana’s certifications & recognitions
Puppy Culture Breeder
Aurora
Female • Went Home July 20, 2024
Miniature American Shepherd
Midgard
Female • Went Home July 20, 2024
Miniature American Shepherd
Bifrost
Male • Went Home July 20, 2024
Miniature American Shepherd
Asgard
Male • Went Home July 20, 2024
Miniature American Shepherd
Dana 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 $250.
“Included with your puppy are AKC Registration, tail docking, the first vaccination, deworming, food, toys, and a blanket that smells like mom and the litter. All puppies are socialized. All puppies are the same price regardless of sex, color, or if they evaluate to be a show, sports, or pet.”
Dana 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 Dana 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 Dana directly.
We use Puppy Culture and Avidog protocols to ensure our puppies are well-adjusted members of your family. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Noises, Puppy Culture, Human Interactions, Behavioral Shaping, Name Recognition, Various Surfaces, Neural Stimulation, Early Socialization, Collar & Leash Conditioning, Weekly Nail Trims, Strangers, Scents, Chew, e.g. Bone, Toys, e.g. Ball, Touch Desensitization, Early Neurological Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Socialized with Children, Interactive Toy Play, Stairs and Obstacles, Confidence Building, Manding, Table Trained, Initial House Training, Scent Introduction, Clicker Training, Crate Training, "No" Biting or Chewing, and Potty Training.
Puppies are vaccinated and health checked by our veterinarian and canine ophthalmologist before they are sent home.
We send our puppies home with Blanket with Littermates' and Mom's scents, Toy with Littermates' Scent, Food Starter Bag, and AKC Registration.
Dana 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.
“At this time we do not ship puppies. We prefer families to come visit at least one time before the dog goes home so everyone can make sure it is the right fit.”
Why Dana started breeding
American Shepherds are an incredible breed, and I decided to start my breeding program in order to preserve the wonderful qualities I found in my dogs. They excel both in and out of the show ring. I am dedicated to improving my lines with each generation so that the breed will continue to thrive for a long time to come!
Dana has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years
Dana was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Dana’s program includes four colors
Dana’s Miniature American Shepherd puppies include red tri-color, black tri, red merle, and blue merle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
WestOak Miniature American Shepherds meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Miniature American Shepherd
Miniature American Shepherd
About River
River is a female Miniature American Shepherd about 4 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Dana decided to make her part of their program. Dana 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
PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific), Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Miniature American Shepherd
About Phish
Phish is a female Miniature American Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Dana decided to make her part of their program. Dana 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.
Miniature American Shepherd
Great level
WestOak Miniature American 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 Miniature American 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.
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.
Neuroaxonal Dystrophy NAD, GenSol Diagnostics DNA Testing, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific), Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 6 (NCL 6), Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption (IGS), Australian Shepherd Type, Hyperuricosuria (HUU), Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), 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).
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.