Health Checks, Real Costs, and How to Buy with Confidence
If you’re looking for an Australian Shepherd puppy, you’ve probably noticed how unclear the process can feel. Prices jump all over the place. Health claims sound good, but don’t always mean much. And it’s hard to know who to trust when everyone says they breed “healthy, family-raised puppies.”
At Tomshepherds, we raise Australian Shepherds in our home, not in kennels or high-volume setups. We focus on health, temperament, and placing each puppy in a home that fits them. No rush. No pressure.
This guide is here to help you think clearly. It covers the health checks that matter, what costs are realistic, and how the buying process works at Tomshepherds—so you can move forward without second-guessing yourself.
Health Checks That Actually Matter When Buying an Australian Shepherd
Health testing is where responsible breeding starts. It’s also where many buyers get misled, often without realizing it.
Australian Shepherds are strong, capable dogs, but the breed does carry certain inherited risks. Careful breeding doesn’t eliminate every possibility, but it does reduce the odds in a meaningful way.
Joint Health: Hips and Elbows
Australian Shepherds are built to move. Weak joints can change their life early.
At Tomshepherds, breeding dogs are evaluated for joint health using recognized screening methods such as OFA or PennHIP, depending on age and suitability. These evaluations help identify structural issues that could lead to pain or mobility problems later on.
It’s not flashy. It’s just responsible.
Eye Exams: Seeing Problems Before They Start
Some eye conditions don’t show up right away. By the time symptoms appear, damage is already done.
That’s why CAER eye exams, performed by veterinary ophthalmologists, matter. These exams screen for inherited conditions like:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- Hereditary cataracts
Clear exams don’t guarantee perfection, but they significantly lower risk.
DNA Testing and MDR1
One condition many buyers haven’t heard of is MDR1. It affects how a dog reacts to certain medications. Dogs with this mutation can have severe reactions to drugs that vets commonly prescribe.
DNA testing helps identify this risk early. Knowing a dog’s status allows breeders to plan responsibly and helps owners and vets make safer medical decisions later.
Veterinary Care Before Puppies Leave
Before going home, every puppy receives:
- A full veterinary exam
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Deworming
- Microchipping
Puppies go home with health records, a two-year genetic health guarantee, and continued breeder support. Questions don’t stop once a puppy leaves, and neither do we.
What an Australian Shepherd Puppy Really Costs
Price is often the first thing people compare, but it shouldn’t be the only thing.
A lower price doesn’t always mean lower quality. A higher price doesn’t always mean better breeding. What matters is what’s actually included.
Pricing at Tomshepherds
Tomshepherds puppies are $850, with a $300 deposit to reserve a puppy. The remaining balance is paid closer to pickup or delivery.
That price reflects the work behind the scenes—health testing, veterinary care, daily handling, and time spent raising puppies in a home environment. There are no add-ons or surprise charges later.
Other Costs to Plan For
Beyond the puppy itself, most owners should budget for:
- Food and basic supplies
- Routine vet visits and preventatives
- Training classes
Australian Shepherds are smart. That’s a good thing, but it also means they need guidance. Early training helps prevent problems that are much harder to fix later.
How Buying a Puppy from Tomshepherds Works
The process shouldn’t feel complicated or rushed. At Tomshepherds, it isn’t.
The Steps
- Browse available puppies on the website
- Reach out with questions through the contact form
- Place a deposit to reserve a puppy
- Receive updates and health information
- Arrange pickup or safe delivery when the puppy is ready
You’re encouraged to ask questions at any point. A good fit matters more than a quick sale.
Pickup and Delivery
For families who aren’t local, delivery is handled with care. Puppies are not shipped as cargo. Transport options are chosen with the puppy’s comfort and safety in mind, along with proper veterinary documentation.
Why Families Choose Tomshepherds
Many families find Tomshepherds after feeling unsure elsewhere. What usually stands out to them is the calm, straightforward approach.
Puppies are raised around normal household activities. They’re handled daily. They get used to people, sounds, and routines early on. That makes the transition to a new home smoother.
Families also know they can reach out later. Questions about feeding, training, or general care don’t disappear once a puppy goes home. See available puppies
A Final Thought
Buying an Australian Shepherd puppy is a long-term commitment. The early choices you make matter more than most people realize.
Health testing matters.
Honest communication matters.
Taking your time matters.
If you’re still weighing whether an Australian Shepherd fits your lifestyle, our Ultimate Guide to Australian Shepherd Puppies walks through the breed in depth.
A responsible breeder won’t push you.
They’ll help you decide if one of their puppies is right for your home.
Visit tomshepherds.com to learn more, or contact us when you’re ready to talk.