Welcome to Ausdauer Australian Shepherds!

Hi, I’m Shaina Mayes, and I am the heart behind Ausdauer Australian Shepherds. I live in Southeast Missouri with my husband and our Aussies, who are very much part of our family and daily life. My dogs are not kennel dogs, they are my companions and teammates. They train and compete in sports, travel to shows, and love to curl up on the couch at the end of the day. My love for this breed started when I brought home my first Aussie as a teenager. I thought I was just getting a pet, but I quickly realized Aussies are so much more than that. Their intelligence, energy, and deep bond with their people pulled me in, and it was not long before one Aussie became three. I was hooked. That love has only grown stronger with each dog I have raised, trained, and titled, and it is what drives the Ausdauer program today. As a small scale Australian Shepherd breeder in Missouri, my goal is to produce Aussies that truly represent the best of the breed. I want dogs who are intelligent, athletic, versatile, and stable in temperament. I want Aussies who can walk into a conformation ring, fly over jumps in an agility course, work stock, leap off a dock, or snuggle with their family at night. Above all, I want dogs who are loyal and loving companions that bring joy and energy into every aspect of life.

How Our Puppies Are Raised

All of our Australian Shepherd puppies are born and raised in our home here in Missouri. From the very beginning they receive intentional care, handling, and love. I follow Puppy Culture protocols, including Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI), which help develop confident, adaptable, and resilient puppies. The puppies grow up surrounded by the sights and sounds of family life. They explore different surfaces, play with toys, and experience new environments. They meet children, other dogs, and new people so that they leave here well prepared for their future families. I take the time to build curiosity, confidence, and adaptability in each puppy because I know those early weeks shape them for life.

Our Philosophy

My vision for Ausdauer Australian Shepherds is simple. I want to breed Aussies who are versatile, healthy, and true to the heritage of the breed. That means paying close attention to structure, temperament, and health testing, as well as producing dogs who have the drive to work and the ability to settle as companions. I believe in preservation breeding, which means looking not only at what is popular in the moment but also at the long term future of the breed. Every pairing is chosen with care and intention. With my background in molecular biology, I understand the importance of genetics and diversity, and I apply that knowledge when making breeding decisions.

A Lifelong Commitment

When you bring home an Ausdauer puppy, you are not just getting a dog, you are joining the Ausdauer family. I stay connected with my puppy owners for the lifetime of their dogs. I am always available to answer questions, offer training advice, or simply cheer on your accomplishments. My commitment to each puppy does not end when they leave my home.

Join the Ausdauer Family

If you are looking for Australian Shepherd puppies raised with care, purpose, and love, I would be honored to introduce you to my program. My Aussies are bred to be versatile, intelligent, and devoted companions who stay true to the heritage of the breed. Whether in the show ring, in performance sports, or as part of an active family, they are dogs that will bring joy, energy, and loyalty to your life. Visit our Litters page to learn more about our upcoming Australian Shepherd puppies, or contact me directly if you would like to talk about whether an Ausdauer Aussie might be the right fit for you.