About Us
WHO WE ARE
At Third Sun Australian Shepherds, we are a small, boutique-style breeder where our dogs are truly family first. Our program is operated right in our home and on our farm in Central Wisconsin, where we take a deeply intentional, hands-on approach to every litter we raise. We are passionate about our work and believe that both our dogs and our clients deserve the very best. Because we value the relationship between a dog and its family above all else, our dogs live as constant companions in our home or a guardian home, never in a kennel environment. We chose the Australian Shepherd because of our deep respect for the breed's intelligence, loyalty, and functional ability. It is a breed where you can truly "have it all"—a dog with the beauty to turn heads, the brains to excel in any task, and the biddability to be a devoted family member. We pride ourselves on being one of the most dedicated Australian Shepherd breeders in the region. At Third Sun, our commitment doesn't end when a puppy leaves our care; we guarantee to provide you with a superior companion backed by professional support and care for the entire lifetime of your newest family member.
OUR STORY
At Third Sun Australian Shepherds, our journey is rooted in a deep love for the breed and a commitment to doing things the right way. We began with a clear mission: to produce Australian Shepherds that are not only beautiful to look at but are also healthy, stable, and capable of being the companions their families deserve. The foundation of our program was built on carefully selecting girls with clear genetic panels—a priority that remains at the core of every pairing we make. By ensuring our sires and dams are health tested and genetically clear, we provide our families with the peace of mind that their puppies are genetically clear for MDR1 and other common breed-specific concerns. Our first litter was a cross so successful in temperament and structure that it solidified our purpose-driven approach to breeding. For us, the quality of life our dogs lead is just as important as their pedigree. We believe that dogs should live happy, full lives as family members, not as kennel stock. This is why we operate as a small, boutique breeder on our farm in Cenral Wisconsin. Our dogs are family first; they share our home, our rhythms, and our daily lives.
DEVELOPMENT & PHILOSOPHY
How we raise our puppies is the heart of Third Sun. We don't believe in mass production—we believe in early, hands-on intervention. From just days old, our puppies begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI). As they grow, we follow a modified Puppy Culture protocol, focusing heavily on socialization and desensitization. This includes safe exposure to the sights and sounds of a hobby farm and a busy home, ensuring they leave us steady and ready for the world.
We understand that an Australian Shepherd is a high-intelligence, high-capacity breed. To ensure every puppy thrives, we work closely with a professional trainer with over three decades of experience. Together, we perform temperament evaluations to help match each puppy—not just to a home, but to a purpose. Whether they are destined for service work, emotional support, or a devoted family life, we take that responsibility seriously. We are extremely thankful to be part of this breed's story. When you choose a Third Sun puppy, you aren't just getting a pet; you are joining a community dedicated to the health and future of the Australian Shepherd.
