Breeder Spotlight – Debra Shambaugh

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in breeding Miniature American Shepherds?

I have been in dogs professionally for over 50 years. I showed obedience and trained in Schutzhund. My aunt was an Aussie breeder and got me involved with Aussies. About the time I got my first female Aussie I got involved in movie work. She did a bunch of things but most notably she did the Walt Disney movie Flight of the Navigator. She was maybe 16″. I also rescued Aussies from shelters, trained and adopted them to new homes. (~200 in a year) At that time, I noticed how big the Aussies were getting. I ran into the minis at a show where I met Lynn Gray, Judy Linder and Karen Keller to name a few. I explored showing and soon began breeding to produce my own show dogs. I understand from rescuing overpopulation of the breed, so I have limited breeding. I am super selective on who and when I breed. This is a fun thing for me and will continue to be. In the past, I was a horse show judge, so I learned an eye for structure and movability which I use for my dogs. When I look at my minis, I want to see an Australian Shepherd in a smaller package with Aussie structure, movement and temperament.

2. What drew you to the Miniature American Shepherd breed, and what do you love most about them?

I wanted an Aussie in a smaller package like they were years ago. I love their temperament and loyalty.

3. How do you approach the breeding process to ensure the health and well-being of your dogs?

I used to be a vet tech, so I keep a close eye on each one and I keep up with the health requirements for the breed. As a small breeder, I breed maybe 1 litter a year. Temperament is assessed as part of my breeding program by rating adult dogs’ personality traits. The evaluation uses a scale with categories A, B, and C, where “A” is the highest. Each category is defined by specific criteria. This rating is applied when evaluating a breeding pair for temperament improvement. I developed the scale based on years of experience with Australian Shepherds, including evaluation and training responses.

4. What are the most important qualities you look for in a Miniature American Shepherd when considering breeding?

I look at temperament first. If I can’t get past the attitude, I don’t breed that dog. If that is good, I look at bone, head type, movement and many details of the structure.

5. What challenges have you faced as a breeder, and how have you overcome them?

I restarted my breeding program several times until I was satisfied with the results. My new approach has attracted repeat customers over many years, and the pups I retained led to dogs with excellent temperament and show quality.

6. Can you describe your kennel’s environment and how you ensure that your dogs are well-socialized?

This is one point why great temperament is a must. You can take them anywhere and they adapt. I still socialize as very young puppies by taking them to places. My dogs do not stay in a kennel, they are inside dogs and go out to play in a big yard. I take puppies/dogs to parks for walking, pet stores for the distractions and shows when they are of age for the noise and hustle.

7. How do you select prospective owners for your puppies? What qualities do you look for?

I have been evaluating people for a long time. I listen to them. I prefer to talk with them and ask them questions. They should not be afraid of answering. I provide open questions, for good responses to get a picture of their life.

8. What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a breeder of Miniature American Shepherds?

I would first ask them why they want to become a breeder? Too many people are in it for the money and not the love of the breed. I would advise them to be true to the breed and to breed to improve your line. Keep evaluating what they are producing and don’t be afraid to start over. 

9. Can you tell us about any notable successes or achievements you’ve had with your dogs (titles, recognition, etc.)?

I put championships and Grand champions on girls as time permitted. One GCH Bronze female was in the top 10 OH several years. Pepper, who’s my shadow, I took further. She has her GCH Silver and we are working slowly towards her Gold. We aim for it, but as Pepper and I age, we need to pace ourselves when traveling to shows. She was also in the AKC top ten OH for several years. She won the 2020 Top 10 OH Showcase winner at the Nationals. She has gotten numerous BOB and placements in OH group. She has placed in regular group. She earned her Farm dog, all the CGC’s, and up to her Fit dog silver. I am not into showing for anything more than that

10. How do you stay updated on new developments in the breed and the dog world in general? I find that now I am retired, I am catching up on things I missed like the new health testing (NAD). I listen to people at show. I look at the AKC site and other sites to look at the dog world in general.

11. What are your thoughts on the future of the Miniature American Shepherd breed and how do you see it evolving?

Plain and simple, I am discouraged. I think a lot of my mentor, Karen Keller and her knowledge history. I hope she stays in club business because of her foundation knowledge. Our breed got popular fast and alot of people became overnight breeders. I think if we are not careful, the Miniature American Shepherd is going to be a new breed instead of a Miniature Aussie.

12. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey as a breeder or any special stories about your dogs?

My dogs are goof balls, and I love them. I love being retired so I can spend more time with them on a personal level. Nothing like an early 3 mile walk in the park.