Champion Australian Shepherds raised on our Michigan farm.
For decades, Thornapple has bred AKC Champions and internationally titled Aussies — dogs of stable temperament, athletic ability, and unmistakable breed type.
Our Aussies devote their lives to fulfilling yours.
Hall of Fame Kennel #9
One of the earliest USASA Hall of Fame kennels — a lifetime achievement in the breed.
AKC Breeder of Merit
Recognized by the American Kennel Club for excellence in breeding, health testing, and sportsmanship.
Worldwide Champions
Dogs exported to the UK, Hungary, Iceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Sweden & Taiwan.
Home-Raised
Puppies raised on farmland with early socialization, health testing & love.
A legacy of excellence in the breed.
Thornapple Australian Shepherds is owned and operated by Ellen Brandenburg and Amy Garrison. Based in Vermontville, Michigan — roughly an hour from Grand Rapids — the program has produced AKC Champions, Grand Champions, and internationally titled dogs across decades of showing.
Our focus is on dogs with stable temperament, athletic ability, and versatility — capable of competitive conformation, rally, dock diving, herding, therapy work, and an active family life.
"This dog has the best movement of any Australian Shepherd I've judged!"
A Hall of Fame legacy
Thornapple is USASA Hall of Fame Kennel #9 — one of the earliest kennels ever recognized for lifetime achievement in the breed. We're also an AKC Breeder of Merit, a title the American Kennel Club reserves for breeders who prove themselves on health testing, sportsmanship, and results in the ring.
Owners Ellen Brandenburg and Amy Garrison have spent their lives in this breed. That experience shows up in every litter — in the structure, the coats, and the steady heads our dogs are known for.
Bred for temperament first
A show title means nothing if the dog can't live in your home. Ours can.
We breed for stable temperament, sound structure, and the versatility Australian Shepherds were built for. Our dogs compete in conformation, rally, dock diving, and herding — then come home and settle in as a therapy dog, a hiking partner, or a kid's best friend. An Aussie should be able to do it all. That's the standard we breed to, every time.
Champions around the world
Thornapple has produced more than 200 AKC Champions over 40-plus years. Our dogs don't just win in Michigan — they win everywhere.
Thornapple Aussies live and compete in countries such as the United Kingdom, Hungary, Iceland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Sweden, and Taiwan. Breeders and families around the world come to us for the same reason: a Thornapple dog is known for quality. The bloodlines are proven, and the results speak for themselves.
From show ring to shoreline.
Moments from the farm, the ring, and the road — our dogs at every stage of life.
Looking for your next Aussie?
We'd love to hear about your family and what you're looking for. Reach out by phone or email — we answer every inquiry personally.