Champion Australian Shepherds raised on our Michigan farm nestled on the Thornapple River
For more than 40 years, Thornapple Australian Shepherds has been thoughtfully breeding aussies in the heart of Michigan. Our dogs are bred to be beautiful, healthy, sound, and confident, but most importantly, they're bred to be wonderful companions.
Our Aussies devote their lives to fulfilling yours.
A legacy of excellence in the breed.
Thornapple Australian Shepherds is owned and operated by Ellen Brandenburg and Amy Garrison in Vermontville, Michigan, just outside of Lansing, MI. Our legacy has produced AKC Champions, Grand Champions, and internationally titled dogs.
But a show title means nothing if a dog can't live beautifully in your home.
We breed Australian Shepherds with the whole dog in mind. Health, structure, intelligence, versatility, and above all, a stable, kind temperament. Our dogs can excel in the show ring, on the trail, in the water, or simply curled up at your feet.
That's what we love about the Australian Shepherd: they can do it all.
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.
Thornapple Aussies Around the World
From Michigan to Montenegro, our Thornapple family stretches across the globe. We love seeing where our puppies land and the lives they lead — whether they're winning in the show ring, herding on a farm, or curled up on a couch halfway across the world.
Are you a Thornapple Aussie owner? Tell us your story and let the world meet your dog.
It's all about the boys
A look at some of the handsome Thornapple boys who are currently available
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.