About Ashbrooke
At Ashbrooke Border Collies, we are dedicated to cultivating dogs that excel well beyond the breed standard.
We do things properly — from comprehensive genetic and health testing, to thoughtful behaviour and temperament selection, and carefully structured early socialisation in a positive, enriching environment.
What Stands Out
What truly sets Ashbrooke apart is our unique integration of Early Neurological Stimulation (E.N.S.) from the first days of life. These targeted, gentle exercises enhance stress tolerance, physiological resilience, problem‑solving ability and confidence—forming a foundation of mental and physical robustness that gives our puppies a head start for life.
Our Approach
Each Ashbrooke puppy is nurtured with a personalised, hands-on approach — because no two homes, dogs or persons are the same. This is why we prioritise matching our puppies with their forever homes while they're still in utero. Understanding which direction they're headed allows us to tailor their early experiences to suit your lifestyle, goals, and home's dynamic — whether you're dreaming of a loyal family companion, a competitive show dog, or a partner in sports or working pursuits.
All our puppies are gently introduced to core skills from the earliest age, including toilet and crate training as well as foundational obedience education. For those destined for performance, show or working careers, we also like to offer specialised early training to help them build the right foundations before they even leave our care.
Australian National Kennel Council
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), now operating as DogsAustralia, is the peak body for purebred dog breeding and showing in Australia. Established in 1958, it oversees the registration of pedigree dogs, maintains breed standards, and works to protect the integrity and welfare of purebred dogs across the country. Through its state-based member bodies, the ANKC provides governance, education, and support to breeders, exhibitors, and dog enthusiasts.
Importantly, the ANKC is the only nationally recognised and accepted registration body for purebred dogs in Australia. While other organisations such as the Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA) and the Responsible Pet Breeders Association (RPBA) offer their own registration services, they are not recognised by the ANKC, Dogs Australia, or international governing bodies. These alternative registries often do not uphold the same rigorous standards for record-keeping, health testing, or ethical breeding practices.
Being ANKC-registered is a commitment to doing things the right way. It ensures breeders follow strict ethical guidelines, keep accurate pedigree records, and prioritise the health and welfare of their dogs. For families looking to welcome a puppy, choosing an ANKC-registered breeder offers peace of mind, knowing their new companion comes from a breeder dedicated to transparency, accountability, and the preservation of breed standards.
Our Socialisation Program
Our structured early socialisation program is one of the cornerstones of what sets Ashbrooke apart. Starting from 3 days old our puppies undergo extensive early neurological stimulation exercises (E.N.S) to enhance neurological development and to develop stress resilience, adaptability, and socialisation skills.
Once they hit about 3 weeks of age, puppies then go on to be positively exposed to a variety of people, animals, textures, sounds, environments, and situations—including visits to the vet, groomer, and other real-world scenarios.
Max's Journey
After almost 10 years in the hospitality and business world, Max has made the decision to pursue his passion: raising and training dogs that are not only beautiful — but balanced, biddable, and well-prepared for life. Max is currently completing his Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training with the Delta Institute, Australia's most respected and science-based qualification for professional dog trainers.
His approach to breeding is rooted in ethics, education, and empathy—with a strong belief in preparing puppies for success through early socialisation, structured enrichment, and ongoing support for new owners. Max's breeding program reflects his values: quality over quantity, honesty over hype, and dogs that are both sound in conformation and strong in character.
