About

About us and our goals

About

Amanda and her dog Jocianna

 

    

The story behind our development as breeders of such a unique and thoughtfully designed cross is one deeply rooted in passion, dedication, and family.

Our journey began in 2012, when Amanda, after years of careful research, Amanda realized thereshe named Jocianna. From the moment she entered Amanda’s life, Jocianna became far more than a companion—she became her heart dog, bringing unwavering joy, loyalty, and inspiration. Jocianna laid the foundation for everything that would follow.

Within a year, Amanda’s sister, Jessica, began her own search for the ideal canine companion. While both sisters adored Jocianna, they recognized certain traits they hoped to strengthen—qualities that could be enhanced through thoughtful and responsible breeding. This pursuit led them to Rebecca of The Doggie Dude Ranch, a respected breeder of Toy and Mini Australian Shepherds. After extensive discussion and observation, Amanda and Jessica found that the Australian Shepherd possessed the intelligence, temperament, and structure they wished to incorporate alongside the Papillon.

They were immediately drawn to Rebecca’s stud, Biscuit, whose temperament and presence embodied everything they envisioned. It was decided that Biscuit would be paired with Jocianna, marking the beginning of what would become a defining chapter for Ebonheart Kennel.

The resulting litter exceeded all expectations. Amanda and Jessica were profoundly impressed by the balance, disposition, and charm of the puppies, and it quickly became evident that others shared the same sentiment. Each puppy from that litter was placed in a loving, carefully chosen home—including one that joined Jessica’s own household. The cross affectionately became known as the “Aussillon,” and its success confirmed the potential of this carefully planned pairing.

Encouraged by these results, Amanda and Jessica committed themselves to the continued development of this program. As Ebonheart Kennel grew and welcomed additional collaborators, a collective decision was made to thoughtfully introduce the Border Collie as the final breed within the line. This addition was chosen for its exceptional intelligence, work ethic, and versatility.

Once litters are produced that carry the genetic influence of all three breeds—the Papillon, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie—they will be known as American Moxie. This name reflects the spirit, capability, and heart of the dogs that inspired our journey and represents our ongoing commitment to producing exceptional companions with purpose, temperament, and integrity.

 

Goals for our line

Our long-term goal is the responsible development of a new breed—one intentionally designed to excel as a Service Dog while also thriving as an active companion. The American Moxie is being developed for individuals and families who lead active lifestyles, value intelligence and trainability, and prefer a smaller dog well suited for inner-city living, travel, and modern daily life.

The breed is intended to combine athleticism, endurance, sound temperament, and emotional steadiness in a compact, versatile dog capable of performing demanding work while remaining adaptable and manageable in a variety of environments.

What follows is a working draft of the American Moxie breed standard. This document is very much in development and will continue to evolve as we collaborate with experienced breed standard authors, conformation judges, veterinarians, professional trainers, and other canine experts. Our commitment is to ensure that the American Moxie is developed with integrity, soundness, and excellence in every aspect—health, temperament, structure, and purpose.

American Moxie

Breed Standard (Working Draft)

Origin and Purpose

The American Moxie was first bred in the United States. The foundation of the breed consists of Papillon, Miniature Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie, with breed influence listed from highest to lowest percentage.

The American Moxie was developed to be quick, agile, and structurally sound, with a light, efficient gait and high endurance. The breed is intended to excel in performance sports while also possessing the temperament, focus, and emotional stability necessary for Service Dog work.

Temperament and General Appearance

The American Moxie is a small, confident, and intelligent dog, exhibiting both strength and stamina in movement and build. The breed must be lively and responsive in action while maintaining the ability to settle into calm, focused attention when working.

A strong desire to please their handler is essential, without excessive dependency or emotional fragility. American Moxies should not display aggression, nervousness, or anxiety. The breed should be approachable, adaptable, and mentally resilient.

The body is slightly longer than tall. The coat is long, and the ears are large and butterfly-like in appearance, contributing to the breed’s distinctive outline.

Size

  • Ideal height: 12–14 inches at the highest point of the shoulder

  • Weight: Proportionate to height, typically ranging from 12–18 pounds

Faults

  • Height below 12 inches or above 14 inches at the shoulder

Coat

The coat is long and moderately thick, with a light undercoat that adds volume without excessive density. Hair is fine, silky, and may have a very slight wave, lying flat along the back and sides of the body.

A profuse frill is present on the chest, with moderate breeches on the rear reaching the hocks. Hair is short and close on the skull, face, front of the forelegs, from hock to foot, and on the feet. The tail is covered with a long, flowing plume.

Faults

  • Excessively thick coat that is difficult to maintain

  • Excessive shedding

  • Coarse coat texture

  • Short coat length

  • Coat that drags on the ground

Color

The coat follows an Irish spotting pattern. White should be present on the chest, muzzle, collar, legs, feet, and tip of the tail. A clearly defined blaze and nose band are highly desirable.

Color other than white must cover both ears, front and back, and extend without interruption over both eyes. The nose, eye rims, and lips must be well pigmented black.

The American Moxie may be any color except merle.

Faults

  • Lack of pigment on nose, eye rims, or lips

  • White covering the front or back of the ears

  • White over the eyes

  • Merle coloring

Head

The head is strong and of medium width, in proportion to the body. The stop is moderate and well defined. The muzzle tapers slightly to a rounded tip and is approximately one-third the length of the head from nose to occiput.

Lips are tight, thin, and black. Teeth form a full complement and meet in a scissors bite.

Eyes are expressive and alert, conveying intelligence and attentiveness. Blue eyes are most desirable, though hazel or other light colors are acceptable. Eyes are moderate in size, neither bulging nor sunken, with black eye rims.

Ears are erect, large, and slightly rounded at the tips, set on the sides and toward the back of the head. When alert, the ears form approximately a 45-degree angle to the head. Ear leather must be sufficiently strong to maintain erect carriage.

Faults

  • Overshot or undershot bite

  • Ears that are small, set too high or too low, or unable to stand erect

  • Dark-colored eyes

Neck and Body

The neck is firm, clean, and of medium length, slightly arched at the crest and blending smoothly into the shoulders. The body is firm and muscular, slightly longer than tall at the withers.

The topline is straight and level when standing naturally. The chest is deep and strong with well-sprung ribs. The abdomen is moderately tucked.

Forequarters

Shoulders are well developed and laid back to allow freedom of movement. Forelegs are straight, strong, and parallel, with toes pointing forward.

Pasterns are short, thick, and strong yet flexible, showing a slight angle when viewed from the side. Feet are oval and compact with well-arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient; nails are short and strong.

Front dewclaws are preferred but may be removed if medically necessary.

Faults

  • Straight front assembly that restricts ease of movement

Hindquarters

Hindquarters are well defined and angulated, with width approximately equal to that of the forequarters at the shoulders. Hocks turn neither inward nor outward.

Legs are medium-boned and parallel when viewed from behind. Preference is given to dogs not born with rear dewclaws. If rear dewclaws are present at birth, they are removed.

Faults

  • Hindquarters not balanced with forequarters

  • Poor angulation resulting in stiffness of gait

Tail

The tail is long, high set, and carried in a high arch over the body. The plume may fall to either side.

Faults

  • Low-set tail

  • Tail not carried in an arch over the back

Gait

Movement is free, quick, and effortless, demonstrating agility and balance. The topline remains firm and level during movement, without stiffness or wasted motion.

Disqualifications

  • Timidity

  • Skittishness

  • Aggression toward other dogs

  • Aggression toward humans

  • Excessively thick coat causing difficulty in grooming or predisposition to overheating

  • Height under 11 inches or over 14 inches

  • All-white dogs or dogs with no white

  • Undershot bite

  • Overshot bite exceeding 1/8 inch