About

About us and our goals

About

Amanda and her dog Jocianna

 

    

Our Story: Passion, Purpose, and Heart

At Ebonheart Kennel, everything began with Amanda and her heart dog, Jocianna. In 2012, Jocianna came into her life and instantly became a source of joy, loyalty, and inspiration—the spark that would ignite a lifelong passion for breeding thoughtful, exceptional companions.  When Amanda’s sister, Jessica, wanted the perfect puppy, Amanda realized how challenging it was to find one from a loving, dedicated breeder. Motivated by the bond she shared with Jocianna, Amanda made it her mission to personally raise a pup for her sister, ensuring the same love, care, and connection. This first litter, bred with Biscuit, a remarkable stud from a respected Mini Australian Shepherd breeder, exceeded all expectations. One puppy became Jessica’s beloved dog, Kairi, continuing the line and cementing the foundation of what would evolve into something truly special.

This first litter, affectionately called the “Aussillon”, showed the potential of carefully planned crosses. Inspired by these results, Amanda expanded the program, introducing the Border Collie in 2024—the third breed in the line—creating the first litter to carry the genetic influence of all three breeds: Papillon, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie. These foundation dogs are now called American Moxie, a name that reflects their spirit, heart, and endless potential.  

At Ebonheart Kennel, we are building a line of dogs with heart, intelligence, and versatility. The American Moxie is being carefully developed with the potential to excel as Service Dogs, acting dogs, or sport dogs, while every dog is guaranteed to be a loving, loyal, and extraordinary family companion.  These dogs are compact, adaptable, and full of spirit, combining athleticism, sound temperament, and emotional steadiness in a package designed to thrive in modern life—whether at home, at work, or in training.  Still in its foundation stage, the American Moxie is being developed with integrity, collaboration, and purpose. By working with breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and canine experts, we are shaping a line of dogs that embodies health, intelligence, character, and true potential.

 

Goals for our line

We are seeking to partner with fellow devoted breeders who share our vision and commitment, working together to honor the same standards of care, integrity, and purpose. Our goal is to one day establish a breed club that preserves this devotion and carefully guides the development of the American Moxie, following the same blueprint for the breed’s future.

 

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