"I love the German Shepherd Dog, and would do all in my power to keep both him and his friends from harm and misfortune." - Max von Stephanitz - Founder of the German Shepherd Breed

We have developed lasting friendships and relationships with the owners of dogs we have placed. We take responsibility to ensure that our dogs are placed and cared for in a safe and healthy environment. As people of faith, we conduct ourselves in an ethical manner that reflect our care, concern and integrity. We keep in contact and keep track of our dogs and their owners. Please read our expectations of owner obligations before we place our dogs.

Cost and Price of a Quality German Shepherd Dog
One of the first questions a potential owners will ask is the cost of a dog. Here is a guide on price/costs for a puppy... Few potential owners have an understanding what is involved in quality breeding. We are members of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and are bound by a Code of Ethics concerning sales of dogs. Members utilize contracts to protect all parties involved to protect the buyer, the seller and to protect the actual dog itself. These ethical breeders have conditions of sale... concepts foreign to many buyers. These conditions also include guarantees and warranties on the dogs they sell.

A brief explanation is needed of the costs involved in getting a dog from us:

• Costs of obtaining the parent/s, the care and maintenance of the dog - food, shelter, vitamins, medicine, and vaccines in care of parents

• Costs involved in training, titling in competitions, proving each individual dog's breed worthiness, -  (some dogs do not pass), cost of trainers, groomers, handlers, competitions and fees, related transportation, hotels

• Costs of Health and DNA testing of parents and the litter, (some dogs may not pass)

• Costs of breeding include stud fees and dam fees, veterinarian reproduction fees, microchips, vaccinations, equipment, puppy food, and medical care

• Costs of AKC and GSDCA Breed involvement fees, registration, education, classes, seminars, licensing

• Actual worth of the countless hours of time doing what is explained above

A better perspective would be the realization that buyers are reimbursing quality and ethical breeders and owners for just some of their costs and labors involved. Quality canines do not occur by chance or accident, Every quality canine purchased domestically is the result of dedication, sacrifice, and the blood, sweat, and tears of every breeder and owner in a dog’s pedigree. It is through decades and generations of selective breeding of every dog’s ancestors in its pedigree that produce high quality canines. While we often negotiate costs, guarantees, breeding rights and other related subjects, we will not negotiate owner obligations and responsibilities.

Do you understand "Bonding," and what a "Forever Home" is?
German Shepherds bond very closely and become attached to their owners, often to the extent that rehoming can cause behavioral problems brought on by insecurity. If you are considering obtaining a dog, but don’t know what will happen to the dog should you become ill/move/get a new job/get married/have children/etc., please don’t get a German Shepherd Dog, (or any pet, for that matter...) wait until your situation becomes stable!

This breed's average life span is 10 to 14 years, so you must be prepared to commit for the dog's  lifetime. In addition, this bond requires that your dog live with you, not solely confined in a kennel or chained in the yard. Like several other breeds, the German Shepherd is a very social animal and needs to be part of a pack family. Pack animals want close and frequent interaction with others and this applies especially to German Shepherds.

Because German Shepherds bond to their owners, they should not be rehomed except for exceptional reasons. Because of societal irresponsible pet ownership, dog pounds and rescues are full. We will always take back a dog we have placed. Sometimes owners have inhumanely dumped and abandoned their animals without regard for them as living, breathing, feeling beings. Responsible breeders will encourage responsible owners. Breeders acting in good faith are often unjustly blamed for the lack of responsible pet owners. OWNING A PET IS A PRIVILEGE and should result in a beneficial relationship for both the owner and pet. However, the benefits of pet ownership come with obligations, and responsible pet owners provide for their pet’s needs in many ways. Read the American Veterinary Medical Association brochure on Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership...

Have you ever owned a German Shepherd Dog, and do you understand what a Working Dog is?
We are sure you have a general understanding of the German Shepherd Breed. Yet we understand an “ideal German Shepherd Dog” may mean different things to different people, breeders, and potential owners. For example, if you’re looking for a lap dog or couch potato, consider a different line than ours, or a different breed.

We are breeders for the "Total Dog" which includes genetic lines of "Working Dogs." Our dogs have high drives and energy levels. This is the same energy and drive that allow these dogs to be suitable for military, police, search and rescue, guide and herding dogs. Sometimes these same attributes are the reasons why these dogs are surrendered or returned to their breeders. Ethical breeders have a responsibility to the offspring they breed and whelp by placing them with appropriate and responsible owners.

Another reason given by people surrendering German Shepherds is moving. Often apartment dwellers and landlords do not welcome large pets, let alone German Shepherd Dogs. If you don’t know where you will be living in a few years, it may not be the right time to get a German Shepherd Dog. We do NOT want you to get an animal that is "too much of a dog for you" only to return it because you can't handle it. We are trying to prevent buyer's remorse!

German Shepherds are highly intelligent!
Perhaps too smart for many owners. The breed was developed for service as a herding and general purpose working animal that "thinks." Their instinctual desire to "work" or do something is genetic, and is more stronger in some than in others. Most adults dogs are courageous, loyal, loving, protective, and intelligent. Without proper training, they can also be rambunctious, destructive of property, and exhausting to live with. It is up to you to guide and train your dog to suit your lifestyle and that of your family. They can sometimes be vocal, often whining and barking to communicate. If left alone for prolonged periods of time they may become problem barkers.

A healthy German Shepherd Dog is a large, active dog with a dense double coat. It is strong, powerful and very protective. Some call the breed a "German Shedder." This double coat sheds year round, and produces even greater volumes of fur when the dogs "blow their coat" bi-annually at different times of the year. Some shed more than others. For some owners, this is not a trivial point.

A German Shepherd Dog Requires Training!
A puppy class is not enough training. We want owners to take an obedience course to assure they are their dog's master and leader. Be prepared to socialize your dog by exposing your dog to as many people and situations as possible to develop its confidence. Vigorously exercise your adult dog at least 20 minutes daily. Brush the coat often. Trim nails, clean ears, and brush teeth as needed. Your dog needs training and a structured lifestyle to thrive in your home and become a Canine Good Citizen (CGC).

If you change your residence, make sure that your dog is welcome at your new address. Realize a German Shepherd Dog is a very social animal and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Before a problem gets out of hand be willing to contact us if you received the dog from us, your breeder, trainer, a canine behaviorist, or a member of a local dog club.

If potential owners want to obtain a quality purebred dog, they will want a dog sired and whelped from parents proven and titled in Conformation or other Performance Competitions. This is why we are not satisfied with mere mediocre purebred German Shepherd Dogs. There's a reason why people choose a particular purebred breed like the German Shepherd Dog. Choosing a breeder with OFA health checks and involved in Conformation and other Performance competitions with proven winning parents helps ensure a healthy dog can inherit the positive genetic attributes for the reputation of its breed. That's the actual purpose of the Breed Standard!

We do not place dogs in "Try Before You Buy" environments. We place dogs in forever homes. We warranty and guarantee our dogs, yet we cannot guarantee the responsibility, commitment and happiness of owners. So we will always take a dog back and include that in our contracts. There are reasons why a dog as a companion is "Man's Best Friend." Dogs are not inanimate objects or mere commodities. They are living beings worthy of respect and humane care and treatment. This is the reason we have a vetting process to ensure the best outcomes for both owner and dogs.

Not everyone will agree with our practices, philosophies, or our breeding program, and that is fine with us. There are many other breeders with different lines and philosophies from whom you can obtain German Shepherd Dogs, some whom are more experienced and knowledgeable than we are. Often our puppies are placed before they are even born. Most all of our placements are from satisfied owners referring potential owners to us.

Our breeders, trainers and mentors taught us some unfortunate truths and realities... Not every family can assume the responsibilities of ownership for any dog, especially a well-bred German Shepherd. Just as not every person may be a good parent, not every person may be a good dog owner. Even among good dog owners, a German Shepherd Dog may not be the best breed for them. This breed can be "high maintenance" and owners must be willing to put the effort required into training and owning a German Shepherd dog. Rescues and pounds are already full of dogs because of less than responsible breeders and owners, and it is our responsibility to make sure our dogs are not found in such places.  Contact us to learn more!