What kind of German Shepherd Dogs do you breed?

We breed working-line German Shepherds either directly imported or descending from superlative working bloodlines in Europe.   Our puppies and dogs have good-to-exceptional aptitudes, strong nerves and confidence, and are started on basic or advanced training. These are all-purpose working or companion dogs bred for balanced temperament, moderate drives, health and soundness of nerve and character.   Dogs that present higher drives and activity levels are offered for evaluation and acquisition by either purchase order or donation to law enforcement, SAR, military, therapy, etc.  The drives of the dogs often depend on the drives of the parents of any given litter.  We prefer naturally protective pets and companions, but occasionally we get dogs that are significantly more powerful, drive-oriented dogs that would excel in a true working environment rather than just as companion dogs.   We breed to standard size, muscular, well-constructed males and females, generally blacks, black and tans, and sables.   We have chosen our foundation dogs based on their health, bloodlines, temperaments and beauty.  The working dog, in and of itself, is a thing of beauty in its function as well as its form.  

Do you show your dogs or compete?

Not right now; it is not the focus of our breeding program or mission at this point in time.   We are focused on perpetuating and maintaining our dogs' health, so we do not expose them to other dogs in a show or competition venue very often.  All of our breeding stock has been selected from highly-designated, proven working German bloodlines with many working titles, from notable dogs and kennels.  Some of our puppies have gone through Schutzhund training, or are training for SAR.  

Schutzhund, IPO, BH are like college or university for dogs.  When we are financially able, we will have our dogs compete for titles, if ever.  Clients are welcome and encouraged to optimize their relationship with their dogs and put them through school and training, to whatever level or service that dog is able to achieve.  Several of our clients have dogs currently in Schutzhund, agility, dual and single purpose law enforcement training and the reports are that they are doing extremely well.  We will update with any achievements as they are realized.

What kind of health screens do you perform?

Complete veterinary workup, current on required vaccines, bloodwork, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), OFA cardiac and thyroid, radiography on hips and elbows, and DNA analyses for selected inherited diseases and genetic markers.  We utilize OFA, PennHIP and MyDogDNA methodologies, processes, and ratings.      

Are your dogs protection dogs, pets, or both?

German Shepherds are naturally protective of their territory and their people.  The bark or mere presence of a German Shepherd is going to be a serious deterrent to anyone entering your premises or personal space without your permission as well as a force multiplier.  For property protection, having one or more German Shepherd Dogs is going to alert you to anything out of the ordinary because they can smell it better and sense it better. Intruders can disable a phone, cable or fiber-optic line, but disabling a German Shepherd Dog or, even better, multiple dogs, is something of an unknown quantity to would-be burglars and home intruders.   German Shepherds need training to be full-on protection dogs.   Obedience, protection, PSA, IPO, BH, Schutzhund, and other training strongly recommended if you want to rely more on your dog's bark than its bite.   To that end, keep in mind that an unknown quantity can also become a liability.    Train and work with your dog (s) regularly and properly.