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Welcome to the Breeding Journal
For a long time, this journal existed quietly in a folder on my computer—labeled, organized, and created mostly for myself. Breeding is not just about puppies; long before a litter is born, there are countless hours of observation, science, ethics, planning, and sometimes very difficult decisions. While I understand that not everyone wants or needs to see this side of the work, I also believe that education—especially for novice breeders—is important. This Breeding Journal is a collection of real stories, experiences, and practices related specifically to breeding: what we’ve done, why we’ve done it, and what we’ve learned along the way. It is an ongoing space, and I promise to continue adding to it as our program evolves. Not every story here is intended for puppy families, and that’s perfectly okay. If this level of detail isn’t for you, we invite you to visit our Living with a German Shepherd blog, where we share reflections on dogs, families, and real life with our dogs. This section of our website is dedicated entirely to breeding—and to those who genuinely want to understand it more deeply.
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The Birth of the German Shepherd Dog
April 3, 1899 — The Birth of the German Shepherd Dog On this day in 1899, something extraordinary happened—something that would shape the future of working dogs, companionship, and canine excellence around the world. At a dog show in Germany, a young cavalry officer named Max von Stephanitz discovered a dog that immediately captured his attention. The dog was not flashy by modern standards, but he embodied everything von Stephanitz believed a working dog should be: intellige
Serge and Veronika
4 days ago2 min read
Thinking About Getting Two Puppies at Once?
What families should know about “littermate syndrome” One question we hear quite often is this: “We would love two puppies. Will you accept two deposits for two puppies from the same litter?” And the honest answer is always the same: The choice is yours. But we believe in being very upfront about the risks. When families ask about bringing home two puppies at once, what they are usually picturing is something very sweet: two best friends growing up side by side, keeping each
Serge and Veronika
Mar 266 min read
How to Read a German Shepherd Pedigree: Titles, Ratings & What Actually Matters
Understanding a German Shepherd pedigree goes far beyond reading names on a page. Each title, rating, and abbreviation tells a story of structure, temperament, health, and proven ability. From working titles like IGP to breed surveys like KKL, these details reveal the intention behind each generation. Learning to read them allows you to see not just where a dog comes from—but what it is truly capable of becoming.
Serge and Veronika
Mar 233 min read
A Holistic Approach to Flea & Tick Prevention for Dogs
Discover our holistic approach to flea and tick prevention for dogs at Vom Geliebten Haus. Instead of relying on a single product, we use layered protection including environmental management, herb gardens, free-range chickens, daily tick checks, and regular 4DX health screenings. Learn how natural repellents, including our botanical tick spray made with essential oils like cedarwood, citronella, and lavender, help support our dogs’ health while enjoying life on the farm.
Serge and Veronika
Mar 46 min read
World Spay Day: Awareness, Education, and Responsible Ownership
World Spay Day is observed every year on the fourth Tuesday of February , and it exists to raise awareness about pet overpopulation, shelter intake, and the role spaying and neutering can play in reducing unwanted litters. It is an important conversation — and like most important conversations in the dog and cat world, it deserves nuance, education, and honesty. Over the years, and especially recently, there has been a massive amount of new research, discussion, and professio
Serge and Veronika
Feb 254 min read
Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Good or Bad?
(And a Simple Homemade Treat Recipe) Yesterday was National Sweet Potato Day , and it’s the perfect time to talk about a question we hear often: Are sweet potatoes good for dogs? The short answer: yes—when used correctly. The longer answer is worth understanding, especially if you like making homemade treats or choosing whole-food snacks for your dog. Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs? Yes, sweet potatoes can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet when they are: Cooked properl
Serge and Veronika
Feb 232 min read
Puppy Scams Are Real — and They’re Breaking Families’ Hearts
Puppy scams are not rare, and they’re not obvious. They are widespread, sophisticated, and emotionally devastating—especially for families who are simply trying to do something joyful: welcome a puppy into their home. I want to talk about this openly, honestly, and from experience. This post is meant to educate, not shame. If even one family avoids heartbreak because of this information, it matters. What a Puppy Scam Really Is A puppy scam is not a disagreement about breeding
Serge and Veronika
Feb 233 min read
Why We Love Dogs
There are many animals we admire, many we care for, many we coexist with—but dogs are different. Our love for dogs runs deeper than preference or habit. It’s emotional, instinctive, and profoundly human. Across cultures, centuries, and lifestyles, dogs have earned a place not just beside us, but with us . So why do we love dogs so much? The answer isn’t simple—but it is beautiful. They Love Without Conditions Dogs love us exactly as we are. They don’t care about our productiv
Serge and Veronika
Feb 233 min read
National Walk Your Dog Day: Why Quality Walks Matter More Than Quantity
National Walk Your Dog Day is the perfect moment to pause and rethink what our daily walks really mean for our dogs. Too often, walks become a checkbox on a to-do list: distance logged, step count met, leash clipped and unclipped as fast as possible. But for dogs, a walk is not a fitness tracker—it’s an experience. The truth is this: a shorter, enriching walk can be far more beneficial than a long, rushed one . Let’s talk about why quality matters more than quantity , and ho
Serge and Veronika
Feb 223 min read
“Pet Quality” — What Does That Really Mean?
Few phrases in the dog world frustrate us more than the words “pet quality.” We see it everywhere—dozens of posts advertising German Shepherd puppies at bargain prices, proudly labeled pet quality , while the sire and dam have no show titles, no working titles, no health clearances, and often no documentation of any kind. Please stop. Please do not support this kind of breeding. We say this not out of arrogance or competition, but out of experience—and heartbreak. We have se
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
Dogs, Children, and Growing Up Together
Growing up, dogs were always part of our home. They weren’t accessories or background noise—they were family. They slept nearby, played in the yard, and stayed close when our parents were away, offering both companionship and a quiet sense of security. But more than that, they taught us—often without words—about responsibility, patience, empathy, and care. Those early experiences shaped how we live with dogs today and how we raise our puppies. We cannot imagine a household wi
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
Homemade Pumpkin Treats
Homemade Dog Treats: A Simple Recipe from Our Home to Yours There is something deeply satisfying about making food from scratch—especially when it’s for those we love most. These homemade dog treats come from the same philosophy that guides everything we do: simple ingredients, thoughtful choices, and respect for the bodies we are nourishing. This recipe was born out of everyday life with dogs on the farm. We wanted a treat that was wholesome, easy to digest, and versatile—so
Serge and Veronika
Feb 192 min read
Socialization Isn’t “Meet Everyone” — It’s “Learn How to Live in the World”
We talk about socialization a lot—during the first interview, again when your puppy goes home, and again in our follow-ups with families. And we do that on purpose. Socialization is one of the biggest predictors of the dog your puppy becomes. But here’s the part many people don’t realize: Socialization isn’t just going places and meeting people. Socialization is learning how to behave in those places, and how to behave around those people, animals, and everyday distraction
Serge and Veronika
Feb 194 min read
Deworming & Young Puppies
All young puppies are subject to internal parasites. Nearly all puppies are born with worms – most mothers have dormant larvae in their tissue. These larvae come to life at the end of the pregnancy and migrate into the new pups. We take de-worming seriously and all new litters of puppies are being regularly de-wormed while in our care. We follow the following protocol: Week 2: RFD once Week 4: RFD once Week 6: RFD once Week7: Safeguard three days in a row RFD Liquid Wor
Serge and Veronika
Feb 192 min read
Choosing a Veterinarian
So, you are a new pet owner OR you are awaiting for your puppy to come home in the nearest future and you are wondering how to choose a veterinarian? What is means to "have a veterinarian" and how much a veterinarian will be involved in the future of your puppy? If you are a pet owner and do not have a veterinarian yet - be aware that a veterinarian will be your new best friend! So, please choose carefully! You see, being a pet owner, you are in control where to take
Serge and Veronika
Feb 195 min read
Study on Early Spay & Neuter
We believe in educated choices. We believe that with our contract we provide both, a choice and education. We do not require spay or neuter per our signed agreement, we however, ask to wait until dog matures before doing the procedure. The information below provides plenty of reasons why we do this. Study on Early Spay & Neuter: ~ Neutering Dogs: Early Spay/Neuter by Gretel Torres de la Riva, Benjamin L. Hart , Thomas B. Farver , Anita M. Oberbauer , Locksley L. McV Messa
Serge and Veronika
Feb 1913 min read
RED FLAGS when searching for a puppy
So, you have chosen to get a puppy from a breeder, but is every breeder the same? How to understand if the breeder is honest and provides quality puppies? How not to get scammed? We will list some very common red flags here and will be happy to hear back from you! Share your stories and ask questions! Please note, that not all red flags mean "scam" - ask your breeder to explain and if you do not feel comfortable with the provided answer - run! In most cases, price point will
Serge and Veronika
Feb 1911 min read
WHEN DO GERMAN SHEPHERD EARS STAND UP?
Here’s What Every New Owner Should Know One of the most iconic features of a German Shepherd is their tall, upright ears. These expressive ears not only give them a noble appearance, but also serve as an early signal of maturity and development. If you're raising a GSD puppy, you might be wondering: When will those ears finally stand up? Let’s walk through what’s normal, what to expect, and what you can do to support healthy development. What’s the Typical Timeline for Germ
Serge and Veronika
Feb 194 min read
Puppies, Poop, and Real Life: A Gentle Truth About Potty Training
Who doesn’t love a puppy? The round belly. The chubby cheeks. The wiggly back end that somehow always looks a little too big for the rest of the body. Puppies are irresistible—and we absolutely love them. But here is the honest truth that every future puppy owner needs to hear: Bringing a puppy home is a lot like bringing home a toddler. And toddlers… make messes. If the idea of cleaning up poop makes you uncomfortable, frustrated, or angry, it’s important to pause and rethin
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
Puppy Buying 101: How to Find the Right Start for a Lifetime Companion
Bringing a puppy into your home is one of the most joyful decisions you can make—but it is also one that deserves patience, intention, and care. A puppy is not a short-term commitment or an impulse purchase. It is a living being who will rely on you for guidance, safety, and love for the next 10 to 15 years . The good news is that there are ways to ensure that your search leads you to a healthy, well-raised puppy and a breeder who truly stands behind their dogs. Puppy buying
Serge and Veronika
Feb 194 min read
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