Our Breeding Program & Philosophy

 

What dogs do you breed?

We breed West German Show Line German Shepherd Dogs exclusively.

We do not breed:

• American show lines

• High-drive working lines

• Mixed or experimental lines

Our program focuses on correct structure, stable temperament, longevity, and adherence to the German Shepherd Dog breed standard.

 

Why did you choose West German Show Lines?

West German Show Lines represent the foundation of the breed as it was originally intended: a versatile, intelligent, confident dog with sound nerves, balanced drives, and correct anatomy.

Our dogs are bred to be:

• Stable and environmentally sound

• Structurally correct and athletic

• Suitable for active family life, sport, or showing

 

Do you breed for variety (size, color, type)?

No. Consistency is intentional.

Our dogs are very similar in:

• Structure

• Size

• Temperament

• Coat type and color

We believe consistency reflects a well-established, thoughtful breeding program.

 

Color, Coat & Appearance

 

What colors do you breed?

We breed red and black German Shepherds only.

We do not breed:

• Solid black

• White

• Blue

• Liver

• Panda

• Any other off or non-standard colors

 

Do your dogs carry off-color genes?

No.

We perform genetic testing and do not breed dogs that carry genes for non-standard colors.

We do not believe in breeding for novelty or color variety, as this often comes at the expense of health, structure, or temperament.

 

Temperament, Lifestyle & Fit

 

What kind of temperament do your dogs have?

Our dogs are bred for balanced, stable temperaments.

They are:

• Confident but not sharp

• Social but not chaotic

• Intelligent and trainable

• Not extreme in drive

German Shepherds require structure, engagement, and leadership. They are not a low-maintenance breed.

 

Are your dogs good with children and other pets?

When properly raised, trained, and supervised, German Shepherds can be excellent family dogs.

That said, training, management, and supervision are always the owner’s responsibility.

 

Are your puppies suitable for first-time dog owners?

Some puppies may be appropriate for first-time owners, but not every home is a good fit for a German Shepherd.

We screen families carefully to ensure a responsible and realistic match.

 

Health, Genetics & Ethics

 

What health testing do you perform?

Our breeding dogs are selected with health, structure, and longevity in mind.

Testing may include:

• Hips and elbows

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

• DNA testing as appropriate

 

What is your genetic health guarantee?

Each puppy:

• Receives a full veterinary exam prior to placement

• Comes with vaccination and deworming records

Buyers agree to:

• Have the puppy examined by their veterinarian within 3 business days

After that period, we offer a 24-month genetic health guarantee against severe hereditary conditions.

Veterinary expenses and trauma-related injuries are not covered.

 

Do you spay or neuter puppies before placement?

No.

We do not support early spay/neuter and encourage families to educate themselves and make informed decisions with their veterinarian.

 

Puppy Raising, Selection & Placement

 

How are puppies raised?

Our puppies are raised with hands-on care from birth, including:

• Early neurological stimulation

• Age-appropriate social exposure

• Careful observation of temperament development

They are not kennel-raised.

 

How do you choose which puppy goes to which family?

Families do not choose puppies — we do this together.

Placement is based on:

• Temperament

• Energy level

• Structure

• Family lifestyle and goals

Personality becomes clear around 7 weeks of age, which is when placement decisions are made.

If you are looking to “pick a puppy,” our program may not be the right fit.

 

Is placement first-come, first-served?

No.

We do not offer:

• Pick-of-the-litter

• Priority selection based on payment

• Auction-style placements

 

When can I take my puppy home?

Puppies go home at 8 weeks and 1 day or later.

Early placement is not recommended, as time with the mother and littermates is critical for development.

 

Ownership, Registration & Co-Ownership

 

Are your puppies registered?

Yes. All puppies are sold with  AKC registration application. Whether registration is completed by the buyer is the buyer’s decision. Per our signed contract buyers must complete AKC registration within 30 days after the purchase. Not completing AKC registration does not change the ownership and pricing remains the same.

 

Do you offer co-ownerships?

No.

When we sell a puppy, we sell it with full ownership rights.
We do not:

• Retain breeding rights

• Retain showing rights

• Hold contracts that restrict ownership

We do not believe in holding “strings” over families after placement.

 

Would you consider co-owning a dog with me?

No. We do not co-own dogs placed in companion or breeding homes.

 

Stud Service

 

Do you offer stud service?

Yes, select stud service may be available.

Stud service is offered only:

• To approved females

• With appropriate health testing

• With pedigrees that align with our program

Stud service is not publicly available and is considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Pricing, Discounts & Value

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How much do your puppies cost?

We discuss pricing extensively throughout our website, including a dedicated page explaining the true cost of a well-bred German Shepherd.

In the United States, families seeking a responsibly bred, quality German Shepherd should realistically expect a price point around $4,000.

Dogs priced significantly lower are often lacking in health testing, structure, ethical breeding practices, or long-term breeder support.

 

Do you offer military or service discounts?

No.

While we deeply respect military and service members, we do not offer discounts based on profession.
Our dogs are not bred as working-line or service dogs.

 

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes — returning families purchasing a second or third dog from us may qualify for a loyalty discount.

 

Waiting List, Deposits & Availability

 

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes. Most puppies are reserved before or shortly after birth.

 

Are deposits refundable?

Deposits are non-refundable, with limited transfer options depending on circumstances. All terms are explained prior to placement on the waiting list.

 

Do you ever have older dogs available?

Occasionally, we retain puppies for training or evaluation.

If an older dog becomes available, placement is handled carefully. Please contact us directly.

 

Visits, Updates & Communication

 

Can we visit the puppies?

For health and biosecurity reasons, we do not allow visitors to interact with puppies prior to placement.

Families receive frequent photo and video updates.

 

Do you provide buyer references?

Only if a family has voluntarily agreed to serve as a reference.

We do not:

• Share contact information without permission

• Publish buyer information online

 

Transportation & Location

 

Do you ship puppies?

Yes.

We offer:

• Ground transport (approximately $2 per mile)

• Air cargo (approximately $500 at 8 weeks)

We assist families in arranging safe transport.

 

Where are you located?

We are located in Wisconsin.

 

Returns & Lifetime Responsibility

 

Can I return my dog?

Yes.

We will always take back any dog we have bred, for any reason, at any time.

No refunds are given.

Our dogs are never to be surrendered to shelters or rescues.

 

Veterinary Care

 

Who is your veterinarian?

Dr David Pillman; Hoof & Paw Veterinary Clinic, Menomonie WI

 

Our Dogs

 

How many dogs do you have?

All dogs in our program are listed on this website under Males and Females.

We own all breeding females.
Stud dogs may be owned by us or by reputable breeders we trust.

 

Final note

If you’ve read this entire page and feel aligned with our philosophy, values, and approach — we’d love to hear from you.

If not, we fully respect that different breeders serve different goals, and we encourage you to choose a program that truly fits your expectations.

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