There's no doubt that bringing a German Shepherd into your life will be one of the best decisions ever! These dogs are active, protective, and very loyal.
When adopting or buying a German Shepherd, you'll want to make sure you are only doing business with the best German Shepherd breeders.
How To Spot A Reputable Breeder
There are several German Shepherd breeders available nowadays, which can make choosing one very hard.
The breeder should have a lot of experience and knowledge. They should be able to discuss the breed at length and should know extensively about the history, temperament, and breeding of German Shepherds.
They should be able to provide details about the parents and grandparents of the puppy, along with records. In most facilities, you should be able to meet the parent dogs as well.
Beware of breeders who breed for superficial reasons! Breeders who breed for specific looks or who only emphasize the appearance of each dog is doing it for the wrong reasons.
The breeder should provide vaccination and medical records for each dog up for sale or adoption. All certifications and x-rays on file should be verified by an official organization like the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals).
Best German Shepherd Breeders USA
We have compiled a list of the top German Shepherd breeders in the USA and divided them into their geographical locations. Read on to find out!
Best German Shepherd Breeders East Coast
Two reputed kennels on the East Coast are Blackthorn and Haus Morrison.
Blackthorn Working German Shepherds
Blackthorn breeders are located in Barboursville, Virginia, and have been breeding quality working line German Shepherd Dogs since 1996.
The owner has been working with German Shepherds since 1992 and has been doing dog sports and Schutzhund events. They have been Breed Warden and Tattooer for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
They breed dogs that can work and also have fun. They do not breed very often, and when they do, they make sure that the dogs are active, playful, and intelligent.
OFA and DNA test certifications are provided for each dog.
Haus Morrison German Shepherds
These breeders are based in Frederick County, Maryland
They breed German Shepherds for several purposes. This includes dogs for sport, Schutzhund competitions, for police protection, and search and rescues. They also breed and train dogs that will be suitable for households.
They primarily breed Czech or Czech cross lines. They pride themselves on breeding dogs with longevity, structure, great temperament, and also working ability.
Their website is very detailed and provides information on every aspect of the dog’s upbringing.
The OFA certificate of hip and health for every dog they sell. They also conduct the Zuchwert Breed Value Assessment that is an average of both parents of a breeding pair. The average for German Shepherds is 100. A score lower than 100 is desirable as it indicates that there is a lower chance of hip problems in their offspring.
Best German Shepherd Breeders In Florida
The best breeders in Florida are Southernwind Kennels and South Florida Shepherds.
Southernwind Kennels
They are based in Brooksville, Florida, and the owners got into showing training dogs in the 1970s. They then became breed and temperament test judges with breed specializing in German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Labrador Retrievers.
Their dogs are known for being bred to perform, and many of their dogs join the police units or service dogs. The owners have a background in training police horses. With this experience, they created a special desensitizing routine that is used on all their puppies.
South Florida Shepherds
They are based in Miami, Florida.
They started in Germany in 1980 and then started breeding in America in 1996. They breed German Shepherds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
They breed top show line and working German Shepherds. Their puppies go to loving homes, the police forces, and protection services. Their working line puppies are imported from East Germany and the Czech Republic.
They are hobby breeders, they only breed occasionally to continue their show and working lines. Dogs from these breeders have health screenings, DNA tests, and OFA certified hips and elbows.
The puppies for sale come with their vaccinations updated, are dewormed, and microchipped. They offer a genetic health guarantee, lifetime support, AKC (American Kennel Club) registration papers, and a useful puppy starter package.
Best German Shepherd Breeders In California
Nadelhaus German Shepherds of California
Nadelhaus are German shepherd breeders in North California in Corning City. This kennel has been active for 30 years. They mainly breed dogs for working, conformation ratings and to compete for Schutzhund titles.
They also breed and raise puppies for families and provide services even after the dogs have been sold.
All of their puppies are vet checked, trained, and vaccinated. They have also been socialized and temperament tested by a professional trainer.
Nadelhaus is a member of German Shepherd Associations in Germany, and their dogs are purely from pure German Shepherd bloodlines.
Lundborg-land German Shepherds
Lundborg-land German Shepherds is located in Perris, Southern California.
They breed Schutzhund dogs for work and even for families. They have been in the breeding field for 30 years. They are known for having spacious, well-made kennels for their dogs, which provides a great growth environment.
They provide OFA certifications and breed only pure German bloodlines.
If you do plan to visit their facility, the owners themselves will take you on tour and help you with the selection of your dog.
Best German Shepherd Breeders Midwest
Vom Ragnar German Shepherds
They are based in Chicago, Illinois, and the kennel is run by the owner along with a licensed veterinarian.
They have a spacious facility and only breed a few litters per year. They are more focused on breeding healthy dogs with good bloodlines over a large number of dogs. They breed to the established standards and are registered with the AKC and Shutzhund.
These dogs are raised and socialized in a home environment with children and other dogs. They are known to provide dogs that win competitions and provide work and personal protection. They also ship puppies around the USA and even worldwide!
Roche’s German Shepherds
This kennel is based in East Troy, Wisconsin.
They have been breeding German Shepherds since 2009 and work with dogs from top West German Shepherd lines.
When the puppies are born, the mother and the children are provided extra rooms away from the other dogs and receive special attention. When the puppies are only a few days old, they are given Early Neurological Stimulation. This stimulation strengthens the heart, increases the immunity to disease, and produces a greater tolerance to stress.
As they grow up, the puppies also are introduced to new activities and socialized with people of all ages.
Concluding Thoughts
Now that we have listed the top German Shepherd breeders all around the USA, you won’t have to worry about which one to choose!
All of the above are trustworthy choices that breed and raise their dogs with care, love, and according to guidelines!