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distinctive German Shepherd Dogs
since 1984
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does quality count?
The Purebred Dilemna. When looking for a German Shepherd puppy, does the quality of the breeding really make a difference? If both parents are purebreds, won't their offspring possess the soundness, confidence, loyalty, and trainability of a good German Shepherd Dog? Aren't they all the same?
No. Not all German Shepherd Dogs are the same. Many "papered purebreds" are poor imitations, lacking the strength of character and structure of the original German Shepherd Dog. Generations of improper breedings have weakened structure, temperament, and health. As the German Shepherd Dog gained popularity, regional differences began appearing as certain traits were exaggerated to accommodate particular tastes and trends. Not all of these traits upheld the strict characteristics envisioned by the father of the breed, Max vom Stephanitz.
In nature, usually the highest ranking male and female canine are the only pair to breed, ensuring their superior genes are passed on. The lower ranking animals-those too young to prove themselves, the old, the sickly, and the weak - are prohibited from passing down unwanted characteristics that might devastate the species.
When man intervenes, he must be very careful to choose only those specimens who have proven themselves to be the best representatives of their breed, fit in mind, body, and spirit, thus mirroring natural selection. Unfortunately, far too many litters are the result of chance, greed, indifference, or catering to a passing fad. These hapless breedings create health problems that tug at the new puppy owner's heart and purse strings and often result in shaky temperaments that increase the likelihood of behavior problems such as the fear-biter. There are far too many unhealthy relationships and homeless dogs for a breeder to be so callous. A good breeder breeds to uphold the standards and improve his beloved breed, a great breeder considers it his passion, a science, and an art form.
A great dog, begins with a great breeding but it doesn't end there. First nature and then nurture. A puppy's early environment plays a vital part in his well-being, physically, intellectually, and socially. Therefore, a great dog also depends on the early, knowledgeable care of a great breeder.
Dr. Pfaffenberger emphatically states in his timeless book, The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior, "A puppy who has had no socialization before it is sixteen weeks of age has little chance of becoming the sort of dog that any one of us would want as a companion." "The time is so short-from twenty-one to one hundrend and twelve days in all (thirteen weeks all together)-and once it is gone it can never be retrieved. The implications of what this short time means in the development of a dog are so great that it well behooves puppy raisers to employ this time wisely. It can never be made up at an older age.""
Max and Clarence knew so long ago that the making of a great German Shepherd Dog depends on the knowledge, care, and nurture of dog lovers, dog lovers who breed only a few select litters a year in order to give their puppies the required attention, care, and stimulation they need to become great dogs. Dog lovers who train, test, and live with their dogs. Dog lovers who do not have haphazard breedings, but carefully research pedigrees, temperament and health to ensure the best breeding possible. Dog lovers who spend the time and effort to raise their puppies in the best possible environment.
"Why should I care about any of this? I just want a dog for my family" Because 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters EVERY year and over 25% of the dogs in shelters are PUREBRED. Humane Society Yes, purebred dogs, many of them German Shepherds, end up in shelters. The cute Christmas puppy, the impulse purchase, the pet store find, the poorly bred dog, or the puppy/owner mismatch all resulted in a sour relationship and eventually a homeless dog. Out of love and responsiblity, many other families learn to deal with health or behavior problems that tug at their heart and their purse strings and make for a less than ideal relationship. Finding an exceptional breeder matters to you, because a dog is a 13-year commitment and a great breeder is often the difference between a rocky relationship and a great one.
We are passionate German Shepherd Dog lovers that follow Max's and Clarence's advice, breeding very few dogs of only the highest standards, then raising them with extraordinary attention to detail. We live with our dogs, train them, and compete with them. They grow with us and our children. We interview prospective owners to ensure they understand the work involved in caring for a dog and that they will cultivate an environment suitable to raising one of our beloved German Shepherd Dogs. And, we educate our new puppy owners by giving them a new puppy "Owner's Manual" and lots of free advice. Doesn't your family deserve this level of care and attention?
Call us today at (203) 232-8018
more information
To learn about the training services John offers, click here.
For more quotes from Max vom Stephanitz, click here.
For more information about Shutzhund, canine behavior, or the German Shepherd Dog, read one of the many articles that we have had published in national and international dog magazines, including Schutzhund USA, The German Shepherd Quarterly, and DogWorld.
Respected around the world, we have played host to or trained with many top trainers, judges, and dogsport competitors--we have had the privilege to call many of them "friend." For a walk down memory lane, visit over the years.
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 Bona vom Wunderhund
Schutzhund 3
Ranked #1 for Schutzhund 1
Top 10 for Schutzhund 2
OFA: Excellent
Bona and her family
Nature AND Nurture!
 Ellie vom Wunderhund
100 pts Tracking
 Ellie's mom Dixie
 Ufa !!
Shown here at 15 months
Phil Hoelcher, Decoy
 Hobo vom Wunderhund
Schutzhund 2
Top 10 for Schutzhund 1
Hobo protecting his home
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