My Tips on How to Find a Good German Shepherd Breeder

[Malakai The Great]

Finding the right German Shepherd breeder is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, not just for your dog’s health and temperament, but for your peace of mind. The GSD is an incredible breed when bred with care, purpose, and understanding. Unfortunately, not all breeders follow the same standards.

Here’s how to separate the ethical breeders from the rest and make sure you’re supporting those who put the breed first.

Step 1: Research the Breeder’s Purpose​

Every good breeder has a clear purpose behind their program, not just producing “pretty puppies.”

Ask yourself:

• Are they breeding for working ability, structure, or versatility (not just color or looks)?
• Do they title or test their breeding dogs in IGP, obedience, scent work, or show events?
• Are they familiar with the German Shepherd standard (SV or CKC/AKC)?

Breeding should be about preserving and improving the breed, not chasing trends or profit.

Step 2: Ask About Health Testing​

A responsible breeder will have no problem showing you health certificates.
Essential tests include:

• Hips and Elbows (OFA or SV a-stamp certified)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) genetic testing
• Embark or equivalent panel for hereditary diseases
• Heart and eye clearances, depending on lineage

If they say “we don’t need testing, our dogs are healthy,” walk away. Every line, no matter how strong, can carry hidden issues.

Step 3: Observe Temperament and Drive​

Meet (or at least see videos of) the parent dogs. A good breeder knows their dogs inside and out: personality, strengths, and quirks.

Look for:

• Confidence and stability in new environments
• Balanced drive. Not overly nervous or overly aggressive
• Clear-headed, biddable dogs that can both work and relax

Ask how they evaluate puppy temperaments and place pups with the right homes. Ethical breeders don’t sell purely on “first come, first serve.”

Step 4: Review Puppy Raising Practices​

Early development is everything. A great breeder invests time and love into every litter.

Good signs:

• ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and sound desensitization
• Exposure to surfaces, noises, and people in a positive way
• Puppies raised inside the home, not in outdoor pens or barns
• Clean, structured environments and socialization starting from day one

Ask: “What do you do to prepare your puppies for their new homes?”
Their answer will tell you everything.

Step 5: Review the Contract and Support​

A good breeder will have a detailed contract that shows care and accountability.
Look for:

• Health guarantee (1–2 years minimum for hips and elbows)
• Return clause - they will take back any dog they produce, at any time
• Limited registration for pet homes unless you’re a verified breeder/trainer
• Lifetime breeder support - they should be open to calls, updates, and questions

If the contract is vague or non-existent, it’s a red flag.

Step 6: Red Flags to Watch Out For​

Avoid breeders who:

• Have multiple litters available year-round
• Don’t screen buyers or ask about your lifestyle
• Sell based on rare colors (blue, panda, white, liver, etc.)
• Won’t let you visit or FaceTime to see the dogs
• Use “DM clear parents” as their only selling point
• Say “papers pending” or “AKC registered” as proof of quality. registration ≠ ethics

Remember: flashy ads don’t equal good breeding. Look for substance, not sales.

Step 7: Build a Relationship, Not Just a Purchase​

The best breeders see buyers as partners, not customers. They want updates, training progress, and long-term connection.

Ask about:

• Follow-up support for training or nutrition
• Community (do they have a group, alumni page, or GSD network?)
• How they handle issues post-sale

You’re not just buying a puppy, you’re joining a lineage of care, ethics, and shared values.

 

[Kaia Murphy]

This is exactly what I needed

 

[MyDogBitz]

Great write-up.

 

[Andre]

Really great post Malakai, thanks for going in detail about the red and green flags of breeders!

 

[Mr. Schmucks]

Great steplist for breeders

 

[In the North]

The best dog I ever had came from exactly such a breeder. She retired and passed away. I think her partner tried to carry on for a while, but things were never the same after that.

Nowadays I look for rescues, because there are are so many abandoned and forlorn GSDs out there that don't deserve neglect, and who still have the heart, if maybe not the health, that I can't live without.

 

[Malakai The Great]

The best dog I ever had came from exactly such a breeder. She retired and passed away. I think her partner tried to carry on for a while, but things were never the same after that.

Nowadays I look for rescues, because there are are so many abandoned and forlorn GSDs out there that don't deserve neglect, and who still have the heart, if maybe not the health, that I can't live without.

There’s something special about the dogs we get from truly intentional breeders, the ones who understand nerve, temperament, and long-term stability. When those people retire, it leaves a gap you can’t just replace with a kennel name or a pedigree. You’re not just buying a dog; you’re buying the judgment of the person behind it.

And I respect your shift toward rescue. You’re right, there are a lot of good shepherds out there who ended up in bad situations through no fault of their own. Even if they don’t come with the clean genetics or clean health history, many of them still carry that same heart, that same willingness to bond deeply when someone finally shows up for them.

It takes a different kind of commitment, but it’s no less meaningful. A well-bred dog and a well-loved rescue each teach you something different, and both can leave a mark you feel for the rest of your life.