What do I look for in a German Shepherd breeder?

[Kaia Murphy]

Hi everyone,

Since I’m still in the learning phase, I’ve been starting to look into breeders and it feels a little overwhelming. There are so many out there and I honestly don’t know what I should be focusing on.

For those of you who’ve already been through it, what are the most important things to look for in a good german shepherd breeder? Are there any red flags I should watch out for? I obviously know I should get a dog with some health tests but not sure what? I also know to get a registered dog.

I want to make sure I do this right and set myself (and my future pup) up for the best start possible. Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

 

[Malakai The Great]

Great question, Kaia and welcome again. Don’t worry, everyone feels a bit overwhelmed at first. Picking the right breeder is one of the biggest steps you’ll take, and the fact that you’re asking these questions tells me you’re already on the right track.


A few things I always look for in a good GSD breeder:

Health testing – At a minimum, you want to see proof of hips and elbows certified through OFA or SV, and ideally DM testing as well. Responsible breeders will be transparent with results.

Meet the parents – Spend time with at least the dam (mom) if you can. Temperament is hugely genetic in shepherds, and you’ll get a sense of what your pup may grow into.

Environment – Pups should be raised inside the home or in a clean, enriched space. Early socialization makes a world of difference for this breed.

Contracts and support – Reputable breeders usually have clear contracts, health guarantees, and a willingness to take the dog back if life ever throws you a curveball. They’ll also be there for you long after the sale with advice and guidance.

Red flags – No health clearances, unwillingness to let you visit or meet the dam, “always having puppies available,” or pushing you to decide quickly are all things to be wary of.


Take your time, ask every question you can think of, and don’t feel pressured into anything. The right breeder will be patient and transparent. And when you find the right pup, all the research will feel so worth it.


You’re doing great, keep us updated on your search.

 

[Kaia Murphy]

Great question, Kaia and welcome again. Don’t worry, everyone feels a bit overwhelmed at first. Picking the right breeder is one of the biggest steps you’ll take, and the fact that you’re asking these questions tells me you’re already on the right track.


A few things I always look for in a good GSD breeder:

Health testing – At a minimum, you want to see proof of hips and elbows certified through OFA or SV, and ideally DM testing as well. Responsible breeders will be transparent with results.

Meet the parents – Spend time with at least the dam (mom) if you can. Temperament is hugely genetic in shepherds, and you’ll get a sense of what your pup may grow into.

Environment – Pups should be raised inside the home or in a clean, enriched space. Early socialization makes a world of difference for this breed.

Contracts and support – Reputable breeders usually have clear contracts, health guarantees, and a willingness to take the dog back if life ever throws you a curveball. They’ll also be there for you long after the sale with advice and guidance.

Red flags – No health clearances, unwillingness to let you visit or meet the dam, “always having puppies available,” or pushing you to decide quickly are all things to be wary of.


Take your time, ask every question you can think of, and don’t feel pressured into anything. The right breeder will be patient and transparent. And when you find the right pup, all the research will feel so worth it.


You’re doing great, keep us updated on your search.

Thank you so much, this really clears things up for me. I didn’t even realize breeders could be that different when it comes to things like contracts or letting you meet the mom. The “always having puppies available” point especially makes sense, I wouldn’t have thought of that as a red flag but now I see why it is.

I’ll definitely take my time and keep these in mind when I start reaching out. Really appreciate you breaking it down in such an easy way to understand!

 

[murph]

Great question, Kaia and welcome again. Don’t worry, everyone feels a bit overwhelmed at first. Picking the right breeder is one of the biggest steps you’ll take, and the fact that you’re asking these questions tells me you’re already on the right track.


A few things I always look for in a good GSD breeder:

Health testing – At a minimum, you want to see proof of hips and elbows certified through OFA or SV, and ideally DM testing as well. Responsible breeders will be transparent with results.

Meet the parents – Spend time with at least the dam (mom) if you can. Temperament is hugely genetic in shepherds, and you’ll get a sense of what your pup may grow into.

Environment – Pups should be raised inside the home or in a clean, enriched space. Early socialization makes a world of difference for this breed.

Contracts and support – Reputable breeders usually have clear contracts, health guarantees, and a willingness to take the dog back if life ever throws you a curveball. They’ll also be there for you long after the sale with advice and guidance.

Red flags – No health clearances, unwillingness to let you visit or meet the dam, “always having puppies available,” or pushing you to decide quickly are all things to be wary of.


Take your time, ask every question you can think of, and don’t feel pressured into anything. The right breeder will be patient and transparent. And when you find the right pup, all the research will feel so worth it.


You’re doing great, keep us updated on your search.

Man I just made a post about this and you wrote this so much better than me. You're such a great writer, I wish I would have seen this first.

 

[Malakai The Great]

Man I just made a post about this and you wrote this so much better than me. You're such a great writer, I wish I would have seen this first.

Haha, thank you Murph, that means a lot. I bet your post covered the same ground, just in your own voice. Always cool to see more people helping newcomers make better choices for the breed. The more solid info out there, the better for everyone.

 

[murph]

Thank you so much, this really clears things up for me. I didn’t even realize breeders could be that different when it comes to things like contracts or letting you meet the mom. The “always having puppies available” point especially makes sense, I wouldn’t have thought of that as a red flag but now I see why it is.

I’ll definitely take my time and keep these in mind when I start reaching out. Really appreciate you breaking it down in such an easy way to understand!

Also, if the price is too good to be true. A well bred GSD should cost around a minimum of $1500 imo

Not only did i meet my dos dam and sire, i also met her grand dam. She's 12 and still very spry!

I like seeing the results of the breeding program to give me an idea of how the puppies will turn out. $1500-$5,000 is a big initial investment, but it's cheaper than hip dysplasia and definitely better than your dog dying of DM.

(Murphy cost $1,800 in 2020)

 

[Kaia Murphy]

Also, if the price is too good to be true. A well bred GSD should cost around a minimum of $1500 imo

Not only did i meet my dos dam and sire, i also met her grand dam. She's 12 and still very spry!

I like seeing the results of the breeding program to give me an idea of how the puppies will turn out. $1500-$5,000 is a big initial investment, but it's cheaper than hip dysplasia and definitely better than your dog dying of DM.

(Murphy cost $1,800 in 2020)

That makes a lot of sense, and I really like how you put that “cheaper than hip dysplasia and definitely better than your dog dying of DM.” It really puts the investment into perspective.

Meeting the dam, sire, and even the grand dam must’ve been such great reassurance too! Did seeing them in person help you get a sense of what Murphy’s temperament might be like early on?

 

[murph]

That makes a lot of sense, and I really like how you put that “cheaper than hip dysplasia and definitely better than your dog dying of DM.” It really puts the investment into perspective.

Meeting the dam, sire, and even the grand dam must’ve been such great reassurance too! Did seeing them in person help you get a sense of what Murphy’s temperament might be like early on?

Murphy looks like her dad with her mom's personality... her mom is scary.... if her mom is a 12, Murphy is a 9

 

[Malakai The Great]

Welcome, Tempest and Natasha! Love the dynamic already, sounds like she’s got the “selective energy” trait mastered. Classic shepherd move: full zoomies one minute, existential nap the next. Glad to have you both here, can’t wait to see more of your duo around the forum!