[sparklebacon]

Hi all, I can’t seem find a breeder that is reputable, has good prices and isn’t super prestigious. I also don’t want them to be a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. My budget is preferably $500-$1000 but if I can’t pay that without sacrificing their health then I am willing to pay up to $2000. Here are some of the things that I am looking for in a GSD. Good heath (screening for hip and elbow dysplasia and any other heath screening it needs), working line dog that isn’t bred for a slanted back, a contract and anything else that would make a reputable breeder.

-Thank you!! 😄

 

[LeoRose]

German Shepherd. Not Shepard.

A working line dog usually costs less than a show line dog, but you still aren't going to find a well-bred one from a good breeder for only $500 to $1000, so the $2000 is a more reasonable expectation.
You will get a wider variety of recommendations if you post on German Shepherd Dog Forums

 

[DaySleepers]

May or may not be driveable depending on where you are in VA, but Marcato German Shepherds in Western PA does everything I could ever dream of asking for from a breeder. I'm not even a GSD person and I'd love one of their dogs just because of the amount of care and support she offers.

She does show, but also prioritizes utility and titles her dogs in other venues (including actually herding sheep) and has bred out to working IPO/IGP/Schutzhund/whatever it's called these days dogs. She has lots of pictures of her dogs on her Facebook if you want to decide if they're your type.

Of course, she's also very picky about where her dogs go to, and doesn't breed often, so expect to be seriously interviewed yourself, but that's my two cents.

 

[sparklebacon]

May or may not be driveable depending on where you are in VA, but Marcato German Shepherds in Western PA does everything I could ever dream of asking for from a breeder. I'm not even a GSD person and I'd love one of their dogs just because of the amount of care and support she offers.

She does show, but also prioritizes utility and titles her dogs in other venues (including actually herding sheep) and has bred out to working IPO/IGP/Schutzhund/whatever it's called these days dogs. She has lots of pictures of her dogs on her Facebook if you want to decide if they're your type.

Of course, she's also very picky about where her dogs go to, and doesn't breed often, so expect to be seriously interviewed yourself, but that's my two cents.

Thank you so much. I’ll definitely look it to her!!

 

[DemetriceMcCurley]

This problem is very difficult for you when you cannot find a good breeder.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Here you go. One of the best breeders in the US in my opinion.
Knowledgeable and caring. Health tested. Top dogs.

Prices for good dogs run $2500 and up. However, you might find a dog that is retired from working or breeding that would fit the bill and NOT cost that much.

Welcome to Blackthorn Working German Shepherds

blackthornkennel.com

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Temperament is a HUGE thing in this breed. You want a breeder who understands that temperament is as important as health testing. Temperament is GENETIC BASED. It is worth it to spend that extra money to get a good dog from a breeder that stands behind the dog.

 

[CptJack]

I'll second both Marcato and Blackthorn. I've puppy raised for Marcato (she has a small working line going beside her show lines primarily for service dogs but they're nice) and I'm puppy raising a Blackthorn dog right now that is pretty amazing. The breeder is also a big fan of positive training and letting babies grow up and building confidence which of course reflects in the nature of the dogs she breeds - because she's breeding some super stable dogs who don't need a lot of the bullshit less solid dogs sometimes do. Nice lady, great dogs.