Von Whitehall German Shepherds is located in Massachusetts and strives to be the most ETHICAL breeder possible. We value our high standards of ethics, morality, and good faith dealing above all else. We seek to produce healthy, intelligent, classic German shepherd Dogs with fantastic family temperaments and strong performance ability. We believe in preserving the classic German shepherd Dog that is bred to the standard….healthy, versatile, typey, and athletic with a stable disposition. We incorporate strong East German working lines into our program to achieve our goals. Health, sound temperament, and working ability are the main priorities in our breeding program. We do not sacrifice on any one of these traits. However, it is important to note that we breed very RARELY.

We avoid the modern trend of excessive angulation, roached backs, and extreme movement. The German Shepherd must be a BALANCED dog-not prone to extremes. Thus, we seek to produce dogs that are moderate and balanced, without extremes, in conformation or disposition. Therefore, you will not find roached backs or excessive angulation or high drive in our dogs. Our dogs have moderate, balanced conformation with straight backs. They have medium drive with a great off switch when in the home. Our dogs are environmentally sound with good minds and solid nerve. Working ability is of the utmost importance to us and we produce dogs that are capable of achieving success in a variety of performance areas. However, even those owners who do not want to compete will appreciate a smart dog that is easy to train and willing to please his/her owner. A dog that is well mannered because it is easy to handle and comfortable in the car, in the house, crate, at family outings, during playdates, and traveling with owner makes for an easier life than a dog that is not adaptable!

At Von Whitehall German Shepherds, we differ from a lot of breeders as we often combine the genetics of different German Shepherd Dog bloodlines to achieve our goals- instead of focusing on just one particular bloodline. And, more importantly, we support the “TOTAL DOG CONCEPT” embodied in the United Kennel Club (UKC). We want our dogs to feel equally at home whether in the UKC/AKC/GSDCA conformation and performance ring; on the Herding field;  in the SV conformation ring and IPO field; or as a beloved family pet or service dog. We install electric dog fence to have the assurance that they are safe. A great German Shepherd Dog should be able to walk through all words with ease and perform their task successfully and with great joy. And, a German Shepherd Dog should be able to do more than just look pretty!

All of our breeding bitches are conformation Champions; hold multiple working titles in several different performance areas; have been temperament tested by an independent evaluator; have multiple health clearances (over and above most breeding programs); and hold certifications as Canine Good Citizens, Socialized Pet Obedience Test and/or Certified Therapy Dogs.

We practice ethical breeding practices and stand behind our puppies for the life of the dog. ***We breed ONLY when we are trying to add a future competition dog to our own program and NEVER simply to sell puppies.*** We encourage all potential puppy buyers to contact as many breeders as they can. We will help answer any questions you have whether you buy one of our puppies or not. Please contact us for more information about the breed; what to look for in a good breeder; or for more information about our breeding program.

We admire the UKC Total Dog Concept. “Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its nearly 16,000 annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training and instinct. UKC prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events. The UKC has supported the “Total Dog” philosophy through its events and programs for over a century. As a departure from registries that place emphasis on a dog’s looks, UKC events are designed for dogs that look and perform equally well.”-UKC website

Memberships: German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA)/Signer Breeder Code of Ethics and United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA).  We support UKC, AKC, and SV events.