VGH Position Statement on  Responsible Breeding

We are responsible breeders  and have focused our efforts on one breed - a German Shepherd Dog. Through our breeding, historical research and ongoing study, mentoring relationships, club memberships, showing, raising and training of this breed we strive to become experts in German Shepherd Dog health, heritable defects, temperament and behavior. We are well suited to educate and screen potential buyers and provide follow-up support after purchase. 

Therefore, we: 

• Screen breeding stock for heritable diseases; remove affected animals from breeding program. Affected animals are altered; may be placed as pets as long as health issues are disclosed to buyers.

• Have working knowledge of genetics and avoids inbreeding closer than 3:3.

• Temper test and do not use aggressive animals in our breeding program.

• Keep breeding stock healthy and well socialized.

• We do not keep more dogs than we can provide with the highest level of care, including quality food, clean water, proper shelter from heat or cold, exercise and socialization and professional veterinary care.

• Base breeding frequency on mother’s health, age, condition and recuperative abilities.

• Do not breed extremely young or old animals.

• Breed and rear dogs in our home as they are considered part of the family.

• Ensure neonates are kept clean, warm, fed, vetted and with the mother until weaned; begins socialization of neonates at three weeks of age.

• Screen and counsel potential buyers; discusses positive and negative aspects of owning a German Shepherd Dog.

• Ensure animals are weaned before placement (eight to ten weeks).

• Comply with all applicable laws regulating breeders in Dunn Co, WI.

• Never sell puppies to a dealer or pet shop.

• Offer guidance and support to new owners.

• Provide a purchase contract in plain English that spells out breeder’s responsibilities, buyer’s responsibilities, health guarantees and return policy.

• Provide health report, including vaccination and de-worming information with each puppy sold. Puppies are never sold without a vet exam.

• Microchip each puppy prior to sale to ensure identification.

• Provide accurate and reliable health, vaccination and pedigree information.

• Make sure puppies are sold on a limited registration to pet homes, full registration is offered to approved show/breeding homes only.

• Make sure our dogs are spayed/neutered once age appropriate only.

• Will take back any dog of our breeding, at any time and for any reason (without a refund).