FAQ | German Shepherds (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

Puppies

Puppies are $1800 and up. If you are looking for a low priced puppy, we do not have any. We are not sparing on the quality of our dogs or the care they receive. Raising puppies and caring for our adult GSDs is not my side job, it is my life's work.

Deposits

A $350 non-refundable deposit holds your puppy with balance due by go home date. Puppy choosing is at 6 weeks of age. Final balances paid in cash upon puppy pick up, 8 weeks.

A deposit takes a puppy off the market, so is non-refundable, but deposit can be rolled over to a future litter by the breeder for a limited time at current quoted puppy cost.

Deposit List

Puppies are chosen in order of date deposit was placed from the advanced deposit list. Puppies are
ultimately chosen by the customer, however, breeder will help match you with what you are looking for in a GSD. We can look for small differences based on years of experience and can help customer select a puppy that seems to be a good match to what a family is looking for.

Training

If you do not have German Shepherd experience, you must do your research on the breed. GSD's are amazing K9s but require a lot of time, patience, attention, and your daily focus. It is highly recommended that you enroll your puppy into obedience training classes soon after adotpion, especially if you do not have prior personal GSD experience.

Puppies are not trained when they leave at 8 weeks , as 8 weeks is the optimal time to begin training due to attention span.

I do not offer training, but lifetime breeder support for advice on training and care.

Puppy Character

All our puppies are very similar in personality, drive, color, and size so the first or last puppy sold will be of the same quality!

Puppy Isolation

Puppies cannot have outside visitors until 6 weeks of age and have received their first vaccinations, AND only by those who are getting a puppy from the current litter by advanced deposit placed. If you would like to chance getting a puppy by waiting until 8 weeks old, rather than placing a deposit, you can do so if any are still available. Often they are all reserved before 8 weeks.

Adoption Date

I will post a go home date timeframe (usually 3 days span) once the puppies are born, which will be
when they are approximately 8 weeks old and have received their first vaccinations.

Breeder Rights

Breeder reserves right to hold back puppies for personal use or show homes.

Shipping

We do not ship a puppy in airplane cargo, but you are welcome to fly a puppy in cabin or hire flight
nanny, or breeder can recommend ground shipper.

Environment

Our puppies are NOT raised in small, confined spaces therefore are easy to potty train as they are
accustomed to playing and keeping their area clean. As soon as they are mobile enough, they go outside for exploration and play. They learn at an early age to travel away from play area to potty in the grass. This helps with the potty training process go so much faster.

Welcome Home Policy

No refunds on puppies. However, if you ever can't keep your Von Breker German Shepherd we will
gladly take him/her back to rehome to an approved home. That is our Welcome Home policy.

German Shepherd Health Testing and Certifications

Tests that we run on our Gsds prior to breeding
for common GSD issues.


HU (Hyperuricosuria) means elevated levels of uric acid in the ruine. This trait predisposes dogs to form stones in their blassders or sometimes in the kidneys that sometimes have to be removed surgically.


MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene mutation causes a change in an important protective molecule called p-glycoprotein, which helps to eliminate medications and other toxic compounds from the dog's body and prevents these medications from going places they shouldnt, such as the brain.


DM (Degenerative myelopathy) is a disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs, causing progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination. This is the big one most people ask about. We have no DM here, NOR do we have carriers of DM. All of our breeding adult GSDs have had these tests and are negative and clear!!!!

OFA (Orthopedic foundation of Animals)
All of our adult GSDs have had their hips & elbows X-rayed and the results sent to OFA for certification. All results are up to breeding standards and better!

FAQ | German Shepherds (2024)

FAQs

How many miles should a German Shepherd walk a day? ›

How Far Should a German Shepherd Walk Per Day? For a dog, it's not about how far they should walk but for how long. While on a walk, try to aim for about 90 minutes of walking time, which usually comes to a distance of 5-8 miles for an adult German Shepherd.

How many walks does a German Shepherd need? ›

Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety.

What do German Shepherds need the most? ›

German Shepherds are loving, loyal and extremely active in body and mind. They need to be well-socialised as puppies and need lots of training, plus at least two hours of exercise per day.

How often should I walk my 10 year old German Shepherd? ›

That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

What age do German Shepherds slow down? ›

The age at which a German Shepherd starts to slow down can vary, but it's commonly observed around 7 to 10 years old. Factors like genetics, overall health, and lifestyle play a role. Adjust their exercise routine and monitor for signs of aging, such as joint stiffness.

What is the best exercise for a German Shepherd? ›

Most German Shepherds love hiking. These dogs are really strong; therefore, hiking enables them to endure long distances, which helps them to burn off energy. Moreover, hiking can benefit your German Shepherds health by utilizing nature's playground as a natural obstacle course!

What happens if you don't walk your German Shepherd? ›

Dogs need exercise and socialization to be happy and healthy, but if you don't provide this for them, they may start acting out more often than usual. Dogs can become aggressive when there isn't enough stimulation around them or if they cannot release their energy through playtime with other dogs (or humans).

Can German Shepherds be left alone? ›

Can a German Shepherd be left alone for longer than 8 hours a day? No. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking.

What are German Shepherds weakness? ›

Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent.

What do German Shepherds love the most? ›

German shepherds love games and learning new things. They need a lot of mental stimulation; playing a game of tracking or searching is a great way to keep them entertained.

What is the leading cause of death in German Shepherds? ›

According to a 2017 study in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, the leading cause of death for German shepherds is musculoskeletal disorders, followed by the inability to stand. Hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are likely two common culprits for the latter, as they cause weakness and paralysis of the legs.

What are German Shepherds prone to? ›

Like all dog breeds, German Shepherds are uniquely vulnerable to certain diseases. German Shepherds are more likely than dogs of other breeds to suffer from degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Arthritis. Arthritis could cause inflammation in the hind legs as well.

How long do German Shepherds typically live? ›

Unfortunately, the German Shepherd breed has a shorter life cycle than other breeds. The average lifespan ranges between 7 and 10 years, which is relatively shorter than smaller dogs. They can quickly become obese. German Shepherds are highly susceptible to musculoskeletal issues.

Are German Shepherds high maintenance? ›

Is a German Shepherd a high maintenance dog? Not at all. German Shepherds are an affable breed and respond hugely well to any direction. This very active breed always wants to work so will never be bored—as long as you know how to keep them busy.

Is walking my dog 2 miles a day enough? ›

This depends on the breed, age, weight and overall level of fitness. Toy breeds or senior dogs may need less exertion than a large breed pup who is bursting with energy. Generally speaking, experts recommend you give your dog at least 30 minutes of walking per day.

Is 3 miles a day enough for a dog? ›

Your dog should get probably get about an hour of exercise daily (some breeds more, some less), but that can take many forms — playing fetch, or tug of war, or just rocking out for hours. If you're running every day, Moroney recommends a 5-mile max for your dog's run, any given day.

Can German Shepherds walk long distances? ›

Consider that German Shepherds are highly capable of walking quite a distance. On average, a healthy adult German Shepherd might can walk between 5 to 10 miles a day, spread over two or more walks. My senior German Shepherd can easily walk 5k (3.1 miles) in the morning walk and still enjoys her shorter evening walk.

Is a 20 minute walk enough for a dog? ›

Dogs in good shape should walk for 20 to 30 minutes a day, according to PetMD.

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