Our selection for breeding is quite rigid. We have researched our dog’s pedigrees for health, especially making sure hips and elbows have been x-rayed and certified as dysplasia free over the generations, as well as all breeding pairs being DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) clear.  We’ve been breeding German Shepherds for over 20 years now so we know the health several generations back to our original breeding pairs. When we purchase an unrelated dog, we look into the health of that line before introducing it to our program. We work to stay in touch with puppy families so that we can be aware if a genetic health issue arises, and work to keep our lines healthy.

We are aware of the health benefits of outcrossing genetic lines. For this reason, we have carefully brought in the characteristics we love from several different bloodlines. For example, we have dogs from West Germany, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, East Germany and so on. We intentionally do not have any dogs from American show lines with unnaturally sloped backs and low pasterns. Our dogs are bred to be capable of work and it shows in their structure. Our own bloodlines which are in their 7th and 8th generations are the result of careful weeding out of undesirable traits while building on positive traits. This long period of thorough selection has enabled us to create something truly special.

The dog has an incredibly adaptive gene pool which is why we have so many different types of dogs from the Great Dane to the Chihuahua. It is important therefore, to realize that every breeding program has its goals. What those goals are will influence the puppies kept back and the dogs purchased to improve the likelihood of achieving those goals. For example, if the goal is strictly to win in the show ring, then the dogs over time will manifest whatever physical extremes are called for in the breed standard, often at the expense of health and temperament. This link to the BBC special on the dangers of purebred dogs painfully illustrates this: BBC Pedigree Dogs Exposed (external link to topdocumentaryfilms.com/pedigree-dogs-exposed). Some try to mitigate those problems by buying mixed breed dogs, yet that doesn't guarantee a quality dog as the very nature of mixed breed animals is extreme variation and a lack of purposeful selection. Click here for an article explaining the advantages of buying a Purebred Dog.

At Candle Hill Shepherds, our goal is to produce a healthy, balanced dog, for work and companionship. We value temperament above all, with the understanding that even the best temperament is not of much value without good health and sound structure. This means that the dog must not only be mentally capable but also physically capable from jumping and twisting such as is required for Agility, to going on long runs, and playing tug of war. In addition to x-rays and certifications of health, we also work all our dogs. They must be able to do those physically demanding sports like Schutzund and Agility. If they can't, we know, and we don't breed them.

Health, Temperament, and Puppy Enrichment make for great dogs. Add beauty and you have the full package of the German Shepherd.

Click here to see our PUPPIES!

In 2014 we found a product line which was a significant benefit to our litter size, health in the dam after whelping, improved coat, and overall well being. The brand is NuVet. For more information or to place an order click here (external link to www.nuvet.com product page).