10/9/2026

All our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows x-rayed and shown to be dysplasia free. Our dogs have been DNA tested to be clear of DM (Degenerative Myelopathy). In addition we have carefully researched our dog’s pedigrees for health. In our own lines, we know the health several generations back in our original breeding pairs. Our selection for b...

10/9/2026

A great dog doesn't happen by accident. Good genetics provide the foundation, but thoughtful care, early experiences, and purposeful enrichment help a puppy develop into the best dog it can be. At Candle Hill Shepherds, we believe that raising exceptional puppies begins long before they are born. From the care of the mother during pregnancy to the expe...

10/9/2026

Why Temperament Matters: Lessons from Search and Rescue Anyone who has tried to train a dog that simply lacks the temperament for a particular task knows how frustrating the experience can be. Conversely, when a dog has the right temperament, the same training can seem almost effortless. I learned this lesson many years ago when I began training my fi...

2/13/2023

For twenty years now, we have been breeding fine German Shepherd Dogs. What separates a Breeding Program from simply “breeding dogs” is that a Breeding Program is constantly working toward an ideal, testing dogs to see how they contribute to that ideal, and checking progeny for Health and Temperament over time by keeping in touch with Puppy Families. At some point, certain dogs stand apart. Not only are they great in and of themselves, but their progeny have performed in Character and Health. These are the rare and sought after dogs, the dogs that make the Foundation of a quality breeding program. Here are our Foundation Dogs, the dogs to look for in each of our Pedigrees....