Once you have decided to purchase a Well-bred, purebred German Shepherd. We want to ensure we are the right breeder for you. Every breeder has different values & philosophy. We want the best possible outcome for our puppies in health, temperament & happiness.
Golden Ridge GSD Practices:
- Breeding Healthy Companions & more
- Health Testing every generation
- Proven & Clear Minded Genetics Foundation
- Real result based Temperment Testing & Evaluations
- Proven Puppy Curriculum
- Excellent Environmental Influences
- High Quality Nutrition
- Breeder with H.E.A.R.T. Recognized
- Puppies raised in a true family/home environment
- Generations of Knowledge & Support
- Continues Research & Education about the Breed
- Breeder Support
- Reputation & Trust
Health Testing for the German Shepherd
“Health tested” and “Grand Champion” are some of the most overused claims in this breed, used loosely, and often without the depth or verification they imply.
Hips, Elbows & (new recommendation) Spine. Just as important as the tests themselves is who is certifying them. SV (Germany) – the gold standard Issued through the German registry and required for breeding under SV rules. Ratings include:
Normal (a1)
Fast Normal (a2)
Noch Zugelassen (a3)
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (United States) Public database used for verification. Ratings include: Excellent / Good / Fair (passing) What to look for: Final certifications (not prelims), done at 24+ months of age.
DNA & Genetic Screening Used to identify inherited risks and confirm genetic clarity. Specifically looking at the gene for Degenerative Mylopathy.
Temperament Testing SV(Germany), USCA (United Schutzhund Club of America) or AKC.
The Golden Ridge Start
Our puppies are raised in our home with a strong focus on early development, stability, and long-term success. From the beginning, we emphasize intentional exposure, structured socialization, grooming, crate introduction, recall foundations, and confidence-building experiences designed to help puppies transition successfully into family life.
Our approach combines proven genetics with thoughtful raising practices to build a strong foundation during the most important developmental stages of a puppy’s life.
For families interested in learning more about our approach to raising puppies, visit:
German Shepherd Puppies: How We Breed and Raise Our Puppies
Why We Import from Germany
Germany maintains the most structured and regulated system for the German Shepherd Dog, requiring health testing, working titles, and breed surveys before breeding. While German Shepherds are bred throughout Europe and the United States, these requirements are not consistently enforced outside of Germany. In addition to consideration of living conditions requirements. Importing from Germany allows us to build our program on a proven and verifiable foundation.
