June 18, 2026
Julie and Grant, Zena earned all 4 AKC Tracking test titles in 12 months, the shortest time frame from 1st to 4th test pass. A record Zena is the second youngest, by 1 month, at 2 years and 4 months.I’m so proud of her! Sincerely,
Greg Hayward
April 6, 2026
Hi Julie: Hope you are well. We just wanted to share some photos of Chloé with you. She is doing great – lots of energy, but settling into her new home. She is getting out and about in the neighborhood and has started “puppy training…” She is a joy. Thank you for helping bring her into our lives. Michael and Gayle



January 1, 2026

July 16, 2025
There aren’t enough words to describe how much Romeo means to us and the joy and fulfillness he brings us. He loves adventures, has a stable and reliable temperament, confident, hilarious, happy, friendly, protective (if needed) and loyal. He completed a board and train program and we have continued his training. We are able to take him anywhere and he is 100% obedient and reliable in ANY situation. All thanks to his genetics and the quality and strict breeding program at Shepherd Family! Smith-Perschbacher Family


May 20, 2025
Julie…..Just wanted to send an update about Arnold vom: He is doing great. Such a sweet boy with a wonderful temperament and is just what we all ever hoped for in a shepherd. We can tell at 5 months old he already knows how to set his boundaries with his big sister & is learning how to get along with our 2 cats. He is absolutely beautiful, sweet yet fearless. He’s already my little big shadow, knows his name & some commands. Doing really well on potty training too. Is there mischief? Of course. Its expected. He has the cutest ears that are beginning to rise. You can tell the difference of good breeding & what it can do. My vet knew of your reputation & endorsed you all as well. So glad we found your organization & very appreciative of all guidance in choosing him! Pictures don’t do justice as he’s a busy boy.

September 26, 2024
Hello Shepherd Family,
We have had little Romeo home now for a week and he is settled in into our family very nicely! We’ve had all week to observe him and I can honestly say having had shepherds for over ten years that he is EXACTLY what we wanted in a puppy and we have no doubt he will grow into being a German Shepherd that has all the characteristics the ideal GSD should possess. He is smart as a whip (understood sit, come and down) within a day, he is very confident with a sound and stable temperament, he loves being with us, learns quickly, is not phased in the slightest at any noises, movements and different things in the outside environment like bikes, joggers, scooters, trains, ambulances, different surfaces, kids playing etc. We get tons of compliments and people asking where we got him from. We are scheduled to meet with our trainer tomorrow to develop a training program and he is scheduled to meet with our usual vet on Saturday.
Smith-Perschbacher Family

June 18, 2024
Good morning Julie,
We wanted to update you on Samson, registered name Yukon com. Escada, Momo brown collar, born 8/12/23. He is such a beautiful boy. We cannot get over how wonderful he has been since day one. He has been the easiest dog to train and so smart. He is easily the smartest shepherd we’ve had so he keeps us on our toes.
His breeding quality is evident in his build, his temperament and his beauty. We are in love with his beautiful long coat and we often get stopped by people commenting on his beauty. We would not hesitate to recommend Shepherd Family as a breeder and are ever grateful for this beautiful addition to our family.All the best,
Karen and David Freet

May 1, 2024
Hi! I hope you are well. I wanted to update you on bear. He’s absolutely amazing. He fits in perfectly with both of our shepherds and him and our other male play non-stop. He needs to know where his people are and is absolutely so loving my kids. Every morning after we take him out he runs inside and jumps in their beds to get them all up❤️. He’s so smart and finished the first part of his in boarding training. Our trainer loves him and I often get stopped by people because he is so handsome. Here are some pics.
Best,
Dani
December 16, 2023
Hello Julie!
We just wanted to take a moment during this holiday season to tell you again how grateful we are to you for this gorgeous dog! Rocky is 2 1/2 now. He has been such a blessing to our family. Not only is he stunning, but he is a sweet boy. His eyes are so warm and expressive. Rocky has brought joy back into our home after we lost my dad and my brother. We can never thank you enough. And we still talk about how great it was to meet Hanny and Figo. They were so beautiful and such good dogs! No wonder Rocky is so awesome! Merry Christmas to you, and thank you again for the impact you have made on our lives with your beautiful dogs!
Sincerely,
Carla Aiello and family

December 14, 2023
Hello Julie,
We are loving Blue. He’s the perfect addition to our family and he’s such a good boy. Thank you for all your help and the help of your employees.
-The Lomaglios

June 4, 2023 (From Kristen Chipman, owner of Shepherd Family puppy “Finley”)
Simba, a four year old Belgian Malinois, welcomed an 8 week old Mittlewest German Shepherd puppy, Finley, in May 2022. The two of them had an instant bond. Finley would always try to steal Simba’s food and toys. Simba adored Finley and would tolerate all of his puppy behavior. As Finley grew he tried his hardest to run as fast as Simba, but he was still too little. A year later, Finley is right beside Simba running around the yard, playing keep away or tug of war with their toys. Unfortunately this past week Simba had an obstruction and needed to have surgery. Finley was so gentle with Simba and knew that something was wrong. Finley would lay down facing Simba, sticking his nose in the recovery cone, reassuring him that he was there. Finley has the sweetest temperament and loves everyone. He’s extremely smart and obedient. I would highly recommend Shepeherd Family and their high quality German Shepherds. Thank you Julie and Grant for my amazing boy Finley!
Kristen Chipman
March 5, 2023
Hello Shepeherd Family,
Thank you so much for this info! Sylas (we’re calling him Benji) is doing amazing. Such a smart, confident little pup. He is honestly the best puppy I’ve had and I am completely in love with him. He is learning new things daily. Potty training is going so well, as is basic obedience. He is also becoming good friends with our kitty and loves taking naps on the couch when we’re sitting on it. His favorite toy is currently a soccer ball :). He just realized he can carry his dog dishes around the house and he thinks this is a pretty amazing thing to do. I couldn’t have asked for a better dog. Thank you so much for the amazing work that you do. Here’s a pic from today. His ears are up most of the time for the last few days. It’s pretty darn cute.
Best,
Julie Burroughs D.V.M.
March 4, 2023
Hi Julie!
Hope you’re all well! I just wanted to share Rafa with you! She’s such a beautiful dog! Everywhere we go, people fawn over her! She is also super smart, loyal, and incredibly affectionate. She lives to swim, fetch, and play search and find. She has learned when the kids come home from school and watches for them from her favorite spot – like clockwork! She is the BEST cuddler, and her favorite thing to do in the morning is to get into bed with us.
I’ve never had such an affectionate dog! Wondering if this is typical of the long coats? Our last shepherd was not affectionate at all. In fact, she was all business. Curious if Jolie or Bruce are that way?
All that aside, I hope you enjoy the pictures! Rafa says hello :).
Lydia
October 21, 2022
Julie & Grant,
I just wanted to say, thank-you for the best dog-ever! Misha is now 8/12 months old, and I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He’s so amazing with kids, with strangers— his temperament is superb. In fact the mailman & him are even best buddies: he jumps-up in his mail car!
I thought for sure, when you advertised that Bruce was a “gentle giant,” it was all for show, but it most certainly was not. Misha is the most soft & gentle, & loving dog you’ll ever meet. He loves people, loves to play with other dogs, never bites, nor does he chew things that are not his. He never messes in the house, he is patient, never demands things, growls or barks at his humans. He does of course loudly protect the borders of our property, which we love. Our only wish, is that we had taken another one from the same litter for company. Thank you again for a wonderful, wonderful heart of a dog.
My best,
Garrett
August 02, 2022
Hi Shepherd Family!
Just wanted to say “Thank You” yet again, for breeding such a beautiful boy! This is Riggs, our 4 month old, long coat Male we purchased from you to be our newest addition to our growing Shepherd family of dogs! He is our 3rd puppy we have purchased from you in 12 years and we still have all 3 and all 3 are thriving and beautiful! Everywhere we go, we get compliments on the temperament and beauty of our dogs. We would NEVER purchase a GSD from anywhere else. We recommend you to everyone who compliments and believe me, it is all the time! Our dogs are so smart, playful, beautiful and healthy. They are everything you could ask for in a GSD. We cant say enough about how happy we are with our 3 kiddos!!! Thanks again Shepeherd Family!
The Nagl Family
October 20, 2021
Good morning Julie,
Just wanted to let you know we just got back from competing in agility at the German Shepherd Nationals in Missouri. Lucy and her daughter Mercy did outstanding!! Lucy competed in Master Standard and Master Jumpers with weaves and received 3 second place ribbons and one forth place. She also had some qualifying runs as well. Mercy competed in Novice Standard and Novice Jumpers with Weaves and received 8 first place ribbons and both titles. I cannot be more proud of them. This is the first time I have competed at the national and Lucy sure gave a good running for the Agility Victrix title! Can’t wait until next year!!
Linda
Rock Solid German Shepherds
May 19, 2021 (From Erica Cifrino, “Sherman”)
Hello Julie,
I am reaching out to let you know that we purchased our GSD from your kennel, and we are proud to share that Sherman just turned 14! He has been an amazing companion these past 14 years, and we have had no major health concerns. We call him our “old man” and he is all love–so sweet and loves to give kisses. Our 3 children adore him, and he has had several canine siblings that have also helped to keep him young.
All the best,
Erica Cifrino
P.S. As we were searching way back through old e-mails to find your contact info, we came across the original communication you had sent us. We are so fortunate that our 10-12 year relationship has lasted 14 years so far and still more to come!!
March 24, 2021 (Titan x Dezi Green Collar Pup)
Hi Shepherd Family-
Wanted to let you know that today is our beloved Diezel’s 11th birthday! It seems like just yesterday we picked him out (green collar Titan/Dezi pup)! That was the best decision we ever made! And here we are 11 years and numerous Sieger show awards later and we couldn’t be prouder parents of our boy! He still has the mind of a 2 year old, not to mention the blood work up of a 2 year old! We just wanted to say “Thank You” for blessing us with our best buddy ever!
Gregg and Erin Nagl
March 22, 2021 (Jersey Girl Vom Mittelwest AX AXJ SWN RN)
Good Morning Julie,
I hope you are doing well during these crazy times.
I am very excited to inform you that yesterday Lucy obtained her Novice Scentwork title after receiving two first place awards for Novice Interior at a Scentwork trial in Staten Island NY. This gives her the Performance Award of Merit title from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. I am so proud of Lucy! She is really an exceptional dog!
I am looking forward to obtaining her Master’s titles in agility- should be soon as she only needs one more Q in Standard and 4 in JWWs. After that we will be working on her MACH. She also was awarded the 9th fastest 20″ agility GSD for all of 2020 by Bad Dog Agility Power Breed Score.
Lucy qualified for the Rally National Championship in July and I am planning on entering her. It is a Random draw- so I don’t know if we will actually be able to compete but we will try. I am also planning on competing with her at the GSDCA Nationals in October.
I am having so much fun with Lucy! Thanks again for this wonderful dog!
Linda
February 19, 2021 (From Bob and Kathy Metcalf)
Hi Julie,
We are the owners of Sochi’s pink baby from her September litter – I wanted to share with you a story about our Rexie puppy ….. on Sunday morning my husband collapsed in the back of our house – unbeknownst to me as I was up front – Rexie went crazy running between Bob and I until I followed her and found Bob on the floor unable to get up – Bob had had a stroke and I was able to call for help timely and he is now in recovery – if it had not been for Rexie our story would have had a very different ending. Thank you so much for breeding such intelligent and loving dogs. All of this and she is only 5 months old!!!!
We will always be grateful to you
Bob and Kathy Metcalf
August 7th, 2020 (From Brandon, “HEIDI & GRETA”)
Hi Julie,
I wanted to touch base with you and say thanks again for all that you did during the puppy selecting/purchase process. In case you don’t remember my wife and I purchased Maggie’s pup (Heidi) and one from Kimba (Greta). We have had Heidi and Greta for about five weeks now and it has been a blessing. I wanted to let you know that not only have the girls checked out healthy with the vet, he said they are without a doubt the best looking German Shepherds he has seen in his career.
Training is going really well. The girls have all the basic obedience commands down well. We are doing a lot of training and drills to keep them focused on us, too. We have visited a local Schutzhund club that seems like a good fit for us. We hope to introduce the girls there soon. Their drive, temperament, etc., is more than we could have hoped. We are careful to not let the girls out too much together at this stage, but when they are out together they play SO well (and hard) together. Heidi is substantially larger than Greta, but she still lets her little sister get on top and play. I’m attaching a couple pictures and a video we took while the girls were out downstairs.
Again, thanks for working with me for so long. I think from the time I sent my first e-mail to you until we picked up the girls was almost 7 months. I’ll continue to recommend Shepherd Family to everyone. Finally, if you ever want to check in on the girls we have an Instagram page “Bickerton_Haus” that they share. It is kind of boring inside stuff right now, but we hope to get more working pictures as they get older (and the weather cooperates).
Very Respectfully,
Brandon
July 9th, 2020 (From Dan, Rox, Schatzi & “Hans”)
Hans turned 1 year yesterday. Hans is doing GREAT! He is still Rox’s favorite dog ever. We had a large party on the 4th of July (over 50 people) and Hans and Schatzi mingled with the guests the entire day. People were amazed at how friendly and fun both of them were and several people wanted to take Hans home with them. A couple of them have decided that they want a German Shepherd now.
Both dogs ran free during our party with no direct control of them. The majority of the 50 people were strangers that just entered our yard through the gate and Hans and Schatzi just greeted them. Our 4 grandchildren (ages 5-9) were running around the party as well. Both dogs were awesome.
You know that I have had many German Shepherds over the years and, of course, all have been socialized and are expected to behave around people but the Shepherd Family have been exceptional. Rox even commented after the party that, while she trusted all of our dogs, she is just amazed at these two. I know some of this is how they are raised but a huge part is due to your breeding. I can’t stress enough how beautiful and wonderful your dogs are.
Thank you so much.
Dan, Rox, Schatzi & Hans
May 10, 2020 (From Dr. Sylvie Scrivner, Veterinarian)
My daughter had been asking for a German Shepherd pup (non-stop mind you) for the past 3 yrs. As a Veterinarian, I was hesitant… knowing there are a number of German Shepherds that need homes. (I have had several dogs in my lifetime and they have always been rescues). I also know that GSD’s bond quickly to their primary care taker and make the most incredible, loyal companions, something my daughter needed, so, a puppy was the ideal choice. They also had to be good with other dogs and cats, but, it was difficult to find one with all that we required. My daughter has had a lot of loss in her young life – her father, her favorite kitty and her best friend – Mickey (a mixed breed – passed away 4 yrs ago). That dog was never far from her side. As she is now 15 yrs old, I knew she could handle the responsibility of a young pup. After doing a lot (and I mean a LOT) of research on breeders, I came across Shepherd Family. They have an incredible line of the solid, thick boned, true bred GSD. These dogs are gorgeous. Their website is informative and show you beautiful photos of the pups and their Parents. They offer multiple services from grooming to personal dog training. Julie and Grant were easy to talk to and responded to my emails without delay. When it finally came time to get our puppy there were no flights available due to COVID. We would have had to wait another week to get our lil pup – which to a kid is F O R E V E R! (and for me too!). They knew how excited we were to get our pup and that waiting was torture… so, that afternoon, Grant graciously drove 11 hrs to deliver our handsome boy. Talk about customer service! He was so kind and even called us later to make sure all was good. My daughter was beyond happy and my heart was full knowing she had a well cared for, well bred, adorable and intelligent pup to have as her best friend. He has fit right into the family – full of confidence and learning “the ropes” quickly! Knowing GSDs and the multiple anxiety issues they can possess, it is a testament to Mittelwest that their pups show this level of calm, non-aggressive type of confidence at such a young age. Thank you so much Julie and Grant and all those that help them put in the hard work breeding and caring for all Shepherd Family GSD. But, I thank you most of all for making my girl (and our family) so happy!
– Dr. Sylvie Scrivner, Veterinarian
November 7th, 2019 (From Freddy with “Maverick”)
Hello friends! It’s Freddy on Cape Cod. Maverick is one years young today ! He is such a wonderful German Shepherd! Very obedient and warm. He’s great with people and other dogs and loves our Yorkies, Maine Coons, and chickens
Hope you guys are doing well!!
Freddy
October 4th, 2019 (From David Cutter with “Jez”)
Hey Julie just wanted to send you a picture of Jez, she is 2 yrs old and so adorable.
Couldn’t ask for a better pup!
Thank you,
David Cutter



