PetVR.com is an online encyclopedia dedicated to the German Shepherd Dog breed. Since 2020, we have published over 140 in-depth articles covering breed types, health conditions, training techniques, behavior guidance, state-by-state breeder directories, and rescue organization listings across the United States.
Our mission is to provide well-researched, practical information for both new and experienced German Shepherd owners. Every article on PetVR.com is written by contributors with firsthand experience raising, training, and caring for German Shepherds and other large breeds. We draw on decades of combined experience in dog showing, breed preservation, and canine care to bring you content you can trust.
Gather genuine information about the breed and become a better owner of your German Shepherds! Let us help you understand your German Shepherds better now.
Who This Site Is For
PetVR.com is built for German Shepherd owners and prospective owners looking for trustworthy breed information. Whether you are researching breeders in your state, learning about common health conditions like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy, navigating puppy training milestones, or exploring German Shepherd mixes, our guides are written to answer your questions clearly and thoroughly.
About Our Team
1. Holly Ramsey, Ph.D.
Breed Preservationist, Dog Show Expert, and Lifelong Canine Specialist
I have been a part of a dog-loving family from the day I was born. My parents began a hobby/show kennel in 1977, and I grew up with Collies, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. With over 40 years immersed in the world of dog breeding, showing, and care, I bring deep practical knowledge of large-breed temperament, health, and training to every article I contribute to PetVR.
I started in the dog show fancy at age 13, showing Collies and Rottweilers. Through the years, many breeds have passed through my life and my home including the Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and Pomeranian. Today, I breed and show Japanese Chins and Collies, and my family continues to be deeply involved in breed preservation and the dog show community.
Beyond the show ring, I have worked as an assistant to professional dog handlers and trainers, been a pet sitter caring for a wide range of animals, and developed extensive experience traveling with dogs by air and vehicle, including internationally. My background in large-breed care — starting with German Shepherds in my childhood — informs my writing on breed behavior, health, and responsible ownership.
2. Rachel Baxley
Writer, Editor, and German Shepherd Enthusiast

Rachel Baxley is the lead writer and editor at PetVR.com, where she has authored over 80 articles on German Shepherd health, training, breed varieties, and care. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in criminology from the University of North Florida. Her background in academic writing, college-level teaching, and editorial work gives her a sharp eye for accuracy and clarity in every piece she writes.

Rachel grew up in Florida surrounded by her family’s Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, giving her a lifelong appreciation for large-breed dogs. She still regularly spends time with her parents’ German Shepherd, Bo, alongside her own rescue dog, Plato. When she isn’t writing about German Shepherds, Rachel enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, creative writing, and crochet.
Our Editorial Process
Every article published on PetVR.com goes through a multi-step editorial process to ensure accuracy and quality:
- Research: Topics are researched using reputable sources including the American Kennel Club (AKC), peer-reviewed veterinary journals, and breed-specific organizations like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA).
- Writing: Articles are written by team members with firsthand experience in German Shepherd ownership and care.
- Review: All content is reviewed for factual accuracy, completeness, and clarity before publication.
- Updates: Published articles are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect current veterinary guidance and best practices.
