The German Shepherd is known for its wide versatility. You can find this dog in the thick of war as a bomb dog, as a seeing-eye dog for the blind, or in the home as a family pet. There is no limit to what these dogs can do. After deciding that the German Shepherd is the right dog for your family, the next step is finding a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is one that will ask you questions about the breed and why you chose it and will meet you at their facility. They should also let you meet the parents of your puppy if you request it.
We have put together this list of the Top 10 German Shepherd Breeders in Pennsylvania to help lead you to your perfect puppy. Each breeder will include some information about the breeder, puppies, and guarantees they may offer. Also included is easy-to-use contact information, for when you select the breeder of your dreams. Even though we have worked hard to put together this information for you, you should always do your own research and talk with the breeder of your choice to make sure that it is an ideal fit for your family.
1. Bergerhaus German Shepherds
When deployed overseas in Iraq, Tony Berger of Bergerhaus German Shepherds worked alongside German Shepherd bomb dogs. After seeing their courage and intelligence in one of the most challenging environments, he fell in love with the breed. Upon returning home, he decided to start breeding the German Shepherd dogs he loved so much. Tony specifically set his eyes on the long-coated variety, for their unique look, and that is what he specializes in breeding today.
Puppies from Bergerhaus are raised inside the family and are socialized with children and other pets. Before going home, they receive a vet check, all vaccines, four deworming treatments, and a microchip. They also come with a two-year health guarantee. All parents of puppies have their LV papers (the foreign equivalent of OFA) and are AKC registered and DNA tested. Stud services are also available to approve female dogs.
If you are in the military or a law enforcement officer, we have some good news for you. Bergerhaus offers a discount for all military and law enforcement as a thank-you for your service.
Purchasers of puppies report calm, friendly, confident dogs and refer to Tony as knowledgeable and professional. Tony offers lifetime support to all his adoptive families and encourages them to reach out if they have questions. He also invites each new family to his Facebook group “Bergerhaus Puppy Club” where owners can become friends and share puppy updates.
| Owner | Tony Berger |
| Location | Hailfax, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (717)-903-9977 |
| Website | bergerhaus.com |
| Bergerhaus German Shepherds |
2. Watchman German Shepherd Kennel
Watchman German Shepherds is a breeding operation that specializes in service and therapy dogs from West German bloodlines. Families who have purchased from them say their dogs are trainable and have excellent temperaments. George, the owner, also got good remarks and was said to be knowledgeable and honest. This breeder was also commended by reviewers for the cleanliness of the area where the dogs stay.
Puppies from Watchman are socialized in-home daily from birth. Before they go to their new homes, they receive a vet check, first vaccines, and a round of deworming treatment. A puppy packet is also included with information for new parents on how to socialize and house-train their new dog. All dogs used for breeding are AKC-registered and OFA-certified. Stud service is also available to approved females if you are looking to breed your dog.
If you love your puppy from Watchman, they want you to show it. This breeder has created an entire merchandise line with items for dog lovers of all sizes.
| Owner | George |
| Location | Pottstown, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (610)-757-5893 |
| Website | watchmangsd.com |
| Watchman German Shepherd Kennel |
3. Eichenluft Working German Shepherds
Molly Graf, the owner of Eichenluft, realized her affinity for German Shepherds after attending a Shutzhund demonstration put on by her dog club. She immediately went out and purchased a German Shepherd dog and trained it to Shutzhund level three. A few years later, she purchased another German Shepherd, which become the foundation of her breeding program.
Molly breeds from parents who are from European lines, Shutzhund titled and are health tested. She has bred and raised many National and World Champions in the Shutzhund sport. Many of Molly’s male breeding dogs are available for stud services through frozen semen, so Eichenluft is a good choice if you are looking for stud services but don’t live nearby.
Puppies from Eichenluft are bred to be very versatile and can excel in many disciplines including Shutzhund, search and rescue, obedience, agility, and police protection. They also make a great family companion if you aren’t looking to have your dog participate in any events or special training. Puppies purchased from this breeder come with AKC registration and have a hip and elbow guarantee. Shipping is also available for families who may need it.
If you are looking to provide a home for a rescue dog, you’re in luck. Molly frequently rescues and rehomes dogs. Sometimes they are German shepherds, and sometimes they are a completely different breed. These dogs are at a lower price point than the puppies she sells, so it is a good option if you are looking for a friend at a cheaper cost.
Adoptive families say Molly offers great support, and they rave about the yearly reunion she hosts on her farm. All puppy purchasers are welcome, and they spend three days doing various activities with their dogs. Puppy purchasers also state that Molly’s dogs are kept in small groups and in sanitary conditions and that the puppies they’ve adopted are versatile and confident.
| Owner | Molly Graf |
| Breeder Since | 1994 |
| Location | Carslile, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (717)-776-5110 |
| Website | workinggermanshepherd.com |
| Eichenluft German Shepherd Dogs |
4. EZ Brook German Shepherds
Susie of EZ Brook German Shepherds is a lifelong lover of German Shepherds. Her website features photos of her very first German Shepherd, “Rasselas Ezra Brook.” He made such a profound impact on her life that she named her business in his honor. EZ Brook is also recognized by the AKC as a Breeder of Merit and has produced many UKC Grand Champions. Dogs bred by EZ Brook make good companions, performance, and working German Shepherd dogs.
All parent dogs undergo hip, elbow, and temperament tests to ensure quality offspring. Puppies are raised in Susie’s home and are socialized with children and other dogs. Before the puppies go to live with their new families, they receive their vaccines and deworming as well as a health and hip guarantee.
Buyers love their EZ Brook puppies for their gentle disposition and well-bred appearance. They commend Susie for always being willing to answer their questions and say she genuinely cares about her dogs. Susie also offers support on her website, where she includes links to valuable sources about feeding and care.
| Owner | Susie Zeiner |
| Breeder Since | 1977 |
| Location | Chester County, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (610)-405-0451 |
| Website | ezbrook.com |
5. Capriole Farm German Shepherds
Brenda Hendershot, the owner of Capriole German Shepherds, has always had a passion for animals. She was once a vet tech and brings that knowledge with her to properly care for her breeding animals. Parents are carefully chosen from West German show lines and have their OFA certification. Brenda breeds for temperament and correct confirmation in her dogs as well as strongly pigmented coloring.
Puppies from Capriole are born and raised on the farm with the family. They enjoy a good run across the farm as well as socializing with various animals and people. There is a two-year health guarantee on all puppies from this breeder. Capriole also occasionally has adult dogs available for sale, so this is a good breeder to look at if you would like to skip straight to having an adult family companion.
There is a 10% discount available to all military and law enforcement families from Capriole as a thank-you for your service, so definitely take advantage of that perk if it applies to you.
| Owner | Brenda Hendershot |
| Location | Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (717)-294-3200 |
| Cell Phone Number | (301)-331-7547 |
| Website | capriolefarmgsd.com |
6. Shadowbrook Shepherds
Shadowbrook Shepherds is a Bred with H.E.A.R.T. AKC breeder and is owned by Pat Holley. Pat carefully selects the best German and American lines, and breeds for versatility. Shadowbrook dogs excel in protection, search and rescue, therapy work, or just being the family pet.
Pat raises puppies in her home and starts them on house training immediately using a wood chip method. While being raised indoors, the puppies are exposed to the noises of daily life and people, which is important for their transition to their new families. Before homing, the puppies receive a vet check, vaccines, and deworming. There is a health guarantee from this breeder, but the specifics aren’t listed, so be sure to ask Pat about this if you are considering purchasing your puppy from Shadowbrook.
Families who have adopted from Shadowbrook say that Pat is knowledgeable and takes the time to answer questions that arise through the life of the dog. They report excellent facilities for the puppies in Pat’s home and report their dogs to be smart and great family companions.
| Owner | Pat Holley |
| Location | Troy, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (570)-297-5136 |
| Website | shadowbrookshepherds.com |
| Shadowbrook Shepherds |
7. Geisterwolfe Shepherds
Geisterwolfe Shepherds is owned by Carol and John and is known for its family-friendly German Shepherds. Dogs from here are well-rounded and excel in obedience, herding, therapy work, and much more. Parent dogs are health tested and have their OFA certification.
Puppies are raised in the house and receive socialization and desensitization to noises and people from day one. They are also started on house and crate training, which is a plus if you plan to crate your puppy. Geisterwolfe puppies receive a vet check before going to their new families as well as first vaccines, multiple deworming treatments, and a microchip for safety. There is a health guarantee for this breeder, but it is not specified on the website, so make sure to ask about it when seeing if Geisterwolfe Shepherds is the breeder for you.
Families who have adopted from Carol and John have nothing but great things to say about them as breeders, call them intelligent, and caring, and cite their excellent treatment of their dogs. As far as dogs from this breeder, families report incredible temperaments, often saying that their dog has the best temperament of all the dogs they own.
| Owners | Carol and John |
| Location | Effort, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (517)-517-4488 |
| Website | geisterwolfeshepherds.com |
8. Pine Hill German Shepherd Dogs
Pine Hill German Shepherd Dogs is recognized as an AKC Breeder of Merit and is owned by Kathy Salvucci. Kathy refers to her breeding dogs as beloved house dogs that do some conformation and performance work on the weekends. Kathy has also been a chairperson on the German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s Breeders Code of Ethics and is a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.
Breeding dogs at Pine Hill undergo health testing and have their elbows and hips checked. At least one parent is certified to be free of Degenerative Myelopathy to ensure that the puppies are free from DM as well. Pine Hill’s breeding dogs have produced multiple AKC Champions, FEMA search and rescue dogs, therapy workers, and service animals.
Kathy raises her puppies in the home and values socialization. Each puppy gets a health check, age-appropriate vaccines, and deworming treatments before leaving with their new family.
Pine Hill supports their adoptive families by providing an informational puppy packet on their website, which covers everything from bringing them home to training and socializing. Also included is a list of helpful books and favorite places to buy puppy supplies.
Owners of puppies from this breeder report smart and loving dogs and not feeling safe and protected by their presence. Their opinions on Kathy are positive as well. Kathy is said to be a passionate and responsible breeder who screens her customers appropriately to make sure her dogs find the best homes.
| Owner | Kathy Salvucci |
| Location | Mohnton, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (610)-796-1718 |
| Website | pinehillgsd.com |
9. Vom Fasanlauf
Vom Fasanlauf, owned by Tammy Goshorn, is a breeder that specializes in AKC long-coated German Shepherds. Tammy breeds her German Shepherds to be working dogs with correct conformation and color. She raises her puppies in her home and prides herself in making sure the puppies are well-socialized and find the perfect family. She also offers support for the life of the dog and will answer any questions the new family may have.
Puppies from this breeder can be full or limited AKC registered, however, there is a price increase if you are interested in having a dog that has full AKC registration. There is also a two-year health guarantee on all puppies. Specifics for this guarantee are not listed, so if you are looking to purchase from this breeder be sure to ask what the guarantee covers.
Families who have purchased puppies from Vom Fasanlauf say Tammy truly loves her dogs and finds them the right homes, and that she is a wealth of information and support for adoptive families. They also are pleased with the cleanliness of the area where the dogs are kept and report Tammy as a redeeming breeder after having a bad experience elsewhere. The dogs of these reviewers are also shared in a positive light and said to be intelligent and healthy with great temperaments.
| Owner | Tammy Goshorn |
| Location | Yorkhaven, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | (717)-594-9446 |
| Website | vomfasanlauf.org |
10. Bark Hollow German Shepherds
Bark Hollow is owned by Isaac and Kasie Walk and was inspired by their stud dog, Saint. After seeing Saint’s love for their family and experiencing his great personality, Isaac and Katie decided that everyone needed a Saint in their family.
Parent dogs at Bark Hollow are AKC registered, and their litters receive AKC registration as well. All puppies go home with their vaccinations and a microchip installed. Bark Hollow calls themselves a small breeder that breeds DDR Shepherds for quality, not quantity. They consider their dog’s family and treat them accordingly. Isaac and Kasie love keeping up with the new families of their dogs and receiving photos and updates on how they are growing.
Reviewers of Bark Hollow report that their dogs are loyal and sweet with laid-back dispositions. They commend the owners for their excellent communication and state that they went above and beyond expectations. The overall experience of adoptive families is positive and many would recommend going through this breeder for a puppy.
| Owners | Isaac and Kasie Walk |
| Breeder Since | 2017 |
| Location | Tyrone, Pennsylvania |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | barkhollow.net |
| Bark Hollow |
Which one stands out on paper
Our favorite breeder from this list is Eichenluft Working German Shepherds. Not only does Molly breed exceptional German Shepherds, but she also takes the time to rescue and rehome unwanted dogs, showing her true passion and love for all dogs. Molly has the most services available to buyers, including shipping puppies to families and semen to breeding homes. She also values her client relationships and shows it by holding a reunion at her farm, which is beyond what is expected from a breeder.
We hope this list makes your search for the right breeder smooth and easy. Always remember to ask questions and visit the breeder to make sure they are the right fit for you and your family. No matter what German Shepherd breeder you decide on, you are sure to get an exceptional, intelligent companion to walk through life with. We wish you the best of luck in your search for your dream puppy.
You might want to check: Top 4 Best German Shepherd Rescue in Pennsylvania
Other states near Pennsylvania
Buyers rarely stop at one state line. From Pennsylvania, the shortlist usually grows to include New York kennels and the health testing they run, the Massachusetts breeder directory and who is breeding Shepherds in Connecticut, and every state we have covered so far covers the rest. If adoption is also on the table, Pennsylvania has breed-specific Shepherd rescues too.
Verify any breeder yourself, including the ones on this page
A directory is a starting point, not an endorsement. Breeders start up, stop breeding, move and change practices, and a listing accurate when it was written can be stale by the time you read it. Check before you travel or pay a deposit, whether the name came from this page or anywhere else.
The good news is that most of what matters is checkable in an afternoon, because the things that separate a careful breeder from a careless one produce documents.
“AKC registered” is not a quality claim
This is the most common misunderstanding in puppy buying, and it is worth being blunt about. AKC registration turns on parentage, not health or quality. A litter is eligible when it “is the result of a mating between an AKC-registered Sire (male) and an AKC-registered Dam (female) of the same” breed (AKC litter registration requirements, retrieved 2026-08-12).
So papers tell you who the parents were. They tell you nothing about whether those parents were screened for anything. A puppy mill litter and a carefully bred litter can both be registered.
What to ask for, and what the answers should look like
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals puts the buyer’s job simply: “Research the common health problems of the breed beforehand and ask your breeder for proof of screening (e.g. OFA certificates)”, and “Ask to see at least one of the parents (preferably both) of your puppy, and review the health screenings of both parents’ bloodlines” (OFA, Information for Prospective Dog Owners, retrieved 2026-08-13).
For a German Shepherd specifically, four things are worth naming.
- Hip grades on both parents. The OFA scale runs through seven grades: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate and Severe (OFA hip dysplasia, retrieved 2026-08-11). Ask which grade, not whether they are “clear”. OFA also notes why the parents matter so much: “Young pups can’t be screened for it, so it’s very important you review the parents’ and grandparents’ screenings” (retrieved 2026-08-13).
- Elbow grades on both parents. Screened at the same time as hips, and skipped surprisingly often.
- Degenerative myelopathy (SOD1) status. There is a DNA test. The OFA notes that breeding two carriers is predicted to produce 25% of puppies with two copies (OFA, retrieved 2026-08-12), and carriers are healthy, so testing is the only way anyone knows. Merck states there is “no specific treatment… and no evidence that glucocorticoids, other drugs, or supplements alter the course of the disease” (Merck Veterinary Manual, retrieved 2026-08-12), which is why avoiding it at the breeding stage is the only real intervention.
- MDR1 drug sensitivity. VCA gives German shepherds at roughly 10% (VCA Animal Hospitals, retrieved 2026-08-13). It matters because affected dogs process several common drugs abnormally, including sedatives used in routine anaesthesia.
Look the results up yourself
You do not have to take a breeder’s word for any of it. Results submitted to the OFA are public and searchable by the dog’s registered name (OFA database search, retrieved 2026-08-13). Ask for the registered names of both parents and look them up before you visit.
One detail worth knowing, because it gets used as marketing. A CHIC number does not mean a dog passed. The OFA states that a dog achieves CHIC certification “if it has been screened for every disease recommended by the parent club for that breed and those results are publicly available”, and that “the CHIC number itself does not imply normal test results, only that all the required breed specific tests were performed and the results made publicly available” (OFA CHIC Program, retrieved 2026-08-13).
So “CHIC certified parents” means tested and published, which is genuinely good, but it is not the same as “passed”. Look at the actual grades.
Why this matters more in this breed than most
The screening emphasis is not arbitrary. A VetCompass study of 12,146 German Shepherds found the most common causes of death were “musculoskeletal disorder (16.3%), inability to stand (14.9%), neoplasia (14.5%) and spinal cord disorder (13.6%)” (O’Neill DG, Coulson NR, Church DB, Brodbelt DC, “Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK”, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology 2017;4:7, retrieved 2026-08-13).
Take the first, second and fourth together and roughly 45% of deaths in that study relate to the dog losing the use of its back end. Hips, elbows and DM are exactly the screenable end of that. It is the single most consequential thing a breeder decides on your behalf, before the puppy exists.
The signals to walk away from
- Several breeds available, puppies always in stock. That is a volume operation.
- Health testing described but never shown. “Vet checked” is not a screening result. Neither is “our lines are healthy”.
- You cannot meet the dam, or cannot see where the puppies are kept.
- Deposit demanded before any of the above.
- No questions asked about you. A breeder placing dogs carefully wants to know your household, your hours and your experience.
- Puppies available before eight weeks.
- “Rare” colours at a premium. Colour is not a health or temperament feature, and a price built on it usually means the money went somewhere other than screening.
What the price actually reflects
There is no registry, breed club or veterinary body that publishes what a German Shepherd puppy costs in Pennsylvania or anywhere else, so treat any figure you read, including on this site, as something to check rather than rely on. Ask three breeders in your own region what they charge and what it includes.
What is worth understanding is what moves the number: the health testing on both parents, any titles or working results, what is included (vaccinations, microchip, registration, contract terms), and what happens if the dog later develops a condition the parents were screened for.
A puppy priced far below everything else you have been quoted is a reason to ask more questions, not fewer. The usual explanation is that the screening which makes up most of a careful breeder’s cost was not done.
Adopting instead
Breed-specific rescues take in more German Shepherds than most people expect, including young dogs and the occasional puppy, and an adult dog with a known temperament is often an easier match than a puppy whose adult self is still a guess. Our German Shepherd rescue directory covers that route.
Disclaimer: PetVR shares general information based on our contributors’ firsthand experience with German Shepherds — it is not veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your dog’s health, diet, or behavior. Read our full disclaimer.
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