If you’re looking to add a German Shepherd puppy to your family, choosing the right breeder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In the years since COVID, the number of backyard breeders has exploded. And while some may have good intentions, many skip critical steps like health testing and early socialization.
We’re not here to judge, but we are here to protect. Choosing the wrong breeder can mean heartbreak later on, from health complications to difficult temperaments that could have been avoided with the right start in life. At West Meadow Shepherds, we’ve made it our mission to take the guesswork out of this process for you.
🩺 Health Testing and Proper Puppy Care Matter
Not all German Shepherd puppies are raised equally.
At West Meadow Shepherds, our breeding dogs complete multiple forms of health testing to ensure they are physically and genetically sound. This is not just a checkbox for us — it’s a foundation. Every puppy also receives a full wellness check from our veterinarian, their first set of vaccinations, and any individual care they may require.
One thing we take very seriously is appropriate placement timing. With experience, we’ve learned that puppies from confident, mature mothers are often ready to join their new families between the eight- and nine-week mark. But for our maiden mothers, who may need more time to teach and nurture their pups, we give them just that.
We do not push our puppies out. We guide them, love them, and help them build confidence until they let us know they’re ready for their graduation.
Please, never choose a breeder who offers to send a puppy home before eight weeks of age.
🧠 Socialization Starts Early
Puppies are incredibly impressionable. The first eight weeks of life are a critical time for learning how to feel safe, confident, and calm in the world around them.
At West Meadow Shepherds, our puppies are raised in the heart of our home. They are exposed to daily life, including children, other animals, household noise, different surfaces, car rides, and gentle handling from day one.
These early experiences shape the calm, well-mannered temperaments our shepherds are known for. It’s not luck — it’s intention.
❤️ Let Us Do the Background Work for You
Like people, every puppy has their own personality. Some thrive in busy homes, others prefer a calmer environment. Some are bold and adventurous, while others are sweet and thoughtful.
Without background or experience, it’s hard to know which puppy is best suited to your lifestyle, personality, and living arrangements. This is exactly why we are so thorough in our placement process. We want both the new family and the puppy to start off on the right foot.
Our goal is simple: to set you up for success with minimal challenges and a perfect match.
📞 Lifelong Support for Our Families
Whether your dog is six months old or six years old, we are here. The communication doesn’t have to stop when your puppy leaves our arms.
We are here for all of our dog families — ready to answer questions, troubleshoot, or celebrate milestones. It’s one of our greatest joys to receive updates and stay connected.
You don’t just get a puppy from us. You gain a community that cares deeply about the dogs we raise and the families we place them with.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Adding a dog to your life is a beautiful journey, but it all begins with the right start. Choosing a breeder isn’t just about price or distance. It’s about trust, values, and making sure your new family member has every advantage for a healthy, happy life.
At West Meadow Shepherds, we’re proud to raise dogs with love, knowledge, and purpose — and we’re honoured to walk alongside the families who welcome them home.
West Meadow Shepherds 