About Wehrhaus German Shepherds
Versatility and Quality
Wehrhaus German Shepherds is a small breeder located in central north-eastern Wisconsin, breeding quality Western Show-Lines for over 15 years. Our goal is to produce healthy, standard AKC- and FCI-registered dogs that are the perfect companion. Whether you're seeking a show dog, an agility competitor, or a service dog, a Wehrhaus German Shepherd is equipped to meet and exceed your goals. Our lines emphasize a mild disposition, low prey drive, lustrous fur, and long lived lines.
Ultimately, we aim to preserve this beautiful, historic breed for centuries to come. By conducting rigorous health and temperament testing, we ensure poor-quality breeding is kept out of our lines.
We are also a non-kennel breeder, only producing 1–2 litters per year due to our limited pack size—keeping a small pack allows us to care for and love these unique animals the way they deserve.
We never keep our Shepherds kenneled outside or isolated indoors. Nor do we confine them to rooms to "preserve their fringe" or "keep them calm," as some other breeders do. Our dogs are with us wherever we go—even on vacation! They enjoy outings to restaurants, shopping trips, and relaxing at home. We firmly believe that German Shepherds require quality interaction and attention to develop into mentally sound, well-trained companions.
About Our Home
Our home nestles in the bluffs of western Wisconsin, encircled by rolling hills and breathtaking vistas. Hundreds of acres stretch out for roaming, and walking the dogs is always a delight. This is where we spend our days and truly live—where our Shepherds run through the fields, reveling in every season's new offering.
Come evening, they join us for farm chores, turning routine tasks into playful escapades—until someone (or everyone!) needs a bath.
They oversee our bustling farm, complete with horses, chickens, rabbits, and children—never straying far, but vigilant in their care of everyone. They are true family companions.
Life here is extraordinary and we are blessed to share it with our Shepherds.
How Are The Puppies Raised?
0-4 Weeks
All of our puppies are whelped in our home, in safe whelping pens. The puppies and the dam are then kept in a quiet room until they are about 4-5 weeks old, depending on their progression and the dam's comfort level. This is when they have minimal exposure to everything in the house. We clean the pen, let the dam out, and feed and water her multiple times per day. We handle the puppies and let them smell our scent, but that is all within this fragile state.
5-8 Weeks
Once they have progressed physically, we bring them into a living area of our home. In this space, they are able to socialize and see daily life. The puppies learn to socialize through a pen fencing and see how their dam interacts with the other Shepherds in the house. So much personality growth goes on within this time frame, so it is essential they get exposure and are taught to not be afraid. This is when we start individual name and command training.
8-12 Weeks
From the time that they get their first puppy shots, they are able to get out and explore! We also start potty and crate training at this point. The puppies get out and play in the house, with other dogs, cats, and children.
You can also come an visit any time after the puppy's shots!