Puppies Available

HOW SIRES ARE CHOSEN Over the years, we have noticed a lot of breeders rushing to use young "superstar" males in their breeding programs.  We feel that can be dangerous to the breed, due to the increase in certain health problems, and the decrease of longevity in the German Shepherd. Here at Vineyard Shepherds, we try to do things a bit differently. When a young dog does catch our eye, we keep track of that dog over the next several years. We note their condition, health, temperament, quality of hips and elbows, and most importantly, if they are producing those traits or not.  Often, you will probably notice that we are using stud dogs between 5-8 years of age. These dogs have, in my opinion, done it all and held their quality throught the years.  Perhaps they may not produce as many puppies in a litter, but we feel that we are ensuring a better chance of healthy, long lived puppies by breeding this way.  There are much more important things to focus on when breeding, show wins are one thing, seeing a beautiful young dog pass away around its third birthday is not worth all the beauty in the world.  We have a responsibility to people who purchase our puppies as companions (which is often 90% of the litter). They are looking for a loyal friend and deserve to have many years with their puppy.  It is for this reason we like to breed to older males, although it is still no quarantee, we feel we are doing whats best for the future of the breed, and our puppy buyers. I've been very fortunate to have found a few stud dogs that meet these requirements health wise, and have also been very successful in the show ring. HOW ARE OUR PUPPIES RAISED Puppies are whelped and raised in our home for the first five weeks of their lives.  During that time they are exposed to everything in an average household (television,radio, people talking, and kitchen noises)  They are handled, have their nails clipped and are combed on a regular basis.  In addition, they also begin paper training at four weeks of age.  Between five and six weeks, the puppies move to their heated, outside enclosure.  They also have accsess outside during the daytime.  The puppies still make regular trips into the house (by themselves and in groups)  At this age, I begin housetraining them!  I also set up a slight obsticle course for them in the yard.  They have a three foot long tunnel, a four foot platform that they can walk across (safely) and a mini trampoline.   From the age of 3 weeks, they are dewormed regularly.  They are also tattood for permanant identification at 6 weeks, and vet checked between 7 and 8 weeks of age.  Puppies go to their new homes anytime after 8 weeks of age.  They come with a package, which includes relative information, food and feeding instructions, coupons, and their health records. They also come with free Petplan Insurance for 6 weeks, and a written gaurantee.   !!  UPCOMING LITTER  !! Sire: BOM Fonseca's Keifer OFA H/E (6 pts) Dam: BPIG MT Fuji of Vineyard TT (8 pts) This litter is expected for fall 2006. We are taking reservations now.  We are expecting puppies that will succeed in the show ring, performance ring, or as family companions. Due to the high level of interest in these puppies, we suggest early reservations. _______________________________________________________  Pictured below are some of the puppies from our previous litters.  Thanks to all the owners that have sent pictures. BPIG Phlegmatic of Vineyard (Patent/Boots daughter) PHLEG wins WB/BOW both days at the Mt Baker Kennel Club and earns another 2 AKC points ! ! Phleg goes BEST OPPOSITE PUPPY in SPECIALTY at the Pacific Northwest Show (July 31, 2004) !! Phleg started her US show career with a Best of Breed, Best Puppy in Group, and her first point at only 7 months of age!  CONGRATULATIONS to her owners, Charles and Bonnie Ames of Amsburg Kennels. Sanguine of Vineyard "Druid" 5 and a half months (Patent/Boots son)           Choleric of Vineyard "Whiskey" pictured with her daycare kids and on "her" couch at 8 months. (Patent/Boots daughter) VINEYARD'S BLUE RIDGE MT (Zion/Boots son) "Jabba" is pictured above as a puppy and again stacked at 18 months of age (bottom photo).  JABBA'S  SHOW CAREER STARTED WITH TWO BEST PUPPY IN BREEDS IN JUNE 05 In December he picked up his first 2 points!  On his 3RD weekend out, Jabba goes WD/BOW one day and Winners Dog the next day for a total of 5 points on the weekend. He now has 7 points in total. He is owned and very much loved by Rose Wakely, who has done an awesome job with him!!     Matterhorn of Vineyard "SKYLER" at the Cleveland Dam @ 6 months (Zion/Boots son)   MT Chimborazo of Vineyard "JUDAH" @ 6 months (Zion/Boots son)