I'm Martha S., the breeder behind Anne Isle German Shepherds located in Inner Grove Heights, MN. The focus of our breeding program is on mentally sound, healthy German Shepherd dogs that combine beautiful, balanced movement with the working abilities for which the breed is famous. We look for intelligent, confident dogs that are capable of top performances in any venue and, of course, that conform as close as possible to the breed standard.
We believe in providing an environment for our dogs that enhances the breed's natural work ethic, and we focus on lots of exercise, fresh air, and big areas to run and play. We insist on the best food with the highest quality ingredients We believe that socializing young puppies is the most important thing we do, and so we spend countless hours with each Anne-Isle puppy to ensure that he has as many positive new experiences as possible.
Q. & A. with Martha
Why did you start breeding?
In 1997, Joan and Fran Ford of the famous Fran-Jo Kennels in Columbus, Ohio agreed to share Champion R Drew of Fran-Jo, ROM, and Jackie of Fran-Jo (sister to Can. GV Jag of Fran Jo) with us, and both arrived together at the Minneapolis airport late one unforgettable evening. Drew became my first AKC champion and ROM dam and both Drew and Jackie are the foundation of Anne-Isle Kennels. Since then, we have owned and/or bred multiple Select and Grand Champions, ROM Dams, a ROM Sire, multiple Futurity and Maturity winners, Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show Champions, and 30 American and/or Canadian Champions.
What makes your program special?
In addition to AKC sanctioned breed shows, our dogs have excelled in therapy work, herding, obedience and other performance venues. We are especially proud of Anne-Isle’s Promise Keeper( Tucker) and his co-owner and handler/trainer Kristan Sherman. Not only is Tucker an ROM sire and a 2xSelect Excellent American Grand Champion, he is the youngest German Shepherd Dog to attain the rare and coveted title of PAM—Performance Award of Merit. He has made breed history by obtaining 2 Excellent Performance titles and an Award of Merit.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Martha
Martha has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Connect with Martha to learn more details about pricing.
Contract & health guarantee
Martha may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Martha offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Martha directly.
Anne Isle German Shepherds meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Anne Isle German Shepherds reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for German Shepherds.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).