Bittersweet Shepherds
- Clarklake, MI
Upcoming litters
German Shepherd litter
Expected Nov. 2026
Meet the breeder
I'm Caitlin F., the breeder behind Bittersweet Shepherds located in Clarklake, MI. Health and temperament are our top priorities in raising German Shepherds. Our puppies come from fully health tested parents (OFA/CAER/Embark). They come with limited AKC registration paperwork, a two year genetic health guarantee, and current on vaccinations, deworming, and flea/tick prevention.
Q. & A. with Caitlin
What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies have stock coats. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include sable and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Sable male #1
Went homeMale
Solid black female
Went homeFemale
Solid black female #1
Went homeFemale
Sable male #3
Went homeMale
Black sable female #4
Went homeFemale
Solid black male #1
Went homeMale
“Lotus” (light pink collar)
Went homeFemale
Black sable female #5
Went homeFemale
Sable male #2
Went homeMale
Lilac collar
Went homeFemale
Pink collar
Went homeFemale
Light blue collar
Went homeMale
Tan collar
Went homeMale
Green collar
Went homeMale
Lilac collar
Went homeFemale
Purple collar
Went homeFemale
Brown collar
Went homeMale
Blue collar
Went homeMale
Grey collar
Went homeMale
Black collar
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Caitlin
Caitlin has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
Caitlin partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 7 weeks old.
“We take great care in placing each puppy with the right family. Puppies are evaluated using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) at 7 weeks of age.”
Price
“The price includes a 2 year genetic health guarantee, limited AKC paperwork, age appropriate vaccinations, deworming, current flea/tick preventative, & a puppy pack w/ resources to help the transition. All of our puppies are the same price regardless of sex or color.”
Contract & health guarantee
Caitlin 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 Caitlin 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 Caitlin directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- AKC registration
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Initial potty training
- Puppy starter kit
- Toys
- Food & treats
- Basic obedience & manners
- Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Caitlin.
Breeder's location
Meet in Clarklake, MI
4193 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport
4151 miles away
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More about Caitlin
Caitlin has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years
Caitlin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.
Caitlin is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Bittersweet 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
Litter and program updates
Caitlin F.
Litter update on 19 Dec 2024 •We are down to one available puppy: a gorgeous, dark/black sable female.
Udo and Leia's litter
Caitlin F.
Litter update on 04 Dec 2024 •…We still have three baby girls available for reservation! One is solid black and the other two are dark/black sable. They will be ready to go to their forever homes the weekend before Christmas!
Udo and Leia's litter
Caitlin F.
Litter update on 21 Nov 2024 •And the weaning process has begun!
Udo and Leia's litter
Parent dogs
Leia, mom
German Shepherd
About Leia
Leia is a gentle-natured, low drive girl who is happy to do anything and everything with her people. She is great with dogs, cats, and humans of all ages. She has produced dogs that have proven to be lovely, active family pets, as well as some dogs who have started their show careers and participated in AKC sports (obedience, FAST CAT, dock diving).
Great health testing
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +1 more.
Parent health testing
Great level
Bittersweet 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).
