I'm Erin Z., the breeder behind Erin Zahler's German Shepherds located in Kootenai County, ID. I offer puppies with a focus on health, form, and function. I believe quality is more important than quantity. In order to give my puppies the best start to their lives, I begin puppy socialization while they are with me, and I am careful to provide a healthy environment in which they can thrive. My litter will be raised with AviDog, Puppy Culture and ENS. They are raised in my home, underfoot and will have a great start before going to their new homes!
Q. & A. with Erin
Why did you start breeding?
I actually didn’t think I would ever have a litter on my own! I have co owned a few dogs, who were planned to go to the breeder for litters. For one reason or another it never worked out and I now feel as though I am fulfilling a lifelong dream! Every aspect in preparation has been very exciting. We are following the AviDog program very closely and have learned a lot from it. I look forward to putting it into practice!
What makes your program special?
My dogs are an integral part of my family and daily life. This creates the ideal environment for puppies. From birth, they grow in a secure, loving environment where they know that they matter to their family -- that they have a purpose.
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.
Getting a puppy from Erin
Erin 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
Puppy prices include a $500 refundable deposit and $1,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“This price includes AKC registration, age appropriate vaccines, microchip, puppy pack and health guarantee. My deposits are not completely non-refundable. If I don’t have a puppy that will fit your wants and needs I want you to be able to go somewhere that has what you’re looking for! This will be decided on a case by case basis.”
Contract & health guarantee
Erin 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 Erin 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 Erin directly.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Erin.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Kootenai County, ID
2029 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Spokane Airport (Geiger Field)
2073 miles away
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More about Erin
Erin has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years
Erin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Erin is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Erin Zahler's 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 dogs
Onja, mom
German Shepherd
About Onja
Onja is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Erin decided to make her part of their program. Erin has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Erin Zahler's 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.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Full Embark Panel
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).