I'm Lydia H., the breeder behind Hutchens German Shepherds located in Boonville, NC. High-quality working-line GSDs. We do extensive health/DNA testing to eliminate diseases/physical deformities. Our main priority is the health and temperament of our dogs are the best they can be.
Q. & A. with Lydia
Why did you start breeding?
What started out as a love for one dog, turned into a passion for adding to and improving the breed.
What makes your program special?
Every dog is tested to rule out hereditary/congenital conditions. Our dogs are on Purina Pro Plan - Large Breed Adult/Puppy; one of the brands that meet the AAFCO nutritional guidelines. Our dogs also follow a supplement regiment for each stage of breeding. Our puppies are raised on various programs to help them become the best dogs they can be:
Puppy Culture
Badass Breeder
ENS and ESI
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 Lydia
Lydia 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 $450 non-refundable deposit and $1,350 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“All puppies come microchipped and with their AKC registration papers. Puppies will be seen by a vet the day before pick up and will be up to date on vaccines. Deposits are non-refundable. Exceptions apply. They are transferable to another litter. Deposits can be returned/contract canceled by Seller at any time for any reason if Buyer is found not a good fit.”
Contract & health guarantee
Lydia 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 Lydia 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 Lydia directly.
Hutchens 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
Ares, dad
German Shepherd
About Ares
Ares is a male German Shepherd almost 6 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Lydia decided to make him part of their program. Lydia 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.
Great health testing
Full Embark Panel, Shoulder Osteochondrosis, +5 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Hutchens 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 (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.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Temperament Test, Shoulder Osteochondrosis
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, 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).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.