I'm Darrin M., the breeder behind K&L Kennels located in Shelton, WA. We breed with a focus on temperament and ability, and we only breed dogs that are healthy and have proven themselves. These dogs can do it all, and we make sure to foster that versatility beginning from the moment they're born, to help them be successful in whatever role they take on.
Q. & A. with Darrin
Why did you start breeding?
I started working with Shepherds many years ago. It became my passion when I became a K9 Officer and quickly fell in love with their loyalty and abilities.
What makes your program special?
Our puppies are raised inside and socialized with family and dogs daily.
What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies have stock coats. Coat types may 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.
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 7
Went home
Male
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Boy 6
Went home
Male
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Boy 5
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Darrin
Darrin 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 $200 refundable deposit and between $1,300 - $2,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes AKC registration, vet visit, health guarantee. With your deposit we guarantee your order in the pick process. In some instances, the deposit is refundable.”
Contract & health guarantee
Darrin 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 Darrin 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 Darrin directly.
Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Puppy health practices
Vet check
First round of shots and deworming
Vet records
Extras
Initial potty training
Toys
Puppy starter kit
Registration
Food & treats
Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Darrin.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Shelton, WA
5124 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Seattle–Tacoma Airport
5092 miles away
·
Flexible meeting point
Darrin can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Darrin
Club memberships
Darrin is a member of GSDC Washington and German Shepherd Dog Club of America.
Darrin has been a member of Good Dog for almost 3 years
Darrin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Darrin is a trusted Good Dog breeder
K&L Kennels 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
Mandy, mom
German Shepherd
About Mandy
Mandy is our spoiled house dog but has competed in the AKC obedience ring. She has obtained her CGC, TC,HC.
She is a direct import out of Germany, she came to us at 4 months old. Big boned, beautiful and gentle with children and adults. She is registered AKC and has all the import papers from Germany. This is her first litter.
Carl, dad
German Shepherd
About Carl
Carl was a German Import and working Police K9. He retired and was great house dog for years. This is the first breeding of Carl and Mandy. His previous litters produced awesome pups, including service dogs, and wonderful family dogs.
Kuma, mom
German Shepherd
About Kuma
Kuma is our house dog. She has earned her herding certificate and her temperament certificate as well as CGC.
She had one previous litter with Carl and produced awesome results. This is her second and last litter.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
K&L Kennels 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.
Temperament Test
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.