North Star Kennel
Meet the breeder
I'm Karen D., the breeder behind North Star Kennel located in North East, MD. We offer quality puppies with a focus on health and mental soundness. They are raised in our home with other pets. We are a very small hobby breeder with years of experience. We have competed in conformation shows as well as agility over the years with many different breeds. We strive to produce healthy loyal companions that will bring long-time joy and love to other families.
Q. & A. with Karen
Why did you start breeding?
Started showing and breeding over 30 years ago.What makes your program special?
We strive to produce healthy sound puppies that will be a life long canine partner and excellent addition to any family.What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies include plush and long coat varieties. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include sable, black and tan, black and cream, bi-color, blue, and liver. 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.
Max
Went homeMale
Manny
Went homeMale
Maiko
Went homeMale
Milo
Went homeMale
Crystal
Went homeFemale
Calisy
Went homeFemale
Calvin
Went homeMale
Cramer
Went homeMale
Chris
Went homeMale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Girl 5
Went homeFemale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Girl 7
Went homeFemale
Boy 5
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Girl 4
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 6
Went homeFemale
Getting a puppy from Karen
Karen 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 non-refundable deposit and $800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes a vet check, first puppy shots, dewormings, microchip, socializing, and the beginning of housetraining. The deposit will hold your puppy for up to 14 days. Balance due at pick up. Must be picked up in person or by transport. Puppy must be paid in full before leaving our home.”
Contract & health guarantee
Karen 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 Karen 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 Karen directly.
Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more
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
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized in new places
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- Food & treats
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Karen.
Breeder’s location
Meet in North East, MD
More about Karen
Certifications & recognitions
Agility Trial Trainer, Professional Groomer.
Karen has been a member of Good Dog for about 2 years
Karen was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Karen’s links
Karen is a trusted Good Dog breeder
North Star Kennel 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
Annika, mom
German Shepherd
About Annika
Annika is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Karen decided to make her part of their program. Karen 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
North Star Kennel 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 (Preliminary), 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 (Preliminary), 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).
