Nutzenhof
- Bath, MI
Meet the breeder
I'm Erin L., the breeder behind Nutzenhof located in Bath, MI. Our foundation is in European working lines, with emphasis on health and temperament. Our breeding dogs are tested for hips, elbows, DM, and temperament. Our goal is to provide work and pet quality GDS for your active home.
Q. & A. with Erin
Why did you start breeding?
The negative experiences I have had drove me to improve the quality of dogs here in the U.S. I founded German Shepherds vom Nutzenhof in 2018. Nutzenhof means "useful kennel" in German and reflects my philosophy of staying true to the working heritage of the German Shepherd Dog. We do our best to follow the German method and philosophy of breeding and try to stay true to the breed standard.What makes your program special?
I was fortunate to be able to handle a Hungarian import with Czech bloodlines as a police K9, and my partner "Uby" was the foundation sire for our kennel. We do neurological stimulation from day one, and we make sure our pups get exposure and socialization at the appropriate times. We get our pups evaluated for IGP suitability between 7 and 8 weeks to help us match puppies to the right homes.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.
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, 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.
Erin 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 have an IGP trainer/professional evaluate our litters between 7-8 weeks. Based on those results, and our observations over the puppy's life, we'll make recommendations in the sex you choose. ”
Price
“The price includes AKC registration, first vaccines, and microchip. After 8 weeks the price will increase as additional veterinary care and training are put onto the pup. Deposit will hold a puppy of the sex of your choice in the litter, with the final match decided by us. If a match cannot be made, the deposit is refunded.”
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.
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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
- 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
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Erin.
Breeder's location
Meet in Bath, MI
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport
Flexible meeting point
Erin can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Erin
Erin has been a member of Good Dog for less than a month
Erin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.
Erin is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Nutzenhof 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 health testing
Excellent level
Nutzenhof 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 Examination (rDVM, not 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.
Temperament Test, Vet Wellness Exam
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.
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).
