Sommerfeld German Shepherds
- Opelika, AL
Meet the breeder
I'm Cassie J., the breeder behind Sommerfeld German Shepherds located in Opelika, AL. We're a working line German Shepherd breeder that is focused on producing competition dogs. They are health-tested and titled for sport or active life. Our dogs are bred to be balanced, high-drive working dogs that can excel in a variety of venues. We prioritize health and temperament, but at the end of the day, every litter we breed is meant to be one of our next competition dogs - so we breed with that goal in mind.
Q. & A. with Cassie
Why did you start breeding?
I didn't have a great experience with my first breeder, so something that became important to me as I got further into this was being able to KNOW my dogs - and trust where I'd get my next puppy from. My foundation female was co-owned, and after her first litter, it made sense to plan on my next sport dog coming from her.What makes your program special?
The connections I've made in the sport inform my breeding decisions, and I am constantly evaluating the last litter to determine the direction I should go with the next. Our foundation female, Nemi, is an IGP3 and the highest title possible in our sport - and any female we keep we look to be an improvement on an already phenomenal dog. While many of our dogs have made exceptional competition prospects, all of them have become excellent family dogs and lifelong friends!What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies have stock coats. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.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 Cassie
Cassie 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.
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
“Also included are the hip and elbow guarantee, AKC registration, appropriate shots and dewormings, a full Embark panel, and lifetime breeder support. The deposit is only refunded if there is no puppy suitable for the buyer’s situation after temperament testing the litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Cassie 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 Cassie 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 Cassie directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
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
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Puppy starter kit
- Toys
- AKC registration
- Basic obedience & manners
- Initial potty training
- Food & treats
- Registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Cassie.
Breeder's location
Meet in Opelika, AL
625 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Airport
537 miles away
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Meet in Birmingham, AL
644 miles away
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More about Cassie
Club memberships
Cassie is a member of United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
Certifications & recognitions
Schutzhund Competitor, Puppy Culture Breeder.
Cassie has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Cassie was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Cassie is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Sommerfeld 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
Litter and program updates
Cassie J.
Litter update on 01 Aug 2025 •…Minnie is still thriving and enjoying life - but waiting for her new home to come along! Still getting out and seeing the world while she waits for that perfect home.
Sam and Nemi's litter
Parent dogs
Nemi, mom
German Shepherd
About Nemi
Nemi is my competition dog, my heart, and the girl that sleeps on our bed every night. She was the second dog I started doing schutzhund with but the first that I titled to an IPO1, IGP2, and an IGP3. She is not a golden retriever and is not the dog that will let just anyone walk in the door, but she is safe with our family and friends and lives to just be with her people.
Good health testing
Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra (LTV), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +1 more.
Parent health testing
Excellent level
Sommerfeld 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.
Temperament Test, Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra (LTV)
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).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Cassie to bring home their puppies.
Rodney M.
Verified owner · Dec. 2025
+4Cassie was awesome to work with. We found Minnie on the website and thought she would be a great addition to our family. Cassie went above and beyond helping us and we couldn't be happier. I would recommend anyone wanting a working line German Shepherd to reach out to Cassie and let her assist you in getting the best dog you can.
