Southernwind Kennels LLC
Meet the breeder
I'm M. Cecila M., the breeder behind Southernwind Kennels LLC located in Brooksville, FL. Maria Cecilia Martinez is the founder of Southernwind Kennels, a German Shepherd breeding program established in 1974 and built on more than five decades of hands-on experience with dogs. Martinez began working with dogs in the early 1970s and developed a lifelong career dedicated to breeding, training, evaluation, and canine development. Throughout her career she has served as an AKC and FCI All-Breed Judge and Temperament Test Judge, evaluating dogs for structural quality, working ability, and behavioral stability. In addition to her work as a breeder and judge, Martinez spent 22 years working with the Puerto Rico Mounted Police, where she participated in the development, training, and evaluation of working dogs used in operational environments. This experience reinforced her belief that the true value of the German Shepherd lies in its temperament, nerve strength, intelligence, and reliability under pressure. Through Southernwind Kennels, Martinez has dedicated her breeding program to producing German Shepherds with balanced temperament, clear nerves, sound structure, and strong working instincts. Her philosophy is based on the original principles of the breed established by Captain Max von Stephanitz, emphasizing dogs that are capable, intelligent, and stable companions. Puppies at Southernwind are raised with careful attention to early development, including structured exposure to environments, surfaces, sounds, and human interaction. These early experiences help puppies grow into confident, socially balanced dogs prepared for family life, service work, or sport. For Martinez, breeding German Shepherds is not simply about producing puppies — it is about preserving the integrity of the breed while placing each dog in the right home. Southernwind Kennels remains committed to responsible breeding practices and to supporting puppy owners throughout the life of their dogs. After more than 50 years devoted to the German Shepherd Dog, Martinez continues to share her knowledge and experience with families who value well-bred, stable, and dependable dogs.
Q. & A. with M. Cecila
Why did you start breeding?
I started in 1975 under the counseling of AKC German Shepherd Specialty Judge Joseph Palacios, who guided me for years in the proper selection based on Health, Structure, temperament Nerve stability.What makes your program special?
At Southernwind K9, our program is built on more than five decades of hands-on experience working with German Shepherds in breeding, training, judging, and real working environments. Our goal has never been simply to produce puppies, but to develop dogs with -balanced temperament, strong nerves, correct structure, and the ability to thrive in real life. Our puppies are raised through a structured early development program that begins with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and continues with the Southernwind Sensory Enhancer and Development Program, designed to build confidence, resilience, and adaptability. Puppies are gradually exposed to different sounds, surfaces, environments, problem-solving challenges, and social experiences, both individually and in groups. This controlled enrichment helps develop puppies that are curious, stable, and mentally strong. Health is another priority. Our breeding dogs follow strict preventative protocols, and puppies are raised under a -structured veterinary and vaccination program-, along with careful parasite prevention and monitoring from birth. What truly sets our program apart is the **individual attention given to every puppy and every family**. Each puppy is carefully observed and evaluated so that we can guide families toward the puppy whose temperament and energy best match their lifestyle. We also spend extensive time educating new owners to ensure puppies transition successfully into their new homes. The result is a program focused not only on producing beautiful German Shepherds, but on raising **confident, healthy, and well-balanced dogs prepared for a lifetime partnership with their families.What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies include stock 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, bi-color, and black and red. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and guardian homes.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Boy 5
Went homeMale
Boy 6
Went homeMale
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Ragnar VD Southernwind
Went homeMale
Aslaug vd Southernwind
Went homeFemale
Brida VD Southernwind
Went homeFemale
Ivar VD Southernwind
Went homeMale
Uther VD Southernwind
Went homeMale
Lagertha VD Southernwind
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from M. Cecila
M. Cecila 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.
M. Cecila 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 6 weeks old.
“With over five decades of breeding and evaluating dogs, we carefully match each puppy to the right home based on temperament, energy level, and the family’s lifestyle and experience. Our goal is not simply to sell a puppy, but to create the best possible long-term partnership between dog and owner. Each puppy is individually evaluated before placement, and we guide families toward the puppy that will thrive in their environment. This thoughtful matching process is one of the most important responsibilities of a responsible breeder. ”
Price
“Health History Fl. State Dept Health Certificate Vaccines,Dewormings Contract, Microchip, Guarantees, Pedigree AKC registration (Limited) Lifetime Advisory First Responder Pedigree Database Link Southernwind Educational Flip Books access Southernwind Educational Center Access. Deposits are 500.00 per reservation. Non Refundable, but rolls over to next litters for a max of 1 year.”
Contract & health guarantee
M. Cecila 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 M. Cecila 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 M. Cecila 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
- Scent introduction
- 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 M. Cecila.
Breeder's location
Meet in Brooksville, FL
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Orlando Airport
More about M. Cecila
Club memberships
M. Cecila is a member of German Shepherd Dog Club of America, Hernando County Kennel Club, German Shepherd Dog Club of Puerto Rico, and United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
Certifications & recognitions
Sensory test evaluator, FCI Temperament Test Judge, FCI Judge, FCI breeder of the Year, AKC Judge, Puppy Culture Breeder, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T..
M. Cecila has been a member of Good Dog for over 6 years
M. Cecila was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
M. Cecila is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Southernwind Kennels LLC 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
Athena, mom
German Shepherd
About Athena
Athena is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Markus, dad
German Shepherd
About Markus
Falvavölgyi-Markus IPO1, DM Clear, HD/ED SV a-stamp, Pink Papers Falvavölgyi-Markus is an exceptional German import, acquired directly from an SV judge in Germany. A male of striking presence and strong anatomical correctness, Markus carries Pink SV Papers and has been fully health-certified, with HD/ED SV a-stamp clearances and DM Clear status, ensuring the highest standards of health and soundness. With his IPO1 working title, Markus demonstrates not only excellent trainability but also proven working ability, stability, and resilience under pressure. His structure, rich pigmentation, and noble head reflect the best of German breeding traditions, while his confident, even temperament makes him a superb representative of the breed both on the field and in daily life. A stud of world-class pedigree and performance, Markus brings together the foundation of health, structure, temperament, and working ability—making him an invaluable contribution to any breeding program dedicated to excellence.
Lex, dad
German Shepherd
About Lex
SG1 Lex VD Southerwind is the true embodiment of strength, beauty, and balanced character. A large, powerful male with a stout, muscular build, Lex presents an exceptional head, strong bone, and an exquisite outline that commands admiration. His rich pigmentation and striking colors further enhance his noble presence. Bred by Southernwind, Lex represents the excellence of a second-generation Southernwind bloodline, carrying forward the legacy of structure, temperament, and performance. His movement is fluid, powerful, and effortless, showcasing the correct structure and mechanics of the breed standard. What truly sets Lex apart, however, is his outstanding temperament and character. A dog of remarkable stability, Lex is confident yet kind, loves children, and interacts seamlessly with other dogs. His balanced disposition and social nature make him as much a wonderful family companion as he is a superb representative of the breed. With his combination of anatomy, movement, temperament, and character, Lex VD Southerwind offers everything one could desire in a German Shepherd—a true example of Southernwind’s dedication to excellence.
Huma, mom
German Shepherd
About Huma
Huma is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Kelly, mom
German Shepherd
About Kelly
Kelly is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Pia, mom
German Shepherd
About Pia
Pia is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Nera, mom
German Shepherd
About Nera
Nera is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Morena, dad
German Shepherd
About Morena
Morena is a German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of their breed, M. Cecila decided to make them part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Carmen, mom
German Shepherd
About Carmen
Carmen is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Atina, mom
German Shepherd
About Atina
Atina is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Millo, dad
German Shepherd
About Millo
Millo is a male German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, M. Cecila decided to make him part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Waiko, dad
German Shepherd
About Waiko
Waiko is a male German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, M. Cecila decided to make him part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Jet, dad
German Shepherd
About Jet
Jet is a male German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, M. Cecila decided to make him part of their program. M. Cecila 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.
Vanya, mom
German Shepherd
About Vanya
Vanya is a female German Shepherd. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, M. Cecila decided to make her part of their program. M. Cecila 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
Great level
Southernwind Kennels LLC 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.
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).
