Sterley Shepherds
- Newaygo, MI
- Responds within a day
Available puppies
Miss Red
Ready Dec. 24
5 weeks old · Female
Mr Light Blue
Ready Dec. 24
5 weeks old · Male
Mr Grey and Black
Ready Dec. 24
5 weeks old · Male
Miss Lilac
Ready Dec. 24
5 weeks old · Female
Miss Light Green
Ready Dec. 24
5 weeks old · Female
Miss Yellow
Ready Dec. 24
5 weeks old · Female
Upcoming litters
Expected German Shepherd litter
Due Dec. 2025
Ready Feb. 14, 2026
Meet the breeder
I'm Michelle S., the breeder behind Sterley Shepherds located in Newaygo, MI. At Sterley Shepherds, our journey began over 9 years ago with a deep love for the German Shepherd breed. Located in Newaygo, Michigan, we specialize in West German show line long-haired German Shepherds bred for health, structure, temperament, and intelligence. Our breeding program focuses on imported, titled, and health-tested parents to ensure the highest quality in our puppies. We raise each litter in our home, using Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI), along with early crate and potty training to give them the best start in life. Our puppies are confident, loyal, and well-socialized—making them excellent companions for families, working homes, or future show prospects. Whether you're looking for a best friend or a beautifully bred German Shepherd with strong genetics, we’re here to help you find your perfect match. We are proud of our reputation and are always available to support our puppy families for the lifetime of their dog.
Q. & A. with Michelle
Why did you start breeding?
I am purposeful in everything I do regarding my dogs, including careful selection of breeding dogs and extensive health testing. My goal is to produce healthy dogs with great temperaments, working drives, and conformation that are exemplary representations of the breed.What makes your program special?
I do not breed my dogs unless they are fully healthy and genetically tested. I am dedicated to always having responsible policies when it comes to breeding, socializing, and training my pups. I strive to breed healthy, quality pups that can fit any lifestyle. I love what I do and truly want the very best for my puppies and their forever families.What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies include long, stock, and plush coat varieties. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black and black and red. 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.
Grey
ReservedMale
Mr Blue
ReservedMale
Miss Pink
ReservedFemale
Miss Purple
ReservedFemale
Mr Orange
ReservedMale
Mr Brown
ReservedMale
Mr Green
ReservedMale
Mr White
ReservedMale
Miss Magenta
ReservedFemale
Mr Black
ReservedMale
Mr Black
Went homeMale
Mr Yellow
Went homeMale
Mr Green
Went homeMale
Miss Orange
Went homeFemale
Lt Blue
Went homeFemale
Mr Blue
Went homeMale
Miss Red
Went homeFemale
Miss Pink
Went homeFemale
Miss Purple
Went homeFemale
Mr Orange
Went homeMale
Miss Pink
Went homeFemale
Mr Blue
Went homeMale
Miss Purple
Went homeFemale
Mr Black
Went homeMale
Mr Green
Went homeMale
Mr Grey
Went homeMale
Mr Red
Went homeMale
Pink
Went homeFemale
Black
Went homeMale
Red
Went homeMale
Purple
Went homeFemale
Green
Went homeMale
Blue
Went homeMale
Mr Blue
Went homeMale
Mr Green
Went homeMale
Miss Pink
Went homeFemale
Miss Yellow
Went homeFemale
Black
Went homeMale
Miss Red
Went homeFemale
Brown
Went homeMale
Magenta
Went homeFemale
Grey
Went homeMale
Lime
Went homeMale
Orange
Went homeMale
Yellow
Went homeFemale
Green
Went homeMale
Blue
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Michelle
Michelle 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 $500 non-refundable deposit and between $2,000 - $3,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“Price includes registration, vet check with vaccinations, deworming , microchip, small bag if food and lifetime support from us. We require a deposit to hold puppy.”
Contract & health guarantee
Michelle 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 Michelle 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 Michelle 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
- 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
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- AKC registration
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Initial potty training
- Basic obedience & manners
- Registration
- Food & treats
- Toys
- Puppy starter kit
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Michelle.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Newaygo, MI
527 miles away
·
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Gerald R. Ford Airport
497 miles away
·
Flexible meeting point
Michelle can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Michelle
Michelle has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years
Michelle was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Michelle is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Sterley 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
Michelle S.
Program update on 21 Nov. •Michelle S.
Litter update on 02 July •
Thror and Koly's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 29 June •
Thror and Koly's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 14 June •
Thror and Koly's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 04 June •
Thror and Barta's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 29 May •Playing in the tunnel
Thror and Koly's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 25 May •Miss Purple
Thror and Barta's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 03 May •
Thror and Barta's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 01 May •Starting to play
Thror and Koly's litter
Michelle S.
Litter update on 30 Jan. •
Emilio and Aurelia's litter
Parent dogs
Barta, mom
German Shepherd
About Barta
Barta is a beautiful long-coated West German show line female with rich pigment, balanced structure, and a warm, loyal temperament. She has a medium drive — focused and willing when working, yet composed and thoughtful in new environments. Barta is confident, intelligent, and exceptionally easy to live with. She’s social and affectionate with her family, gentle with children, and neutral around other dogs. She loves having a job and thrives when given purpose — the perfect blend of biddability and steadiness. Her pedigree includes generations of titled, health-tested champions known for exceptional temperament, structure, and longevity. Barta’s health testing includes hips, elbows, and DM clearance. As a mother, she is nurturing and attentive, consistently producing puppies with stable temperaments, strong bone, and excellent type. Her pups are well-suited for active families, therapy work, and companion homes seeking the hallmark German Shepherd loyalty and intelligence — without extreme drive.
Great health testing
Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), +2 more.Thror, dad
German Shepherd
About Thror
Thror is the cornerstone of our breeding program and an outstanding representation of the West German show line German Shepherd. With his rich black-and-red coat, powerful structure, and confident stance, he embodies the beauty and strength of the breed. Beyond his striking looks, Thror’s temperament sets him apart. He is loyal, level-headed, and incredibly social—equally at home in the show ring, working environment, or relaxing with his family. His natural intelligence, willingness to please, and steady drive make him both a joy to train and a reliable partner. Thror’s pedigree is built on excellence, with generations of health-tested, titled German Shepherds behind him. He consistently passes down his strong nerves, excellent conformation, and easy-going yet protective nature to his offspring. Whether producing confident working dogs or loyal family companions, Thror’s influence shines through in every litter. We are proud to have him as a stud at Sterley Shepherds.
Excellent health testing
Temperament Test, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), +2 more.Aurelia, mom
German Shepherd
About Aurelia
Very good head, high withers, firm back, the well-positioned croup is of good length. Good front, very good hindquarters, normal chest proportions. Straight front, straight stepping at the front, slightly narrow stepping at the rear, the gaits are powerful
Excellent health testing
Temperament Test, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), +2 more.Koly, mom
German Shepherd
About Koly
Koly is the definition of a gentle soul. With her deep, rich pigment and soft expression, she turns heads everywhere she goes—but it’s her sweet and mellow temperament that truly sets her apart. She is the kind of dog who loves everyone she meets, always ready with a wagging tail and a calm, steady presence. Koly brings a perfect balance of beauty and temperament to our program. Her affectionate, people-loving nature makes her a joy to live with, while her strong structure and excellent coloring reflect the best of her West German show line heritage. Whether she’s enjoying quiet time with the family or greeting new friends, Koly’s easy-going personality shines through in everything she does.
Great health testing
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI), +1 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Sterley 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.
Cardiac Evaluation (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.
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 Michelle to bring home their puppies.
- KH
Katelynn H.
Verified owner · July 2025
Michelle was very responsive. She was patient and kind answering all our questions. She asked if we had a name picked out and her family started to get him familiar with his name. Here’s the best part, Michelle breeds the best German shepherds you will ever meet. Rex has the best temperament you could ever ask for. I’m talking about when he met our cat, he literally sat down from a distance and just watched our cat. No dog has ever done that before. He knows when you are upset and he will go to you to comfort you. He is absolutely playful but has such an amazing behavior. Rex is such a quicker learner. He is learning commands quickly! He has the softest fur you will ever touch. He also is not destructive with toys. He plays with them very well. Our other dog destroys them. Rex has really completed our family. He brings us so much joy and laughs! Rex’s parents have a clean bill of health. The dogs Michelle breeds is the reason you should get one. This is our family’s third German shepherd and we cannot believe how lucky we got with him. We won the lottery with our Rex. We know the best is yet to come with having Rex be part of our family. Thank you Michelle!
JEJordan E.
Verified owner · July 2025
+6Michelle was so knowledgeable and helpful with letting us get Freya. The puppies there are well taken care of and set up for success when they find their forever home. From when you first meet Michelle you can tell that she really loves and cares about the puppies that she has. It was a pleasure to get our gsd from sterley shepherds. Thank you Michelle!
CHChris H.
Verified owner · Apr. 2024
Was a good experience. Responded quickly and had an answer to any question I had.
- EC
Erin C.
Verified owner · July 2025
Working with Michelle was absolutely amazing! I can tell she really loves working with her dogs. She is very knowledgeable and very well experienced. She answered every question I had and was very patient with me. The minute our new puppy pink in aka Velma came into our life everything was perfect. Velma is already so well behaved and I've only had her for 24 hours. Going through Good Dog made it super easy finding the right breed and it made it easy to talk to Michelle! I highly recommend Sterley Shepherds to anyone looking for a beautiful German Shepherd.
Rachelle A.
Verified owner · Nov. 2024
Michelle was an absolute pleasure to work with through the puppy process. She cares deeply for each and every puppy and dog parent that she has. She was responsive to all my questions and always got back to me right away. We were able to go visit and pick our puppy and she spend a lot of time with us to make sure we had all the answers to our questions and felt comfortable. After we picked up our puppy she checked in with us often. She is a wonderful breeder and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a German Shepherd.
