Thornvalley White Swiss Shepherds

Melanie F.

Breeder of Berger Blanc Suisses

  • New Castle, PA · 204 miles away
  • Responds within a few days

Meet the breeder

I'm Melanie F., the breeder behind Thornvalley White Swiss Shepherds located in New Castle, PA. With over 20 yrs experience with the breed, I am an advocate for the Total Dog in form and function, exemplifying that by training and trialing my own breeding dogs. Our dogs and their offspring are titled in conformation, IGP, obedience, rally, dock diving, DMWYD & herding. DNA & Health tested.

Q. & A. with Melanie

  • Why did you start breeding?

    In the 70's I grew up with 5 White GSD's. I fell in love with the dogs back then and was able to start my own program in 2003 with the White Shepherd/White Swiss Shepherd with my family. The dogs are an integral part of our lives and I have worked hard to be a good advocate of the breed.
  • What makes your program special?

    I believe in not only selecting healthy dogs from proven titled lineage for breeding, but to put the time and effort into those dogs to earn their own accomplishments. This is indicative of their temperament. I have a blend of European and domestic lines contributing excellent health and temperament to their offspring. Puppies are raised in my home and exposed to everyday household conditions.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies are white. 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.

Getting a puppy from Melanie

Melanie 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 refundable deposit and $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Included: UKC (White Shepherd) reg, FCI/FCPR (White Swiss Shepherd)reg, Embark DNA panel, 1st set of puppy vacc, Microchip, Royal Canin Puppy pack & lg bag puppy food. Collar/leash, scented blanket. 100% Refundable if I do not have a puppy that meets your requirements regarding gender & coat type. If you change your mind, deposit will be refunded 100% AFTER I place the puppy that was held for you.”

Contract & health guarantee

Melanie 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 Melanie 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 Melanie 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
      • 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
      • Vet records
      • Microchip
    • Extras
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Melanie.

Breeder’s location

Meet in New Castle, PA

204 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Pittsburgh Airport

178 miles away

·


Flexible meeting point

Melanie can meet at a location that works for both of you

More about Melanie

  • Club memberships

    Melanie is a member of North East Working Boxer Klub, Westmoreland County Obedience Training Club, America White Swiss Shepherd Club, and United White Shepherd Club.

  • Melanie has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years

    Melanie was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.

  • Melanie’s links

Melanie is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Thornvalley White Swiss 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

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Thornvalley White Swiss 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 Berger Blanc Suisses.

  • 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.

  • Patellar Luxation

    Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.

  • Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Dentition

    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.

  • Hyperuricosuria (HUU), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1)

    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).

Photos

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

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