Thornvalley White Swiss Shepherds
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.
Boy 3
Went homeMale
Boy 1
Went homeMale
Girl 1
Went homeFemale
Girl 2
Went homeFemale
Girl 3
Went homeFemale
Boy 4
Went homeMale
Boy 5
Went homeMale
Boy 7
Went homeMale
Boy 6
Went homeMale
Girl 4
Went homeFemale
Boy 2
Went homeMale
Blue Boy
Went homeMale
Green Girl
Went homeFemale
Black Boy
Went homeMale
Red Girl
Went homeFemale
Green Boy
Went homeMale
Purple Girl
Went homeFemale
Orange Boy
Went homeMale
Orange Girl
Went homeFemale
Green Boy
Went homeMale
Blue Boy
Went homeMale
Purple Girl
Went homeFemale
Black Boy
Went homeMale
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, 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
“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.
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
- 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
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Pittsburgh Airport
178 miles away
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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 over 5 years
Melanie was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
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
Rudy, dad
Berger Blanc Suisse
About Rudy
Rudy passed away at 12 years of age and frozen semen was used for this litter. Rudy had a rock solid temperament and was an excellent companion as well as a wonderful partner to pursue various sports with. He had a lot of ball and prey drive which facilitated our sports training that was balanced with a gentle nature with other household pets and young children. He was large boned and very masculine looking. Rudy was awarded the UKC Championship and throughout his career with UKC was awarded 4 Total Dog awards. His sports career included a UKC Rally Obedience Championship, UKC Obedience Novice title, UKC High in Trial for Rally Obedience, AWSA High in Trial for Obedience, IGP AD (12 mile endurance run). Temperament evaluations included a Schutzhund/IGP BH, UKC SPOT-ON, AKC CGC and the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS).
Good health testing
Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), +3 more.
Ozzy, dad
Berger Blanc Suisse
About Ozzy
Ozzy is a male Berger Blanc Suisse over 8 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Melanie decided to make him part of their program. Melanie 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.
Excellent health testing
Dentition, Patellar Luxation, +12 more.
Piri, mom
Berger Blanc Suisse
About Piri
Piri is a female Berger Blanc Suisse over 7 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Melanie decided to make her part of their program. Melanie 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.
Excellent health testing
Dentition, Patellar Luxation, +12 more.
Lucy, mom
Berger Blanc Suisse
About Lucy
Lucy is a female Berger Blanc Suisse. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Melanie decided to make her part of their program. Melanie 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.
Uploaded health tests
Full Embark Panel.
Parent health 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).
