I'm Susan H., the breeder behind Volhouden German Shepherds located in Millan, IL. Our dogs are bred for health and conformation towards the UKC standard(moderation). We focus on primarily off colors(blue, liver, Isabella, silver, whites, and brindle) with occasional standard color litters. Health and temperament are our top priority, followed very closely by beauty.
Q. & A. with Susan
Why did you start breeding?
My grandfather was a K9 Dobermann breeder, he introduced me to working dogs and the art of puppy raising. I helped my grandfather from the age of 4 until he retired. I purchased my first off color GSD in 2014 and my passion for preservation breeding blossomed from there.
What makes your program special?
I only breed from health tested, titled, temperamentally sound and exceptional dogs and I am one of the few if not the only off color breeder proving their dogs in the conformation show ring and obedience ring. I go above and beyond recommended health screening with PennHip scores, OFA grades(shoulder, spine, hips, elbows AND patellas), a full Embark screen, DNA profiles and Dwarfism testing to ensure I produce impeccably healthy puppies. I import from outside of the US and use outside stud dogs that have the strongest chances of improving on my girls. I keep small numbers(4 at most!) and only ever have one litter on the ground at a time. I do everything in my power to hand you a wonderful, outgoing, stable and lifelong family companion.
What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies include plush, 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 black seal, sable, black and tan, isabella, gray, panda, black and silver, black and red, blue, liver, and 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.
Silver Fawn Brindle
Went home
Male
Silver Sable
Went home
Female
Blue Silver Sable
Went home
Male
Silver Sable
Went home
Female
Blue Silver Sable
Went home
Female
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Boy 3
Went home
Male
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Red Collar
Went home
Male
Green Collar
Went home
Male
Yellow Collar
Went home
Male
Brown Collar
Went home
Female
Black Collar
Went home
Female
Grey Collar
Went home
Female
Purple Collar
Went home
Female
Blue Collar
Went home
Male
Mr. Fats
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from Susan
Susan 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 $250 non-refundable deposit and between $1,750 - $3,250 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“Our puppies prices are based on pedigree and parents titles and recognitions. We do not charge more for color or pick number. Deposit is non-refundable but is transferable to another litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Susan 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 Susan 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 Susan directly.
Volhouden 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
Parent dogs
Bean, dad
German Shepherd
About Bean
Bean is a male German Shepherd almost 4 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Susan decided to make him part of their program. Susan 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.
Vito, dad
German Shepherd
About Vito
Vito is a male German Shepherd almost 6 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Susan decided to make him part of their program. Susan 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.
Great health testing
Spine (OFA, FCI), Patellar Luxation, +5 more.
Parent health testing
Volhouden 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.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
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.
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.
Pituitary Dwarfism, Full Embark Panel, 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).
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.