Von Frieden German Shepherds LLC

Melissa S.

Breeder of German Shepherds

  • Grand Rivers, KY
  • Responds within a day
  • 100% recommend •

Upcoming litters

Marshall
Honey

German Shepherd litter

Expected Nov. 2026

Ready Dec. 30
Marshall
Legacy

German Shepherd litter

Expected Nov. 2026

Ready Jan. 7, 2027

Meet the breeder

I'm Melissa S., the breeder behind Von Frieden German Shepherds LLC located in Grand Rivers, KY. Our dogs are bred for health and temperament with a focus on conformation. Athleticism and intelligence. Breeding the old fashion straight backs. They are wonderful healthy family companions.

Q. & A. with Melissa

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I’ve always loved the German Shepherd. I remember seeing them with the police in a parade as a small child and thought there was no better breed. Then at eight yrs old my dad bought me a German Shepherd, that did it! This started a life long love for the breed with lots of research and commitment. I continue to learn everyday. You can not learn everything in a life time but, I’m sure trying.

  • What makes your program special?

    My dogs! We are small based breeder. I’ve worked hard to see the lines I have brought together to achieve my own line that is healthy with good temperaments and conformation. Striving for the best. Seeing the faces of clients with huge smiles because I helped them find the perfect fit for them whether for a disability or just a companion. This is what I set out to do.

  • 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 sable, black, black and tan, black and red, black and cream, blue, and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home and a kennel on my property.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Melissa

Melissa 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.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Melissa partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“We take care in matching our puppies with the right families. We go in order of deposit, but also work closely with each family to help pick the right puppy for their family. We normally start picks at or around 4 1/2 to 5 weeks,picks can take up to 6 weeks depending on size of litter. ”

Price

Puppy prices include a $300 non-refundable deposit. The remaining $1,550 - $2,200 is due before pickup, plus applicable taxes and fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Our prices vary for different breedings depending on if we use outside studs or our own. Cost of raising the litter cost of health testing and purchasing new stock many different factors. Our deposit is non refundable it can be moved to another litter of persons choice.”

Contract & health guarantee

Melissa 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 Melissa 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 Melissa directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

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
      • Microchip
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • AKC registration
      • Registration
      • Initial potty training

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder's location

Meet in Grand Rivers, KY

4588 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Nashville

4574 miles away

·

Meet in Nashville, TN

4574 miles away

·

More about Melissa

  • Club memberships

    Melissa is a member of AKC Breeder .

  • Certifications & recognitions

    AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., American Kennel Club Canine College, Whelping and Medical Intervention Course Completed (AKC).

  • Melissa has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years

    Melissa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.

  • Melissa’s links

Melissa is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Von Frieden German Shepherds 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

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Von Frieden German Shepherds 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.

  • 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 Melissa to bring home their puppies.

  • Dakota C.

    Verified owner · June 2026

    Melissa was fantastic. Provided updates, made time for phone calls, and very clearly loves her dogs and the puppies that they raise. I love my girl Mazzy and I am blessed to have found her with Melissa’s help. I highly recommend Von Frieden German Shepherds LLC.

    Raegen J.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    I couldn’t have asked to work with a better person. She was so responsive, kind, and answered all the questions I had.

    Nikki Chana C.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2025

      • +4

    Melissa is amazing! It’s very clear she has a ton of passion and love for her dogs, she is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She’s very involved even after the pups go home, which we love in case we ever have further questions or just want to keep in touch. She has been a blessing and we’re so happy we found her!

  • Jesus C.

    Verified owner · May 2026

    Amazing The best

    Jason D.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2025

    Melissa is legit! We went to pick her up and saw the property and all the dogs. It’s a beautiful place that’s very well maintained all the way around. All the dogs were clean and beautiful. You can tell Melissa takes great pride in what she does and how deeply she cares for German Shepards. I will get my next one from her. Thank you Melissa!

    Christian R.

    Verified owner · Sept. 2025

    Melissa was very direct and helpful when it came to being understanding about my occupation as well as my situation. Any question that I had was immediately or quickly answered and I had no trouble with registering Cleo with AKC.

Photos

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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.

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.

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.