Von Frieden German Shepherds LLC

Melissa S.

Breeder of German Shepherds

  • Grand Rivers, KY
  • Responds within a day

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 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 $200 deposit and between $1,000 - $1,600 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Our prices vary for different lines whether for companion, special needs service animal, or working lines. 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.

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
      • Puppy starter kit
      • AKC registration
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • 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

602 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Nashville

547 miles away

·

Meet in Eddyville, KY

592 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 almost 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.

  • 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.

    Fran C.

    Verified owner · Mar. 2025

    Melissa was a joy to work with. She was very responsive to my emails and the multitude of questions I had. The operation on her farm is top notch. It’s very clean, you’re very welcome to meet the puppies parents. To anyone wanting a German Shepherd Dog you won’t find a better breeder. She loves her pups and it’s obvious they love her too.

  • 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!

    Maggie B.

    Verified owner · Apr. 2025

    Melissa was absolutely fantastic, she was so quick to respond and informative. We love our baby Willow, thank you so much Melissa you have been a joy to work with and I’m excited to share willows growth and progress.

    EN

    EVAN N.

    Verified owner · Jan. 2025

    This was my first time ever going this route to get a puppy, all of my other pups have been rescues. From the time that I submitted the application for a puppy to picking up our new puppy (Reya) it was a wonderful experience, Melissa truly loves what she does, she loves to hear how the puppies are doing and checks in to male sure that everything is OK with them and that there are no issues. She answered every question that I had, I did not feel that I was buying a puppy from a breeder. I honestly felt like I was picking up a puppy from a friend/family member. I cannot say enought good things about Melissa and her furbabies. I will be back for another hopefully.

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.

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.