von Heitzig

Gayle M.

Breeder of German Shepherds

Meet the breeder

I'm Gayle M., the breeder behind von Heitzig located in Wasilla, AK. Carefully selected old-world pedigrees provide genetics for health and longevity. We raise, train, title, and test each dog thoroughly. As a result of our dedication to producing the healthiest companion dogs, puppies are available only occasionally. See more information, pedigrees, pictures, and videos at https://www.facebook.com/vonheitziggermanshepherds/.

Q. & A. with Gayle

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I was unable to find the type of German Shepherd I wanted for myself, a dog that was beautiful to look at, was successful at trials, and also live in the house as a companion...so I started researching and made them myself.
  • What makes your program special?

    I don’t make and sell puppies as a living, I produce puppies when I need a new dog for myself and to drive my breeding program forward to the next generation. I don’t look down on breeders that use puppies to earn a living, I just think that without those financial considerations/pressures I can always make decisions in the best interest of the puppy.
  • 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 Gayle

Gayle 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 between $2,000 - $3,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“Price includes AKC registration, certified 4 generation pedigree, regular de-worming, Neopar puppy parvo shot at 6 weeks, DAPP at 8 weeks, microchip, DM test results, vet health visit prior to pick up.”

Contract & health guarantee

Gayle 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 Gayle 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 Gayle 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
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming

Location & pick-up

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

Breeder’s location

Meet in Wasilla, AK

4626 miles away

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Other pick-up locations

Meet at Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport

4658 miles away

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More about Gayle

  • Club memberships

    Gayle is a member of Cook Inlet Kennel Club and German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

  • Gayle has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years

    Gayle was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

  • Gayle’s links

Gayle is a trusted Good Dog breeder

von Heitzig 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

von Heitzig 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 (Preliminary), 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 (Preliminary), 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.

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)

    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

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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.