Two decades of exceptional German Shepherds
We are a family-owned AKC German Shepherd breeder in California’s Central Valley. For more than twenty years we have raised sound, intelligent, beautifully-structured dogs — and stood behind every one of them for life.
Since 2003
A family, a farm, and a love of the breed.
What began around 2003 as one family’s devotion to the German Shepherd has grown, over 23 years, into a carefully-run breeding and training program rooted right here in the Central Valley of California.
We are not a large commercial operation and we never intend to be. We plan a small number of litters each year, live with every dog as part of the family, and put our name behind each puppy that leaves our home. That closeness is the whole point — it is how we know our dogs’ temperaments so well, and how we can match the right puppy to the right family.
More than two decades in, the mission has not changed: to breed and raise German Shepherds that are a joy to live with, a credit to the breed, and a genuine partner — whether that means a devoted companion on the couch or a confident working dog in the field.
What we breed for
Every pairing is planned around four priorities, in this order. It is the difference between a well-bred German Shepherd and simply another litter.
Temperament first
Stable nerves, confidence and biddability come before everything else. A German Shepherd should be calm and clear-headed at home and unshakable when it matters.
Health-tested lines
Parents are OFA-evaluated for hips and elbows and DNA-tested clear, with full health records. We breed to reduce risk, not to hide it.
Champion bloodlines
Health-tested East and West German and Czech working lines behind every dog — pedigrees selected for structure, drive and versatility.
Lifetime support
Our relationship does not end at pick-up. We stay in your corner for the life of your dog with guidance, answers and a place to turn.
Bred for versatility
Companions, working partners & service dogs.
The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile breeds in the world, and we breed and raise ours to meet that reputation. The same qualities we prize — nerve, intelligence, trainability — show up across very different homes.
- Family companions — devoted, gentle with children, and steady in a busy household.
- Working dogs — prospects for police K9, detection, protection sport and herding.
- Service & support dogs — candidates for service, emotional-support and PTSD-support work.
How our puppies are raised
A great German Shepherd is bred and then built. From the first days of life, every puppy follows the same deliberate path before it ever comes home to you.
Born in our home
Every litter is whelped and raised inside our house — never in a barn or a run — underfoot with our family from day one.
ENS & socialization
Early neurological stimulation in the first weeks, then careful exposure to sounds, surfaces, people and everyday life.
Health & vet care
Vet-checked, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormed and microchipped before they leave.
Go-home package
Puppies leave with AKC papers, a health guarantee, and a start on everything they need to thrive with you.
OFA Health-Tested
DNA-Verified Bloodlines
What our families say
The best measure of our program is the dogs living in homes across California — and the people who share their lives with them.
Dozer is fitting in well with our family. Potty training has been challenging. He is now leash trained, knows sit. He is very smart. Your girls were right he loves tug of war. Will send pics separately.
I highly recommend! I got a dog from them and she is the sweetest baby! They are very professional and always have great customer service! They respond very fast and always make sure all questions are asked! I highly recommend buying from them if you're looking for a pup!
From start to finish, the process was smooth and transparent. Highly recommend CVGSD!
Let’s find the right German Shepherd for you.
Whether you are looking for a devoted family companion, a working prospect or a service candidate, we would love to hear what you have in mind. Reach out or join the waitlist for our upcoming litters.