How to Choose a German Shepherd Breeder in Ohio: 12 Questions to Ask First
There are a lot of German Shepherd breeders in Ohio. Some have spent decades proving their dogs in the show ring and on the training field. Some bred their family pet once. From the outside, the websites can look the same.
After more than 18 years of training, showing and breeding German Shepherds, these are the 12 questions we'd ask any Ohio breeder before placing a deposit, including us.
1. Are both parents hip and elbow evaluated?
Ask for the actual results, not just a yes. OFA ratings in the U.S. and SV "a" stamps are the most common. Our dogs' results are listed on their profile pages. For more, read German Shepherd Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: OFA, SV Ratings & Health Testing.
2. What DNA testing has been done?
DNA panels screen for inherited conditions like Degenerative Myelopathy. Read Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherds.
3. Do the parents have titles, ratings or breed surveys?
Titles and show ratings are an independent judge's evaluation of a dog's temperament, structure and working ability. A breeder's own opinion isn't enough.
4. What bloodlines are you breeding, and why?
A good breeder can explain what each pairing is meant to produce, not just list names.
5. Can I see the pedigree?
Look for health, titles and consistency across generations.
6. How many litters do you have per year?
More isn't better. We plan 2 to 4 litters a year so each one gets our full attention.
7. Where are the puppies raised?
Puppies raised in the home with daily handling grow into more confident, adaptable dogs than puppies raised in an outbuilding.
8. How do you match puppies to families?
Picks based only on deposit order ignore the puppy's personality. We consider deposit order along with the type of home: pet, sport or working.
9. What does your health warranty cover?
Get it in writing. Ours is a two-year genetic health warranty, with hip and elbow conditions determined by OFA. See our warranty.
10. What registration comes with the puppy?
Know whether you're getting limited or full registration and why. Our puppies come with limited AKC registration.
11. What happens if I can't keep the dog?
Responsible breeders want the first option to take a dog back. It's written into our puppy agreement.
12. Will you be there after I take the puppy home?
The best breeders stay involved for the life of the dog.
Red Flags When Choosing a German Shepherd Breeder in Ohio
No health results you can verify
No application, no questions, no phone call
Multiple breeds or constant puppy availability
Pressure to send money fast
No written contract or warranty
About Haus-Neufus
We're a long coat German Shepherd breeder on 20 acres in Johnstown, Ohio, near Columbus. Jana began training German Shepherds in 2004, entered Schutzhund and the show ring in 2008, and has titled dogs in obedience, tracking, endurance, conformation and Schutzhund. Our dogs have competed at Sieger Shows, regional shows and club shows, and in 2026 earned VP1 ratings at the Canadian Sieger Show.
See our accomplishments, meet our dogs or apply for a puppy.
