Breeding true GERMAN Shepherds;
                That is what keeps Bellington Shepherds
                                                             a head above the rest

Our shepherds are from Europe's finest kennels.
                               We do not breed American show lines.

Once you have experienced
          living with a German Shepherd
                       who has such a superb personality,

                                    - you will never want to settle for anything less.

It is said that the German Shepherd Dog offers the observer a picture of rugged strength, intelligence and agility, whose overall proportions are neither in excess or deficient in any way. The way he moves and behaves leaves no doubt that he is sound in mind and body and so possesses physical and mental traits that render possible ever-ready working dog with great stamina and agility. With an effervescent temperament, the dog must also be cooperative, adapting to every situation and work willingly and happily. He is capable of showing courage and a hardness as the situation requires, to defend the one he loves and his property. He must be ready to defend on his owners command but otherwise be fully attentive, obedient, gentle and a pleasant household companion. He must be devoted to his family and above all to children. He should be composed, almost aloof, with his contact of others outside his family. He gives a harmonious picture of natural nobility, great beauty, and self-confidence. He must have sound nerves, alertness, self-confidence, and trainability. He must be watchful, loyal, and un-corruptible. He will be your most courageous companion. He is a German Shepherd.

Characterized by its great adaptability and physical prowess, the German Shepherd is respected, admired and acclaimed for it’s versatility, renowned for its intelligence and beloved for its utter devotion and loyalty to his owner. The German Shepherd is truly the ultimate dog. No breed of dog can compete with the Shepherd for versatility: a companion, ultimate protector, K-9, war dog, shepherding, drug buster, search and rescue, blind guide and therapy dog for the disabled. The sport of Schutzhund is dominated by the breed. He is the ultimate athlete.

American vs. German

We feel that the “German” in German Shepherd is very important. You should know the strict standards upheld in Germany compared to the United States. For the following reasons, you are most often taking a risk in purchasing an “American or Canadian” German Shepherd. Only in North America, where breeders have been breeding to careless breed standards are there so many problems with hips and overall health and temperament. Unfortunately, there are NO “breeding” breed standards in this country.

Any type of German Shepherd can be bred to any other with absolutely no regard for genetic problems as long as they “look” good. The AKC will accept this. Often times to get the “look,” American Show Shepherds look crippled, and they are. The lack of breeder guidance and virtually no controls or regulations in North America not only leaves the remaining good breeders on their own, but it also makes it possible for some breeders to create anything they envision in a shepherd. You end up with bad hips, poor character, oversize or “giant” Shepherds with a life expectancy of five or six years…or worse.

A dog that is not confident may end up being a fear biter. This is why the rest of the world breeders want the American breeders to rename their breed “American Shepherd Dogs,” and no longer use “German.” I do not wish to bore you with this issue, however I will take a quote from one of the word’s most respected American publications on the German Shepherd by Wilfred Stirickland and James Moses. They are considered to be the ultimate authorities on the breed. This is taken from the book “The German Shepherd Today.”

The issue is about choosing an American or German Shepherd. …on a whole however, the German dogs are renowned for their excellent character, temperament, and mental soundness. I have found that the German breeders will settle for nothing less than perfection where their dogs’ mental fitness is concerned.

If you have never had the pleasure of living with a handsome German, German Shepherd with 100% sound temperament and faultless character, and one who is just naturally courageous, you owe it to yourself to find one. Once you have experienced living with a German Shepherd who has such a superb personality, you will never want to settle for anything less. During my visits to Germany I have always been impressed with the attitude the Germans have regarding their dogs’ working capabilities. They are always proud to show off their dogs and show off their working abilities.

If a German breeder has a good show dog, it is to his benefit to train and show him in order to compile an impressive record on him. Sooner or later someone, who will be willing and able to pay the stipulated price, will buy him. However, even the dogs I have seen in German homes that are not of top show caliber, are trained to work. I have yet to visit an American breeder that can show me any trained champions.

We just don’t train them. At this time there are very few American breeders who are interested enough in their dogs’ intelligence to earn UDX obedience titles with then. If you took an American show dog, and tried to work him in protection or in herding, they would not be capable of completing the task. These dogs were bred to work, and they do just the opposite.

"German" German Shepherds, whether show dogs or not, are always working.

The “German” German Shepherd, where the dog originated, has elevated the quality of the breed all over the world by maintaining working ability and careful attention to the essential breed conformation standards, with care to eliminate undesirable temperamental and unhealthy qualities.

Each year the top shepherds are chosen from many hundreds of entries at the Sieger Show. They are selected as outstanding examples of the breed type for temperament, drive, and physical soundness. The very top dogs are then offered to breed to carry on and improve the bloodlines.

At Bellington Shepherds, we feel it is important to breed the finest quality German Shepherd available. We realize that many of our puppies will never enter the show ring or compete in the Schutzhund trials. However, the dogs that are produced from quality breeding will provide an unforgettable family companion, protector, and friend.

If you do decide to show your dog, expect the best.