German Shepherd Puppies; Distinctly West German, Uniquely American
100% German Bloodlines,
 Breeding to a higher standard! 

Outstanding Companion and Family Protection dogs; Herding, Performance and Service Dogs are all our Specialty. 
We train/work/title and live with our dogs as well as health test.  We breed sound dogs (not afraid of thunder or gun shots)


 View Our References     Puppies for Sale  |  Older Puppies for Sale  |   Adult/Young Males for Sale  |  Adult/Young Females for Sale

Email us now: vhmerkel@yahoo.com  

Last updated - Thursday, March 19, 2015 08:37:08 PM -0500

Last updated - Sunday, November 08, 2015 08:02:48 PM -0600

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COURAGE - CHARACTER - PREDICTABILITY
Show puppies by Anatomy; Loyal Companions and Protection by Nature; Health and Longevity by good genetics; and proven by Health Testing Certifications. Brought to you by a thoughtful knowledgeable trusted breeder of over 45 years. Breeders of the finest quality Schutzhund/IPO titled & Breed Surveyed German Shepherds in the United States. Our breeding program maintains the integrity of the German Shepherd's heritage to preserve the ideal human-canine bond. 
  "BREEDING HEALTHY DOGS BY DESIGN"


Our Merkel Geneology is from
Haßloch, Germany





We are published in these books

   BREEDER QUALIFICATIONS:
   KENNEL NAME:
Haus Merkel
   Breeder Name: Dyan Merkel
   Website:
http://www.hausmerkel.com
   Location: North Texas
   Contact Info:  vhmerkel@yahoo.com
   214-755-5755

   HEALTH TESTS:
   Hip/Elbow Certifications: Yes
   Degenerative Myopathy Certifications: Yes
   Thyroid tests: Yes
   CERF tests: No

   TRAINING:
   Titles/certifies breeding stock in discipline?: Yes

   BREEDING STOCK:
   Raises breeding stock from puppies: Yes
   Titles dogs bred on premise:  Yes
   Imports titled breeding stock: Yes
   Buys from other Breeders:  NO MORE!

   SCHUTZHUND/IPO:
   Has trained in Schutzhund: Yes
   HOT from puppy to SchH3: Yes
   HOT and bred to SchH3: Yes

   CONFORMATION/BREED SURVEY:
   Show ratings: Yes
   Breed survey: Yes

   BREEDER ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
   V Putz vom Haus Merkel SchH3, Kkl 1a
   V Ulla vom Haus Merkel SchH3, Kkl 1a
   V Zessa vom Haus Merkel SchH2, IPO3, Kkl1a
   V Riesa vom Haus Merkel SchH2, Kkl 1a
   V Puma vom Haus Merkel SchH2, Kkl 1a
   V Emma vom Haus Merkel SchH1, Kkl 1a
   SG Wickie vom Haus Merkel IPO1 a
   SG Vessa vom Haus Merkel IPO1 a
   SG1 Clar vom Haus Merkel SchH1 a
   Ch Merkel's Opium SchH1
   V Merkel's Arletta SchH1, a
   SG, VP2 Nixe vom Haus Merkel BH, AD, a
   SG Feli vom Haus Merkel BH, AD, a
   Ch Merkel's Leica UDT, OFA
   Merkel's Leibchen Shiloh UDT, OFA
   Ch Merkels Sangria UDT, OFA
   United States Grand Victrix
   Ch Merkels Vendetta  ROM, OFA
   Ch Merkel' Quaestor CD, ROM, OFA
   Ch Merkel's Essence UD, OFA
   Merkel's Coda vom Jennerick CDX, OFA
   National Certified Search & Rescue
   Lieb vom Haus Merkel OFA,
   National Obedience Winner
  
Ch Merkel's Cut Up of Timmee UDT, OFA
   Certified United States Service Dog
   Bryn vom Haus   Merkel CGC, OFA
   Certified United States Service Dog
  
Fred vom Haus Merkel
   Ch Merkel's The Cutting Edge OFA
   Ch Merkel's Virtual Reality OFA
   Ch Merkel's Tequila CD, OFA
   Ch Merkel's Sante Fe OFA
   Merkel's Spellbound ROM,
OFA
   Merkel's Emma ROM , OFA

   Merkel's Estes CD, near ROM
   2009 Annual Achievement Award Recipient
   Ch Merkel's Heart's are Wild
CDTDTC HIC CGC TDI OFA
   Ch Merkel's Heart to Heart CD, OFA
   PRODOMINANT LINES USED:
   World Sieger Larus von Batu SchH3 Kkl 1a
   World Sieger Zamp vom Thermodos SchH3, Kkl 1
   World Sieger Yasko vom Farbenspiel SchH3,Kkl 1a
   VA Dux della Valcuvia SchH3, Kkl1a
    Kirschental

   WRITTEN GUARANTEE:  Yes
   EDUCATION AVAILABLE:  Yes
   LIFETIME SUPPORT Yes
   YEARS AS BREEDER: 
46
 

S I T E    N A V I G A T I O N


About our 46 years in the Breed

Our German Shepherd Males


Our German Shepherd Females •

Compare with other Breeders

Our References

German Shepherd Puppies for Sale

Older Puppies/Teenagers for Sale

Adult Females for Sale

Adult Males for Sale

Puppy Pricing/Contract


MORE LINKS:         

Neutering your puppy
Deposit
Pricing, Contract
Adult &Young  Males for Sale
Adult &Young Females for Sale


Our German Shepherd Stud Dogs
Breeding Requirements for Stud

Puppy Mill Article
German Shepherd Rescues •
Memorials
Articles
OFA  •
Classifieds
 
More Links:
 
Dog Food Analysis
Worming & Vaccination Schedule

OUR OTHER PETS

Excellent Link to pet/health videos
Any health care links located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your dog to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Call your vet and describe your dog's symptoms with any of your concerns about the dog's well-being. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your dog's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to err on the side of caution

HEALTH ARTICLES:
 
 
von Willebrand Disease
Coprophagia
Hip dysplasia Positioning
(A badly positioned x-ray can make
your dog look dysplasic!)
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy
MORE ARTICLES:
Other Links
Links
Contact
Add your Link
 
Members of           
GSDCA

WDA

Schutzhund USA

 

My beloved mother
(Dorothy Conner Merkel Obituary)
Love, kindness & laughter was her gift to all.  Always on my mind forever in my heart!


THIS IS WHAT WE FEED & RECOMMEND

Click photo to go to their site

VICTOR SELECT HI-PRO PLUS
Calorie Content (calculated):
ME 3894 kcal/kg;429 kcal/cup

Formula for Active Dog & Puppies contains high levels
of Proteins and Energy with only 30% carbohydrates! This super premium food is naturally formulated with added vitamins, minerals and other additives that work
together to support a strong and healthy immune and digestive system. As with all Victor dog foods, this formula is free from Corn, Wheat, Soy or Glutens and is also made using GMO Free. Dogs love the all natural flavor of this super premium food

 

HOW TO GREET A DOG

Click on photo for the
BEST INFORMATION YOU CAN EVER HAVE ON MEETING OTHER PEOPLES DOGS-Children really need to learn this.
 


READING A DOGS BODY LANGUAGE
attribution (C) DFDK9
www.dfdk9.com 

Canine body language
http://dfdk9.wordpress.com/

THIS is why you do not walk your dogs on asphalt or concrete in the summer. If you see someone walking their dogs on asphalt or concrete, PLEASE educated them and get the pet to cooler ground. Original post was from Pet Ambulance Victoria

This should be sent to all the veterinarians including the specialists!



DOG PARK ALERT

We have received two notices. (1) Nails wrapped in cheese at dog parks in Chicago and Massachusetts (see pic). (2) from some friends that in Augusta Maine dog park, antifreeze is being found in doggie water bowls. Please beware and be careful and PLEASE SHARE and spread the word



Ever wonder where puppy mill dogs come from? Here's an example. Many get cooked alive in the sun and freeze to death in the winter. If you purchase your dog from a pet store, I can guarantee your "AKC" certified dog came from a place like this.  This one is even better than the ones  I saw in Iowa and Missouri!



Do you recognize she is a Yorkie?
Please do not purchase your pet from a Pet shop, Backyard breeder or Commercial Puppy Mill.


ALL PETS RESCUES
needs your help!

 

Official PayPal Seal

 

"The man who rears a dog must complete what the breeder began..." Max v. Stephanitz; Father of the German Shepherd Dog

 

 
"Fun at the Beach"

"Fun at Work"


This is a real combination of symptoms that spells out EMERGENCY. These are the classic symptoms of a condition referred to as "bloat" - a dog that is pacing, restless and has unproductive attempts to vomit.

This is a common problem in large breed deep-chested dogs but can also occur in smaller dogs.

Basically what happens is this - the stomach twists causing the blood supply to the stomach to be compromised then leads to tissue death. As tissues are damaged, toxins are released and a sequence of events occurs that if left untreated, leads to death.

If you ever notice these symptoms in your dog, call your local veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as possible.

This is a condition that is fairly common and often occurs in the evening or nighttime hours. It is also a very expensive condition to treat.  READ MORE...

           

Dealing with Excessive Barking

The first step to stopping barking is to understand why it is happening. Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons, including anxiety, boredom and/or loneliness. Sometimes they bark just because it feels good.  Luckily, most dogs will respond to one or other intervention to curtail their barking. Whether you simply bring an outdoor dog inside or take the time to apply behavior-modification techniques, you can cause a dog to be less of a nuisance and to be more socially acceptable.


Removing Skunk Odor

No need for the tomato juice. Use a mixture of 10 parts hydrogen peroxide to 1 part baking soda. Add a dash of degreasing dishwashing soap and pour into a spray bottle. Spray liberally over dry coat and allow to air dry. Avoid eyes. Works on other objects, too!



Click link below to enjoy the Birding Site
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE BIRDING

FDA DOG FOOD RECALLS    

 

 

 

Splay Leg in Weaning Puppies
(Hyperextended Knee)(Myrofibrillar hyproplasia)
 

Almost any joint in the skeleton of the Dog could be potentially hyperextended through some abnormal movement or injury. Hyperextension basically refers to any movement that causes the joint to move past its normal range of motion, resulting in pain, swelling and restriction of movement either for short or long periods of time.

Swimmer pups are unable to stand. They attempt to move across the floor with a paddling movement. It occurs in overly fat puppies. Affected puppies are reluctant to elevate themselves. Those which are able to raise on smooth surface flooring demonstrate splay legs due to lack of traction when attempting to walk.  Puppies may develop flatten chest cavity if the underlying cause of 'swimmer' condition is not corrected and the limbs are not used. The shape of heart, lungs and esophagus may also change as flattening progresses, thus affecting the viability of puppies. Attempt to prevent splaying is important if leg splaying is detected early. Any non-genetic based condition can be rectified by placing the puppies on non-slippery surface (e.g. by placing towels or carpet in whelping area, egg crate foam), by hobbling legs together to prevent further splaying, and by applying physical therapy to improve muscle functions...swimming in the bath tub.

 

Splay leg Syndrome generally happens with poor footing and is different from a swimmer. See below.

 
Photos of puppies with Splay Leg Syndrome  (Hyperextended Knee(s))
   

This German Shepherd puppy suffering from the Splay - leg Puppy Syndrome in the hind legs.  His legs were taped for a week and was walking normal afterwards and has had no adverse problems as an adult. This German Shepherd puppy has both back legs affected also.  He looks like a swimmer with the way that he is laying but he is not.  One hind leg was much worse than the other due to the breeder not noticing this condition at early onset

All puppies taped and treated as soon as it happened (generally occurs around 3-4 weeks of  age) had rapid and full recovery.  It is thought that the flooring that the puppies live on may not provide good enough footing (Slippery Floors like newspaper, low pile outdoor carpeting etc).   Some puppies are so aggressive and competitive for nursing that they actually stretch/pull out the ligament around the knee as well as the patella.  Once it is pulled it will not ever be normal taping with the figure 8 method is the best.  Taping at early onset is the only treatment so far that I am aware of.  There seems to be no genetic inheritance factor.  However because we must title our dogs to get a breed survey to be able to breed we would never use a puppy that has had this problem in our breeding program.  Our dogs are required to work and must do 8 foot jumps and trot for 12 miles to qualify. I personally feel that this would not be for a dog with a previous problem like this.

We have basically eliminated the knee hyperextension from our puppies by placing large nap rugs in the whelping box from day one of the puppies lives.  We also keep the female closed in with the puppies at all times and manually let her leave the whelping box to go to the bathroom.   We have seen that the larger more aggressive puppy is affected with this versus the smaller weaker less competitive puppy.  I see this happening more often in kennels where the mother can leave the box at will...the puppies fight harder for their meals and can slip their knees during this process.

If you do not tape the affected leg immediately when you first see it happening it will twist, knot up and muscles will swell to where you cannot even get it to bend for taping.  If you force it to bend for the taping you will ruin the ligaments and the knee itself and most often the hip will push out of the socket.  PLEASE DO NOT FORCE TAPE A  PUPPY AT THIS STAGE.  At this point run to a specialist for treatment. Puppies that have a bum leg that wasn't treated may have to have it amputated as to keep it from dragging and getting infected.  Examination of the affected leg will generally show malformed femur bone, Patellas not where they are supposed to be and the inability to move with the leg under its body.   Rebuilding the affected leg can cost upwards to $20,000 (not recommened) whereas amputating the leg when the puppy is older will cost $18-$2000.  At this point you could put the puppy in a cart to at least keep the leg from twisting until surgery is done to amputate and help keeping the puppy from dragging it's leg(s) preventing abrasions and sores from developing.  Swimming is excellent therapy for a growing puppy.  You must use a dog life jacket for swimming and be there for the dog at all times.

This is only how I have managed to keep puppies alive and normal.  It is not for everyone and most veterinarians do not know what to do as they generally put these dogs to sleep as the owner/breeder cannot afford treatment by a specialist.  I feel that taping is my only choice as I do not want to put down beautiful healthy puppies and I have been successful with this taping for over 30 years.

These are the only photos I have of a puppy that has been taped.  When taping it is very important not to force the legs into position or tape too tightly.  Manipulate the knee gently until it bends normally and then wrap the tape in a figure eight around the stifle and over and around the hock and up loosely.  The knee  needs to stay in position so it cannot hyper-extend.  I find it easier to work with the legs when someone else is helping by holding the puppy and keeping the leg(s) in position.  I also like to bring the tape over the back and  add tape to make a hobble across the hock area above the feet.  Make sure that you do not tape the genitals so that the puppy can still urinate and deficate.  If a puppy goes for a long period of time straining it's legs it may also have the hip joint involved.  Basically this means that if you x-ray you will see subluxation.  I take the tapes off after 3 -4 days.  Keep an eye on the tape as you don't want them to get wet.  Remove immediately and retape if there is no infection.  If you smell a foul odor take the tapes off and let the skin heal before retaping.  Your vet might recommend antibiotics at this point.

It's my opinion that these dogs once treated will make excellent pets without any problems.  After all, I have had 42 years of experience with my own breeding program as well as numerous  other breeders that I have taught to tape over the years.  Every dog that I have taped lived a full long life with no issues in the legs or knees.  It is well worth the effort of taping these young puppies versus putting them to sleep.  I cannot stress the importance of getting to these puppies at the first sight of a problem!

Swimmer with Splay Leg

Photo of a Rabbit with Swimmer/Splay leg Syndrome (has one good leg)

Photo of a Pig with Splay leg 

Photo of a pigeon with splay leg

Swimmers generally have flat chests making it very hard for them to breathe, eat, or maintain competiveness with their littermates for the mothers milk.  Footing should be changed immediately to an egg crate type foam in the whelping box to accommodate the puppy or puppies.  Once the puppy is able to start using it's legs with this footing they seem to grow out of this flat chestedness and  splay leg effect - particularly when the mother stands up for nursing the puppy takes the pressure off it's chest nursing.  Taping is helpful to remold the chest but not necessary the puppy does need the egg crate foam to lay on. 

We hope to find photos of puppies/other animals whose breeders have different taping methods.  Please email all photos to vhmerkel@yahoo.com and put in the subject line Splay leg photo.  All animal photos are welcome with the splay leg/swimmer  or the taping/treatment. Please send photos of your vet taping with step by step so others can see the technique used.

I am a German Shepherd breeder, not a veterinarian.  If at all possible work with your vet on the taping.  They have the experience and understand  how the joints are moving under the tape.

http://www.straightlegshepherds.org/links.html

 

 

 

This site designed and maintained by Dyan Merkel of
DLM DESIGN STUDIO
Copyright ©1998