German Shepherds                                                                                                German Shepherd Puppies


Distinctly West German, Uniquely American

 Breeding to a higher standard.  Herding, Performance and Service Dogs.  We train/work/title our dogs as well as health test.
 View Our References     Puppies for Sale  |  Older Puppies for Sale  |   Adult/Young Males for Sale  |  Adult/Young Females for Sale
Send Email for the quickest response:   hausmerkel@yahoo.com 
Leave a message:  214-755-5755  (Phone messages are picked up once a day when possible)  

Last updated - Thursday, March 19, 2015 08:35:32 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    

 

 

 

the working GERMAN SHEPHERD

THE WORLDS PREMIER WORKING DOG
by Elizabeth Stidham

Not only is the German Shepherd Dog one of the world's most popular breeds, but it also is the breed of choice of most working dog handlers and of service organizations that use dogs.  A German Shepherd Dog possessing the physical and psychological attributes called for in the breed standard is an incomparable canine assistant capable of performing many functions and filling many roles.  No breed has served humanity in more ways than the German Shepherd Dog.

From its coat to its courage, whether guide dog or guard dog, the traits bred into the German Shepherd Dog are those required by the world's premier working dog.  Created over a century ago to be a superior utility dog with tremendous character, the breed is successfully fulfilling its mission.

The German Shepherd Dog is of medium size, with great power and agility, strength adn stamina.  With proficient crawling, climbing and jumping ability, few places are inacessible to the military, police, or search-and-rescue dog; while its medium size allows the dog to be easily boodted throughsmall, high openings or held inthe lap of its handler when being transported on a small plane or helicopter.

The breed's low-maintenace double coat probides complete protection in all cllimates and is impervious to stickers and thorns.  Dogs working in heavy undergrowth or debris are quickly relieved of any burrs and dirt that may cling to the coat by simple going-over with a comb.  The weatherproof qualities of the coat enable the dog to swim and work in inclement weather and still remain comfortable.

The German Shepherd Dog's hearty constitution and adaptability contribute directly to its role as the world's premier working dog.  Easiliy acclimating to changes in weather, altitude, water  and food without loss of health or attitude allow the dogs to be shipped worldwide, at a moments notice, to wherever their help is required.

Combining the traits of superior interlligence and trainability with a great desire to please produces a dog easily trained for a variety of jobs.  The addition of a strong aptitude for problem solving and a willingness to work independently of the handler, if nescessary, give the German Shepherd Dog the tools needed to make the responsible choices required of a true working dog.

The loyalty of the German Shepherd Dog is legendary; the depth of its bond to its handler is well documented.  This undying devotion gives the handler a canine helper willing to learn all the handler can teach and perform all it has learned.  The bravery and proprietary attitude of the German Shepherd Dog make it an excellent choice as a guardian. 

Coupling courage with calm confidence, independence with compliance, derring-do with dignity, provides the balance that makes the German Shepherd Dog the world's Premier working dog.  Whatever the need - herder or house dog, K-9 or companion, partner or pet - the German Shepherd Dog is well equipped to fill any role.

ABLE ASSISTANTS
by Liz Palika

German Shepherds excel as assistance, service therapy and guide dogs.

Loyal, intelligent service to humanity is in German Shepherd Dog's blood. Max von Stephanitz, the founder wanted a dog that would be noted for its supreme intelligence, nobility and usefulness. He wanted a dog with a sound mind in a sound body. And he got it.

Elizabeth Stidham, a German Shepherd breeder, said, "The loyalty of the German Shepherd is legendary; the depth of its bond to its owner is well-documented. Coupling courage with calm confidence, independence with compliance, derring-do with dignity, provides the balance that makes the German Shepherd the world's premier working dog."

Since the early 1900s, German Shepherds have distinguished themselves in many arenas, most notably in military, law enforcement and search-and-rescue units. However, German Shepherd Dogs serve mankind in many other ways, often quietly and unobtrusively.

HELPING PEOPLE
German Shepherds need a job, and if a job isn't available, they'll find something to do. This desire to work, with their flexibility and intelligence, has made the German Shepherd an awesome service dog.

 The term service dog has come to mean dogs that assist people in some fashion; not service as in military service. Service dogs may include dogs that lead and assist the blind, dogs that alert the hearing disabled to noises and alarms, dogs that pull wheelchairs and pick up dropped items, and dogs trained for a thousand and one other useful tasks.

Guide dogs are the oldest known assistance dogs. A fresco, dating from 79 AD, uncovered in the ruins of Pompeii, shows a blind man with a staff being led across a marketplace by his dog.

The first Guide Dog in the United States was originally trained in Switzerland, then it was placed with Morris Frank in the United States. In 1927, an article in the Saturday Evening Post had introduced the idea of guide dogs for blind World War I veterans.

Frank, a blind teenager in America, inquired about a dog for himself and was paired with Buddy, a German Shepherd Dog. This man-and-dog team paved the way for all future service dogs. In fact, Frank, in return for Buddy's services, spent the rest of his life campaigning for guide and service dogs and better medical care for dogs.

In the years since Buddy had introduced to America the concept of a service or assistance dog, service dogs have enabled people who might otherwise need help from other people to lead more independent lives.

Nowadays, many organizations select, acquire, train and place service dogs. Some rely on volunteer puppy raisers, who socialize, raise and begin basic training; others have teams of specialized trainers. In addition, these groups must train and prepare the disable who will care for the dogs for the rest of their lives. The dog-and-owner teams must attend orientation and follow-up classes, learn how to continue and reinforce the dog's training and feed, groom and care for their new companions. Finally, these organizations educate the public about the importance of service dogs and how to interact with these working dogs.

HEARING DOGS
Max, a large black-and-red German Shepherd Dog, was a trained hearing assistance dog. He was paired with Kathy, a teenager in San Diego. (Kathy's last name has not been given at her family's request to protect her privacy). Originally in special classes for the deaf, Kathy had been pulled from those classes for individual tutoring, primarily because she was having trouble with American Sign Language and didn't like to lip read. Her parents were afraid that Kathy's overprotective older brothers had babied Kathy so much that she wasn't willing to try to complete her sometimes-difficult classes.

Kathy's father hoped that a hearing assistance dog would give Kathy the motivation to learn and the confidence to attend a mainstream high school. Kathy and Max attended special classes to learn what to expect from each other. Upon graduation, Kathy was told that Max was her responsibility, and only her responsibility. Her brothers were not to help care for Max in any way.

The road to responsibility was hard; Kathy and Max both made mistakes. However, within a year, Kathy and Max were attending a mainstream high school. Kathy had become fluent in ASL and her lip reading had improved.

Just to top everything off, Max cornered a burglar trying to enter a downstairs bathroom window one night. Kathy's dad says, "I could not have guessed how much this dog would affect our family. He has done so much for us in such a short time. He will be a treasured part of our family forever."

AWESOME THERAPY DOGS
Therapy dogs are dogs of any breed (or mixtures of breeds) who visit people in hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities and childcare centers to bring love, warmth and affection to those who need it most. A dog can cuddle up to a lonely child, do tricks for a depressed adult or give a senior kisses on the cheek.

Although the GSD breed standard (the written description of the breed) states that the dog is to be self-confident with a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships, the GSD can and has served admirably as a therapy dog. The GSD is smart enough to figure out what is required during therapy dog visits, and can put aside the aloofness that might otherwise interfere with its work.

Just what goes into becoming a therapy dog? To be certified as a therapy dog, the dogs must satisfy the following:

  • The dog must be well socialized to people of all sizes, shapes, ages and ethnic backgrounds.
  • The dog must like people.
  • The dog must have had some obedience training and be able to sit, lay down and stay for at least two minutes.
  • The dog must be able to walk on a leash nicely with other people around.
  • The dog must be under control and safe around other animals that might be encountered during a visit, such as other dogs, a residential cat or a patient's bird.
  • The dog cannot jump on or paw people.
  • The dog should never touch its mouth to people; either as a bite or as mouthing (grabbing a hand, for example.) Licks or kisses can be given on command.
  • The dog should not react fearfully to sounds it might encounter during a visit, such as metal bowls falling to the floor, a wheelchair's squeaks and rattles or the hissing of an air hose or an intercom.
  • The dog should not react fearfully to visual stimuli that it might encounter during a visit, such as a sheet snapping over a bed or a person walking hunched over a walker.
  • The dog's owner must also enjoy people and be willing to do what is necessary to present the dog to people so that the dog can work its magic.

MATCHING DOGS & PEOPLE
Although a German Shepherd was the first guide dog in America and the breed has been used almost exclusively for many years, today, most schools that train assistance dogs use several breeds. These organizations attempt to match the dog's personality and traits with the person's needs and abilities. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Australian Shepherds are commonly used, and even Standard Poodles have been used by some schools. For many, however, the German Shepherd is still the breed of choice.

 The reasons for using each breed varies. Sometimes it has been difficult for schools to find German Shepherds that were temperamentally and physically sound. Other times, the trainers needed skills and traits that other breeds could better offer. The German Shepherd, with all its wonderful qualities, is not for everyone. It does have some traits that make it a less than desirable companion for some people.

Although every dog of every breed is unique, some generalizations can be made. Most guide and assistance dog trainers agree that German Shepherds and Standard Poodles work faster than Labs and Goldens. They walk faster, and turn and react more quickly. These dogs must be paired with people who can work at this speed, such as those who are healthy and active.

People who walk more slowly or have slower reactions are probably better off with a slower, softer dog.

Because of the breed's strong drive to work, it must have a challenging job. A sedentary owner will not do well with a German Shepherd assistance dog; the shepherd would probably get into trouble while trying to find things to do.

The owner of a shepherd must be able to work with an intelligent dog and teach it with a firm, yet gentle, hand. These dogs cannot and will not tolerate abusive handling.

The German Shepherd is also a high-energy dog that needs daily exercise. If the dog's owner is a busy go-getter, that's great. However, if the owner is not, the dog will need daily strenuous exercise.

Living with a German Shepherd requires a few compromises and understanding that the breed sheds is one of them. A good vacuum cleaner is another. People who dislike dog hair in the house should not have a German Shepherd. The owner should be able to groom and brush the dog regularly to care for its weather-resistant, double coat.

Trainers use guidelines such as these to select dogs to be admitted into training and when pairing up trained dogs with their future partners. Ultimately, the decision whether to use a dog is based upon the dog's physical and emotional soundness, its working drive and its responsibilities to its handler.

CONSTANT COMPANION
A guide dog, assistance or other service dog serves its owner much more than by simply doing the job for which it was trained. A service dog does its job, yes, but it is also very much a companion. A disability can be frightening and may cause a person to feel like a social outcast or to feel different. A dog, though, is a friend and companion that doesn't care about disabilities.

The dog also facilitates social contacts. Many people speak to a disabled person with a dog when they might not speak to a disabled person who is alone. A dog allows a disabled person to pursue a career, education and leisure activities that might not have been possible had the person needed to rely on others for assistance.

Tom Naden of Vista, California, and his guide dog Vargas give presentations to interested groups about the benefits of guide dogs and how they assuage loneliness. "I know what a lonely life it is with just a stick [the white cane]," says Naden. "You can't talk to your cane. Vargas is just like another person."

Virginia, a polio victim who is also severely arthritic, has nothing but praise for her service dog, Bonnie. "I don't know when I've been so happy. She has made my life so different. She has given me back my will to live and now I'm never alone." She adds, "It's so nice to be independent again."


Liz Palika is a Southern California dog trainer and an award-winning freelance writer. Liz and her dogs participate in a number of activities, such as obedience, carting, agility, Frisbee, flyball and therapy dog work. Recent books she has authored include All Dogs Need Some Training and Save That Dog! (Howell Book House).

 


 

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