About Sonnenfeld Shepherds
We produce well-bred German Shepherds who thrive as companions and working dogs.
Where Science and Integrity Meet
Hi, I’m Heidi Emmendorfer—founder of Sonnenfeld Shepherds, mother of three, and lifelong German Shepherd devotee.
I built our program to serve those who want German Shepherds with
-
Science-backed health testing
-
Stable temperaments
-
Ethical practices, and
-
Lifelong breeder support—all in one place.
​
Too many families fall in love with a puppy, only to face heartbreak later. I’ve been there and paid dearly in preventable heartbreak. That’s why I created Sonnenfeld: to raise dogs you can trust with your heart and home.
🧬 Built on a Gold Standard of Health
We invest more in their health, so you won't pay for poor breeding later.
255+ Health Conditions Tested
Both parents do not have the genes that cause degenerative myelopathy.
PennHIP and OFA Certified
Both organizations test our breeding dogs, giving you the gold standard in joint, cardiac, thyroid and eye evaluations.
Verified Pedigree
Our lines trace back to SV-registered German dogs who are considered the standard for working structure and predictability.
Breeding Healthy, Stable German Shepherds
Your puppy's brain is developing before they are even born. At three days old they are ready to begin Puppy Culture, early neurological stimulation, and scent training. This helps shape your puppy's:
-
Emotional resilience
-
Confidence in new environments
-
Polite social behavior
-
Problem-solving and adaptability
What does this mean for you? You'll have a puppy who is easier to train, more emotionally stable, and ready to thrive in your home.
Purpose-bred. Professionally Raised.
Not all shepherds are created equal. Our puppies are bred to be:
-
Calm, confident, and deeply bonded to you and your family
-
Alert and discerning, but not anxious
-
Protective, but not reactive
-
Athletic, but not hyper
Whether you're raising a family, value protection, or want a loyal hiking partner, our dogs are built for your versatile life.
We're as Loyal as Your Shepherd.
When you take home a Sonnenfeld puppy, you become part of a community. You get a breeder who answers the phone, texts, or DMs. You'll have:
-
Lifetime breeder support
-
Transition guidance for the first 8 weeks
-
Custom temperament notes for your pup
-
Honest answers, even if we're not the right fit
We breed only one or two litters a year so we can pour into every pup and every family.
Our Values
-
Uncompromising Health & Temperament Standards
-
Transpared, Science-Driven Breeding Practices
-
Intentional Puppy Raising from Day One
-
Selective Placements for lifelong success
-
Ongoing Support so you're never alone
We don't believe in shortcuts. Just doing what's right, even when no one's watching.
Spring 2025 Litter
Ready to Meet Your Match?
We're accepting reservations now and have only a few spots left. Browse our Available Puppies or call/text us directly to apply today.