About Us
Purposefully bred. Carefully raised. Supported for life.
At Sterley Shepherds, we are passionate about producing exceptional West German show-line long-haired German Shepherds known for their beauty, intelligence, sound temperament, and versatility.
Located in Newaygo, Michigan, our program is built on a strong commitment to health, temperament, and structure, while preserving the qualities that make the German Shepherd Dog such an incredible breed. We carefully select imported European bloodlines with the goal of producing confident, stable dogs capable of thriving as loyal family companions, working partners, sport prospects, and service or therapy candidates.
Temperament is a top priority in our breeding program. We strive to produce German Shepherds with clear minds, confidence, and strong trainability—dogs that can settle naturally into family life while still maintaining the intelligence and working ability the breed is known for. We value stable, well-balanced temperaments that succeed in active homes, training environments, and everyday life.
Health is a foundational focus of our program. Our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health testing, including hip and elbow evaluations, cardiac (heart) certifications, genetic screening through Embark, and AKC DNA profiling. These measures help ensure we are producing structurally sound, healthy puppies for future generations.
At Sterley Shepherds, quality always comes before quantity. Each breeding is thoughtfully planned with a strong emphasis on temperament, trainability, structural integrity, and overall health. Our dogs are selected not only for their appearance, but for the traits that truly matter—loyalty, confidence, versatility, and the ability to become exceptional companions.
Our puppies are raised with daily interaction, intentional socialization, and a strong focus on early development. Using Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and age-appropriate exposure, we work to develop confident, well-rounded puppies prepared for success in their future homes. Before going home, puppies are introduced to crate training and potty training foundations to help ensure a smooth transition.
We believe responsible breeding does not end when a puppy leaves our care. We are committed to building lasting relationships with our puppy families by offering ongoing support, guidance, and honest communication throughout each dog’s life.
Whether you are looking for an active companion, a family protector, a sport prospect, or a well-bred German Shepherd to welcome into your home, our goal is to produce dogs that are as exceptional in temperament as they are in structure.