Is there a decent kennel out there???? - Page 1

I have been on a quest to find a nice german shepherd. You would think that would be easy. I was referred to Mittelwest Kennels in Illinois. I asked how much the puppies were and was told $4k+. With that price in mind,  I pictured in my head a really nice kennel. Entering the property with the gate that let you in was impressive, what was not impressive was the kennels itself. After getting a tour of the kennels I noticed that there were dogs sitting in crates in the barn but I did not see any empty kennel runs. I asked about that and was told their kennel was being cleaned, there were not any empty kennels to clean. During my 2 hour visit I seen things that did not impress me. Some dogs did not have water and were panting heavily, fur was a mess.  When I returned home I checked her web site out, I should have done this prior to going. There are several litters, lots of litters coming soon. Where are all these puppies going to live? Crates? So, can anyone give me their experiences with this kennel and lead me to others if they think I should go somewhere else. Thanks

Maybe try to find a local kennel that has fewer dogs and breeds less? If you let us know the general area where you live, someone may have some recommendations for you. I assume you are looking for a German showline? You could also try to find out if there is a local GSD breed club or an all breed club in your area. Many times they can refer you to member breeders.  Good luck....

Docrad, if you're in IL, or nearby, perhaps I can help you. If you're looking for a showline, there are 2 breeders in close proximity that I would not hesitate to refer you to. I breed working lines, but I "know" both of these women well enough to recommend them and their dogs...and they aren't charging $4k for a puppy. Von Isengard, Kelly, is one, and Kavanaugh German Shepherds, Judy, is the other. Either is easily found online. If you are not set on showlines, I might have something for you in the near future, but that would really depend on what your plans were for the dog. My contact info is in my profile if you want further info, but living in the same area as Mittlewest and the others I mentioned has given me a pretty good idea of where I would and would not send someone for a SL puppy. I've sold a few dogs to people who previously owned dogs from Mittelwest. 

"Von Isengard, Kelly, is one, and Kavanaugh German Shepherds, Judy, is the other."

Both solid recommendations.

I've confirmed with Judy that she has a gorgeous male. I would buy this dog if the plumbing were different. In fact, I was planning on buying one of these, but alas, nature does not take puppy orders. This is a super opportunity. 

Great advice, Jenni. That is good use of this forum.

Judy and Kelly are both ethical knowledgeable small breeders who actually train and title their own dogs, a major plus in my book. They both live in Lake county so they are local.  Both have German Showlines but they train in IPO.  If you are looking for a working line dog Zyta and Seastian Piotrowski out around Dekalb have some that you should consider.  Zyta also trains, handles and titles all her own dogs.  I recently sent and LE officer to her for a family dog and he is very happy with his pup she may still have some I'm not sure.  

Decide what you want to do with your pup, how much time and effort you want to put into training and let the breeder whoever it is know, so they can match you up with the correct  pup.  Good luck

Trudy 

My boy is going to be 21 months this month. When I first got him I was going there on a regular basis for training and never saw a bunch of dogs sitting in crates. I started going again for ring training and again haven't seen that. My boy is from Mittelwest but he actually was born at the dam's owne'rs home and was with them till I got him at 2 months old. 

Re: Mittelwest Kennels...I, too, was appalled with the condition of the kennels, and the way they have dogs crated 24/7!! It seems to me that all the owners want are the puppies from these poor animals and don't give a damn about the animals themselves!! Isn't that being nothing but a glorified puppy mill???? The cruelty is unforgivable!! 

I'd love to see the owners in crates, without water, living in their own waste and being bred over, and over!!