Located just outside of Las Vegas in Arizona, Von Weiss Kennels has been proudly breeding German Shepherds for years. We specialize in raising, breeding, and training long coat, working line, and show line German Shepherds. All our German Shepherd puppies are AKC, HIP-CERTIFIED and official SCHUTZHUND REGISTERED dogs.
At Von Weiss Kennels, we are committed to offering the best in working and show line family German Shepherds. We believe in quality over quantity and work diligently to match each of our puppies to the right home. Our dogs and puppies receive 24/7 care and are truly part of our family — and we hope our puppies will become cherished members of yours.
At Von Weiss Kennels, we want to clearly outline the rules and criteria required to take home a puppy. If you feel unable or unwilling to meet these expectations, please do not get a puppy.
Questions you should ask yourself before getting a puppy:
- Do I have the time to raise a puppy, go through training and give the puppy all the support he/she needs to become a wonderful dog?
- Can I afford a puppy? Vet bills, checkups, emergencies, grooming, toys, food, training, treats, equipment, boarding travel?
- Do you have room for a puppy?
- Are you healthy enough to care for a puppy and be able to grow old with your dog?
- Are you healthy enough to play with your dogs?
- Do you know if you are allergic to dogs?
These are just the basic questions you should be asking yourself. There are several other questions for people with different situations.
Requirements & Expectations
- Deposit Requirement: A deposit between $500.00 and $1,000.00 is required to reserve a puppy. This deposit serves two purposes: to confirm your serious commitment to bringing a new puppy into your home, and to cover the cost of background checks for all adult household members. If multiple background checks are needed, the deposit amount will be higher. Please note: if any background check reveals a history of animal abuse, human abuse, or drug-related offenses, you will not receive a puppy and your deposit will be forfeited.
- Housing Requirement: You must live in a house with a secure backyard. As part of the approval process, you are required to send a short video showing your yard so we can verify it is safe and appropriate for a growing puppy.
- Exceptions: The only exception to apartment living is if your dog will be trained as a service dog for a disabled person (not for emotional support purposes).
- Microchipping Requirement: You must have your puppy microchipped at 12 weeks old with Von Weiss Kennels as secondary contact. If God forbid something happens to you and you can’t be contacted, this ensures your dog will be cared for by us rather than risk ending up in a shelter. Our priority is to protect our dogs from becoming homeless, we do not ever want to become a part of the homeless or shelter dog epidemic.
- Return Policy: If, at any point, you are unable to keep your dog, the dog must be returned to Von Weiss Kennels. If you have someone in mind to rehome the dog to, that new home must be approved by us first, no exceptions.
- Neglect or Abuse Policy: If we ever find out that you are neglecting or abusing your dog, we will reclaim the dog immediately, and you will lose all rights to the dog. No refunds will be issued either. Think of this commitment like adopting a child: if a child is removed from an abusive home, the guardian is not refunded for paying for the child’s clothing, food, or other expenses. Our puppies are family members, not products.
- Ongoing Support: We are committed to supporting you and your puppy throughout their life. If you encounter any challenges, please reach out to us — we are here to help you every step of the way.
- Contract Signing Requirement: Please note that you will be required to review, initial, and sign a copy of these requirements as part of your agreement with Von Weiss Kennels before receiving a puppy.
We understand that some of these requirements may seem “a bit much”, however, responsible dog owners know that everything we do is meant to protect you and your puppy, and to help set you both up for success. Dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family, and both you and your puppy deserve the very best start together.