About

The inevitable loss of my beloved German Shepherd in January of 2025 sent me roaming the internet, not for a replacement for Annie, but for a German Shepherd of equally high quality from a breeder who would be trustworthy and guide me in my search. I was vulnerable, "orphaned" after the passing of my GSD breeder of nearly 25 years. And I found myself in the Wild West of German Shepherd breeders: Quick sales. No screening. No pedigrees or testing of breeding stock. No follow up.
Then I found the Von Hilkey Website. It is full of details of every aspect of breeding and raising German Shepherds that only someone who truly understands and loves the breed and devotes their life to their betterment could offer. As soon as Meg Hilkey and I spoke on the phone, I knew I had found an honest, ethical and trustworthy breeder. Meg only breeds two or three litters a year. No puppy mill here. She was generous with her time, listening to my concerns and sharing her knowledge and experience. She was entirely professional: she did not criticize other breeders. But she grew passionate when she spoke of her insistence that she follow her puppies for their lifetimes. She continues to be active in all aspects of German Shepherd training and trialing in order keep her own dogs qualified to the highest standard. She clearly loves her dogs above all else and does everything she can to provide puppies only to prospective owners who show similar commitment.
Our chapter hasn't ended yet; I am not sure our timing will work for welcoming a Von Hilkey Shepherd into our home in the near future. Although I am hopeful. I write this review because Meg Hilkey has been key in helping me sift through all the online noise on my way to finding an excellent dog, even if it isn't hers. Meg's lifelong devotion to the breed earns ten stars.