# How to Choose a German Shepherd Breeder: A Step-by-Step Checklist > A step-by-step checklist for evaluating German Shepherd breeders: what to ask, what documentation to demand, and which red flags mean walk away. Author: Kevin A. Lanouette Published: 2026-09-02 Canonical: https://www.southgardenservicedogs.com/articles/how-to-choose-a-german-shepherd-breeder --- Choosing a German Shepherd breeder is a five-step process: verify the parents' lineage and titles independently, confirm health screening was done, observe temperament testing or its results, ask direct questions about training support after purchase, and get everything in writing before a deposit changes hands. ## Step 1: Verify lineage independently Don't take "championship bloodlines" at face value. Ask for the sire and dam's full registered names and verify their titles through the issuing club or registry directly, not through a link the breeder controls. ## Step 2: Confirm health screening Ask specifically about hip and elbow scoring (OFA or equivalent) for both parents. A working breeder who has done this will produce the paperwork immediately. ## Step 3: Ask about temperament testing Ask how puppies are evaluated for temperament, and at what age. See [what temperament testing involves](/guides/german-shepherd-breeder-east-coast#what-does-temperament-testing-actually-involve) for what a real answer sounds like. ## Step 4: Ask about post-purchase training support A breeder focused on long-term outcomes, not just the sale, will have a clear answer about what training support (their own or a referral) comes after you take the puppy home. ## Step 5: Get it in writing Health guarantees, return policies, and any verbal promises about temperament or working ability should be in the purchase contract, not just spoken.

The single fastest way to filter out a bad breeder is asking for independently verifiable lineage and health documentation before any money changes hands. A legitimate working breeder will never treat this request as an inconvenience.

## Related reading - [Full guide: German Shepherd breeder for the East Coast](/guides/german-shepherd-breeder-east-coast) - [German Shepherd puppy vs. trained adult](/articles/german-shepherd-puppy-vs-trained-adult)