Top 5 German Shepherd breeders illinois in 2024

#1 Regis Regal

Website: https://regisregal.com/

Location: Northern Illinois

Price: Starting at $4000

847-721-1908

Regis Regal is a family-owned and operated business with over three decades of experience in breeding, raising, training, and boarding German Shepherds. Established in 1987 and located in Spring Grove, Illinois, their state-of-the-art facility is home to dogs that exemplify the highest standards of the breed in both temperament and anatomy. Specializing in West-German Sieger dogs, Regis Regal German Shepherds are known for their excellence and versatility.

The breeder focuses on providing dogs tailored to specific needs, including family companion dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs for veterans, and medical detection dogs. Their German Shepherds are particularly beneficial for children with autism and Asperger's, as well as individuals needing epileptic, diabetic, and hearing impairment assistance. Additionally, Regis Regal works closely with VA hospitals to provide PTSD and anxiety support dogs for veterans. Their dogs are also trained competitors and working Schutzhund dogs, showcasing their high level of training and capability.

Regis Regal is recognized as one of the top German Shepherd breeders in the US, with clients nationwide, including Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Arizona, Los Angeles, and Florida. They offer a private courier service to ensure the well-being of their dogs during delivery, making sure each dog is happy and comfortable throughout the journey. Regis Regal's commitment to matching the right dog with the right owner, combined with their extensive experience and high standards, makes them a standout choice for those seeking a German Shepherd companion.

#2 Vom Ragnar German Shepherds

Website: https://vomragnar.com/

Location: Northern Illinois

Price: Not Listed

Phone: 773-552-0808

Vom Ragnar® German Shepherds, owned and operated by Natalya Babenko since 2013, is a distinguished breeder of West German Showline German Shepherds. Based in the northwestern suburb near Chicago, Illinois, Vom Ragnar® has earned a global reputation for producing champion German Shepherds that adhere to established SV German standards. Every pup from Vom Ragnar® is also registered with the American Kennel Club, ensuring they meet the highest breed standards.

Vom Ragnar® offers a comprehensive range of training programs, including Schutzhund or IPO show dog training, basic and advanced obedience training, as well as personal protection and protection work training. This versatility caters to a variety of needs, whether you are looking for an award-winning show dog or a well-trained family companion. The kennel's commitment to health and quality is underscored by the fact that the kennel owner's husband is a registered veterinarian specializing in purebred German Shepherd health, ensuring the best medical care for all puppies.

At Vom Ragnar®, puppies are raised in an environment that prioritizes their well-being and happiness. They are organically fed with high-quality foods and have ample space to exercise and grow. The kennel prides itself on avoiding mass production practices, focusing instead on producing healthy, happy puppies. By matching the perfect pup to each family's specifications, Vom Ragnar® ensures a successful and fulfilling addition to any home. Their passion for breeding the finest purebred German Shepherds is evident in the health and joy of every puppy that leaves their kennel, making them a top choice for anyone seeking a German Shepherd for show, work, or companionship.

#3 Kulla Dogs

Website: https://www.kulladogs.com/

Location: Northwest Illinois

Price: Not Listed

Contact: 815-355-4749

Kulla Dogs, founded by Bill Kulla, has been a prominent name in the sport of Schutzhund since the mid-1970s. With decades of experience, Bill has trained, titled, and handled countless dogs, competing successfully at national and international events. Known for his preference for strong dogs in protection work, Bill has established a reputation as a skilled handler and trainer in the field.

As a training helper and coach, Bill has guided numerous competitors in training, titling, and competing with their dogs at all levels of the sport. His expertise extends from helping handlers with their first puppy to achieving SchH3 titles, and supporting regional, national, and world-level competitors. While the German Shepherd Dog is his breed of choice, Bill's proficiency encompasses a variety of breeds, aiding handlers in attaining Schutzhund titles with different dogs.

Bill Kulla currently serves as the President and Training Director of Indian Creek Schutzhund Club. He is also a USA Teaching Helper and the North Central Region’s Regional Training Director, as well as a performance judge for the Working American Bulldog Association. His extensive experience and leadership in Schutzhund training make Kulla Dogs a premier choice for those seeking expert guidance and top-tier training for their working dogs.

#4 Landschaft German Shepherds

Website: https://landschaftgermanshepherds.com/

Location: Chicago Illinois

Price: Not Listed

Contact: marcy@skeeterb.com

Landschaft German Shepherds is a distinguished breeder specializing in working line German Shepherds, located just outside Chicago, Illinois. With over three decades of experience in the dog world, Landschaft German Shepherds has earned a reputation for professional excellence, receiving accolades such as the United Schutzhund Club of America’s Gold Breeder’s Award and recognition as an AKC Breeder of Merit. Unlike commercial kennels, Landschaft is based in a quiet country setting, reflecting their commitment to ethics, integrity, and the highest standards of breeding.

The German Shepherds at Landschaft are known for their exceptional temperament, making them a joy to train and versatile in various environments. Whether bred or imported, these dogs are trustworthy, affectionate, and stable, suitable for any situation. Highly sought after for competition in dog sports like Schutzhund, AKC obedience, Working Dog Sport, agility, rally, and flyball, they also excel in service work such as Police K9 and Search and Rescue. Additionally, they make superior family companions, known for their reliability and adaptability.

Landschaft German Shepherds prides itself on being at the forefront of the German Shepherd Dog world, with a deep understanding and connections to the breed globally. Their success is built on personalized engagement with prospective owners, discussing their specific needs and desires in a German Shepherd. Regardless of the level of ownership or competition, Landschaft German Shepherds is dedicated to meeting those needs and providing ongoing support throughout the life of the dog.

#5 Wildhaus Kennels

Website: https://www.wildhauskennels.com/

Location: Michigan

Price: $2200 - $2500

Contact: 810-610-7523

Wildhaus Kennels is dedicated to breeding top-quality German Shepherd Dogs from European working bloodlines, eschewing American or European show lines to focus on preserving the fundamental characteristics that make this breed exceptional. Located just outside Chicago, Illinois, Wildhaus Kennels aims to produce dogs with proven working ability, superb nerve and temperament, excellent health, and sound physical structure. Their commitment ensures that the German Shepherds they breed can excel in various roles and environments, maintaining the breed's reputation as a versatile and capable working dog.

Wildhaus Kennels leverages their extensive involvement in Schutzhund (now IPO/IGP) and other dog sports not only for the enjoyment but as vital tools for evaluating breeding stock. These activities, originally designed as breed worthiness tests, help ensure that their German Shepherds possess the proper nerve, character, and working ability required for the breed. By participating in comprehensive training and titling across various dog sports and temperament tests, Wildhaus gains invaluable insights into each dog's core temperament and abilities, ensuring they make informed breeding decisions.

Committed to raising, training, and titling their dogs themselves, Wildhaus Kennels ensures a thorough and intimate understanding of each dog's strengths and weaknesses. This hands-on approach, combined with stringent health screenings and certifications, results in dogs that are well-suited for a wide range of activities. Dogs from Wildhaus Kennels excel in protection sports, agility, competitive obedience, herding, law enforcement, detection, tracking, search and rescue, and service work, while also being trustworthy and loving companions. With a focus on quality and maintaining the working heritage of the German Shepherd Dog, Wildhaus Kennels offers some of the finest examples of this versatile breed.