The word Heidelberg is in reference to a German Shepherd that connotes a very specific type of shepherd. In addition, a name that is respected and even reviled by some of our competitors. The sport of conformation showing dogs is extremely time consuming and expensive. When we compete at the dog shows our competitors realize that we are likely going to win most all the available points for that cluster of shows, and this is very discouraging to them. For this fact, we are not well loved by our competitors.

If you are interested in showing shepherds and want to win then purchase a Heidelberg. However, if you are more interested in being liked by everyone then buy one of our competitor's dogs.

Heidelberg is a kennel name that was started in 1971 by Mr. Thompson and his lifetime friend Mr. Richards (pronounced Ri-shard). Mr. Thompson purchased his foundation stock from a longtime AKC judge, Ann Mesdag. Her kennel was founded on Grand Victor (GV) Harrigan, whom many claim was the greatest shepherd that ever lived. Harrigan was out of Grand Victor Lance of Franjo, which ancestors originated from Germany, and who was bred by Francis and Joan Ford.

From the same lines that produced GV Harrigan gave rise to Heidelberg German Shepherds as well as many of the other highly regarded top producing kennels in the United States. Unfortunately, these regarded kennels went another direction in their breeding in the late 1970's and early 1980's by producing a more extreme show shepherd and in many cases disregarding temperament.

Mr. Thompson's first guidelines of breeding are temperament, followed by health, and finally show quality and appearance. In the 1980's to reinforce the lines, Mr. Thompson purchased Select Champion Sundown Von Freya for the unheard price of $20,000.00.

More than 150 champions later and several thousands of satisfied owners of the Heidelberg German Shepherds we have the current Heidelberg German Shepherd that is world-renowned.

What about German Shepherd Temperament?