Winter 2025 | 17 ppealing to those who believe that the right dog is worth waiting for, Altvater German Shepherds never uses buzzwords to sell an animal, as these claims are not only impossible to back up, they often lead to trouble further down the line. It should go without saying, but it is important to recognise that dogs are living things – they are not something ‘manufactured’ to the intended spec. All Altvater can do is source the finest dogs to breed, and vet every potential client to ensure they will end up in a safe, happy home. What Altvater does promise is that the German Shepherd a client ends up with will be healthy in both body and mind, as well as in possession of the right temperament, drive, and nerves to do real work. These purpose-bred dogs inhabit a number of roles, and regardless of whether they are used in policing/protection, farming service work, or simply as a cherished family pet, they are more than suitable for a wide range of duties. To make sure that it delivers on its promises, Sally takes health, structure, mental stability, and intended function very seriously. She therefore screens for joint and genetic issues that are known to be a recurrent issue within the breed, and only those dogs with a totally clean bill of health will be used in its breeding programme. All of the dogs selected also frequent sports and working-dog venues through the region, ensuring they remain in touch with the utilitarian purposes they were first bred for in the late 19th century. Once a litter is born, all the puppies live with Sally at home for the first few months, giving them the best possible start in life. This is just the beginning of the encompassing support An ethical breeder specialising in working-line German Shepherd dogs, Altvater German Shepherds is not a kennel, nor is it a large facility where dogs are constantly bred and puppies are kept at all times. Instead, recognising the huge responsibility that breeding one of the most versatile dogs brings, the company will only help to produce German Shepherds of a quality pedigree, keeping health issues to a minimum by carrying out all of the necessary tests. On hand to tell us more about this commitment was Altvater’s own Sally Crunkleton, its sole team member. Best German Shepherd Breeders 2025 – Colorado Altvater provides to its dogs, something which lasts for their entire lives. Commenting on this, Sally told us: “We are extremely selective about where our puppies are placed. We want the best for every single dog for their entire life, so have a pretty rigorous screening process. We also tattoo and microchip our pups for extra peace of mind.” “Our policy is that no dog will ever end up in a shelter or passed around from home to home should it not work out. We will take back any dog we bred for any reason so we know they are safe and well cared for.” It is clear that the dedication Sally has to breeding loved and happy working German Shepherds in Colorado is unfaltering, and this is seen further through her refusal to bend to trends in the ‘market’, which involve certain colours and coat types being more heavily requested. Altvater will not alter its breeding standards based on what sells, as this is not what is best for the breed. The company’s entire ethos revolves around exactly that – it has never been about money; it is about what is ethical and what is right. It is her relentless passion for this that fuels Sally, and a love for the job and the dogs themselves is essential, given how much she has to do as the sole member of staff here. From taking care of the dogs day to day to carrying out the health training and basic training, everything falls to Sally. She does, however, have occasional help with more specialist training and partners with others who share her vision for ethical breeding. These support systems are vital in keeping Altvater’s high standards intact. Reflecting on some of the challenges of the role, Sally shared: “Finding the right pair of dogs can be a challenge if you want to raise every dog from 8 weeks old yourself. I prefer to do this so I can be certain I know exactly what I have in each dog, versus buying a 2–3-year-old and taking someone’s word for it.” The autonomy she has across this operation, taking the time with every breed and paying attention to the details, is what has resulted in Altvater German Shepherds being recognised with this deserved award. Contact: Sally Crunkleton Company: Altvater German Shepherds Web Address: https://www.altvatergsd.com/ A
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