North Star Kennel

Raised by Karen D.

Certified Breeder of German Shepherds

  • Preferred Breeder
  • 100% response rate • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm the breeder behind North Star Kennel located in North East, MD. We offer quality puppies with a focus on health and mental soundness. They are raised in our home with other pets. We are a very small hobby breeder with years of experience. We have competed in conformation shows as well as agility over the years with many different breeds. We strive to produce healthy loyal companions that will bring long-time joy and love to other families.

Karen’s experience

  • About Karen

    I have been involved in dogs all my life. I have shown in AKC conformation and agility. I have raised and shown many different breeds. I have been a professional dog groomer for over 20 years. I currently am a Rover pet sitter.

  • What makes Karen’s program special

    We strive to produce healthy sound puppies that will be a life long canine partner and excellent addition to any family.

  • Karen’s certifications & recognitions

    Agility Trial Trainer, Professional Groomer

Newborn & upcoming litters

Newborn Companion Crosses from Manny and Pixie

Born Dec. 2024. Ready Mar. 2

Newborn Companion Crosses from Manny and Pixie

Born Dec. 2024

Ready Mar. 2

Getting a puppy from Karen

Karen has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.

Price

Puppy prices range from $1,000 and include a non-refundable deposit of $200.

“The price includes a vet check, first puppy shots, dewormings, microchip, socializing, and the beginning of housetraining. The deposit will hold your puppy for up to 14 days. Balance due at pick up. Must be picked up in person or by transport. Puppy must be paid in full before leaving our home.”

Contract and health guarantee

Karen may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Karen offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Karen directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What's included

Enrichment and socialization

We start our puppies on a basic housetraining box. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Socialized with other dogs, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Daily handling, Socialized in new places, Select friends and family, household pets, television, radio, appliances, scenarios in home for confidence building. , limited exposure to children and elderly, exposure to agility tunnel, wobble board and other novel items, also have lots of friends and family who come over to handle the puppies and help out with the puppies daily. I do not take them to public places to expose them to people as they are not fully vaccinated until 16 weeks. , Early stages of crate training, Car Rides, Outdoors, e.g. rain, crate training, car riding , Socialized with Other Animals, Socialized with Cats, Touch Desensitization, Noise desensitized , Various Surfaces , Structures, e.g. Climbing, Toys, e.g. Ball, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Sound Stimulation, Socialized with Adult Dogs, and Socialized with Children.

Puppy health practices

All puppies are vet checked and first puppy shots given. They are also on a regular deworming program.

Extras

We send our puppies home with Food & treats, Vet records, Microchip, Puppy Starter Kit, Dew claws removed, Vaccinations, Microchip, Food Starter Bag, and Certificate of Health.

Bringing your puppy home

Karen offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.

Pick up your puppy in North East, MD or nearby

If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.

“Must be picked up from our location or meeting arrangements made in advance.”

More about Karen

  • Why Karen started breeding

    Started showing and breeding over 30 years ago.

  • Karen is a Preferred Good Dog Breeder

    Preferred Breeders are recognized for their quick replies and exceptional buyer support.

  • Karen has been a member of Good Dog for over 1 year

    Karen was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.

  • Karen’s program includes six colors

    Karen’s German Shepherd puppies include sable, liver, blue, black and tan, black and cream, and bi-color. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Karen’s program has two coat types

    Karen’s German Shepherd puppies include plush and long coat varieties. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Karen’s links

Karen is a trusted Good Dog breeder

North Star Kennel meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Meet Karen's parent dogs

All breeds

Poodle

German Shepherd

Parent health testing

German Shepherd

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

North Star Kennel reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for German Shepherds.

  • Hip Dysplasia (Preliminary), Hip Dysplasia

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Elbow Dysplasia (Preliminary), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)

    Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A)

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).