I'm the breeder behind Zaruka German Shepherds located in West Plains, MO. Our dogs are dedicated working dogs, all are certified to national standards in Search and Rescue, avid family companions and sport dogs. We focus on producing dogs who are healthy & structurally correct with stable temperaments allowing them to be bold working dogs and lovely family companions.
Cate & Shelly is a member of 4 clubs
National Organization Certifying Search and Rescue, Protection Sport Association , American Working Dog Association , United Schutzhund Clubs of America
Cate & Shelly’s certifications & recognitions
AKC Temperament Test Evaluator, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, American Kennel Club Canine College, Professional Dog Trainer, Puppy Culture Breeder
Cate & Shelly 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.
Puppy prices range from $1,800 - $2,500 and include a deposit of $500.
“Puppies are sold with : - AKC Limited Registration (Full Registration possible on a case by case basis, with health testing and titling requirements met) - a 26 month genetic health guarantee - Microchipped, dewormed, vaccinated - Health certificate . Deposits are taken after puppies are born, following the order of the waitlist. Deposits are $500. Deposits are non-refundable, however are transferable to another litter.”
Cate & Shelly 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 Cate & Shelly 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 Cate & Shelly directly.
Puppies are raised in a home environment exposed to all household sounds. Puppies are raised with ENS, ESI & Puppy Culture. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Socialized with other animals, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Scent introduction, Socialized in new places, Socialized with children, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Various sounds, Early Scent Introduction (ESI), Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) , Puppy Temperament Evalulation, Litter Box Trained, Puppy Culture , Crate Training, Potty Training, Texture stimulation, Outdoors, e.g. rain, Various Surfaces , Socialized with Children, Noises , Structures, e.g. Climbing, Scents, Chew, e.g. Bone, Toys, e.g. Ball, Touch Desensitization, Early Neurological Stimulation, Sound Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Socialized with Adult Dogs, and Socialized with Cats.
All puppies will receive age appropriate vaccinations and dewormings. Puppies are microchipped and receive a certificate of health from a licensed breeder prior going home.
We send our puppies home with Toys, Initial potty training, Puppy starter kit, Vet records, Microchip, Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Registration, Limited AKC Registration, Blanket with Littermates Scent, Blanket with Mom's Scent, Microchipped , Vaccinations, Toy with Mom's Scent, Toy with Littermates' Scent, Food Starter Bag, and Certificate of Health.
Cate & Shelly offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
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.
“We encourage new families to come and pick up their puppy, where they can meet us as well as meet their dog's parents and relatives. We understand that isn't always possible and are happy to make other arrangements. ”
Cate & Shelly has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years
Cate & Shelly was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Cate & Shelly’s program includes two colors
Cate & Shelly’s German Shepherd puppies include sable and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Cate & Shelly’s links
Zaruka German Shepherds meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
German Shepherd
Excellent level
Zaruka German Shepherds 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
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 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.
Temperament Test
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Full Embark Panel, 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).