I am writing this letter because your ability to match the right dog with the right person has changed my life!

I am a pet industry CEO and have the resources to get a dog from anywhere. In fact, many reputable kennels offer me fabulous dogs for free just to get recommendations. However, I always come back to the people involved in Grünberg Shepherds and I'll tell you why.
When I first met Richard Crane (your supervising trainer), oh, so many years ago it makes me feel old, I had been almost carjacked in California while nine months pregnant. I had always had dogs and loved Mastiffs, but at 200 pounds and with a new baby, my male Mastiff, who was close to going to heaven anyway, was just too heavy to get in and out of the car, and thus I started driving without my "sentinel" in the back seat.

After extensive research, I decided to buy a Shepherd. I felt a Shepherd would certainly be a deterrent to the "bad guys" since I travel alone quite a bit, would be great with children, and would be a good size to accompany me wherever practical. Careful as I am, I talked to and visited almost everyone in the Shepherd world. To make a very long story short, the Grünberg team is one of the most well-respected in Shepherds.

I needed a super dog. The dog had to be bomb proof with kids, other pets, other species, in the office, Home Depot, cocktail parties, etc., but really good looking, responsive, good obedience, and a deterrent to potential bad guys, etc. Most people laughed, and many tried to sell me dogs that simply didn't fit the bill.

Long story short, Richard found me "my super dog" and offered to come to my house and help us get off on the right foot. For me, since I was so new to the German commands and system, we actually took a video in my home of Richard going through the motions, pronouncing the words, etc., so that after he left, we had a guide we could refer back to (our dog had been initially trained in Germany).

I have been exposed to many breeds of dogs through my business and the rescue work we do, but I honestly believe that a good Shepherd is the most incredible dog you can have. Like anything else, however, it has to be the right match and a quality dog; there is a lot of variation in the breed. The Grünberg team has a wealth of experience behind them and a dedication to quality that is unmatched in my mind.

Barbara A. Allen

Mrs. Allen's Shed-Stop

In March of 2003, we purchased a German Shepherd puppy from Marisa Shaw, owner of Grünberg Shepherds, and so began a wonderfully rewarding journey.

The experience of owning one of Marisa's dogs does not end with the purchase. Marisa, along with trainer Richard Crane, has offered ongoing support and endless education on the raising and training of our dog, Hudson. This invaluable service has opened our eyes to the possibilities of what our dog can attain through proper handling. Hudson's temperament is even-keeled, and he is steady of nerve as promised, in addition to possessing all the intelligence one expects of a German Shepherd.

We strongly recommend Marisa Shaw as German Shepherd breeder of the century! Anyone who is lucky enough to own one of her puppies is lucky enough.

Michael and Diane Stoeckle

I was skeptical at first about purchasing an adult dog. I had gotten all my previous dogs as puppies, and I was concerned that I wouldn't have a close bond with the dog.

I have learned from my experience with Grünberg Shepherds that a close bond with a dog is largely a result of the dog's breeding. Bary and I are a team, and I know I can always rely on him to do what I ask. I am the leader of his pack, and he will do whatever is necessary to keep me safe and happy.

I like knowing that when I need the dog he will be there for me and that I can count on him.

Marisa took the time to learn what I was looking for in a dog and searched for the right dog to meet my needs. Her ongoing support has been superb.

In short, Bary is an amazing dog, and our relationship is one of the best things I've experienced in life.

Nancy Hutner

I have been a vet tech and an accounts receivable manager for 10 years at a veterinary practice in Rutland, Vt. When I'm not working at the vet practice, you can often find me walking dogs, house and pet sitting, or at the equine stable, riding. I have done work with many rescues, fosters (for a New England rescue league), and have had my own professional clients, along with taking care of my personal animals.

With the profession I am in, I am able to bring my puppy to work every day. His name is Tyr (German, pronounced teer), which means spirit in English. He is a four-month-old, male, black/red German Shepherd. On my arrival at Grünberg Shepherds, owner Marisa Shaw made me feel more than welcome. I was able to view all the puppies, and with Marisa's help, select the pick of the litter. She was very knowledgeable in looking for specifics, quality, characteristics and personality, and making sure they were going to coincide with my lifestyle.

Tyr and I went back to a puppy imprinting seminar, and were pleased with the different ages, obedience, and protection work that were demonstrated by other Grünberg Shepherds. I anticipate the highest level of training in the future with Tyr.

I am fortunate that I have met Marisa Shaw with Grünberg Shepherds, and encourage others to purchase a puppy or adult dog from her kennel.

Stacey Fitzgerald

When it was time for me to find another German Shepherd dog for our family (I have over time owned six German Shepherds), our trainer, who has assisted us in finding good GSDs each time, sent us to Grünberg Shepherds, saying that they consistently provided the best dogs in physical soundness and with good character and mental stability. And once again, was he ever right!

A photograph can attest to this dog’s beauty and noble good looks, but it can’t tell you what a fine animal and companion this girl has made. Sonia is physically sound in every way, she is an exceptional athlete, and her personality is friendly, sensible, and appropriate to the occasions she meets. Her love for our children is exceptional; she accompanies them whenever they play outdoors. With them, she is a blithe spirit.

Grünberg Shepherds has, I believe, bred and acquired dogs to improve health and mental soundness in the breed. They have provided ongoing input whenever I have needed advice with training and with health and diet recommendations. Backup and support has always been happily and openly offered.

I am delighted with my dog, the best I have ever owned, and with the Grünberg Shepherds relationship.

Linda Tors

I lived near a partner of Grünberg Shepherds, so I knew of their outstanding quality long before my first shepherd, and felt so privileged to be able to acquire one of their new puppies.

Marisa is extremely helpful in teaching new owners about working with the traits of the breed via workshops and round table discussion groups. And she is always ready with tips and assistance regarding any behavioral issues that may arise.

The intellect of the magnificent creature pictured here amazes me, and the consistency of training pays off quickly. Even at play it is evident that he is absolutely fearless, and at nine months his devotion is clear. His presence brings comfort, security, and great joy.

I look forward to many miracle moments with my Lord Bear.

Tish Russell

Owner of Lord Bear,
 Brenna/Dax son

My husband and I met Marisa with her impressive shepherds a few years ago. We were both instantly taken with the dog’s calm self-confidence and winning character. Marisa met with us and we discussed the breed and various upcoming litters. This was our first experience in owning a German Shepherd though we have always had dogs. We were looking for a dog to provide security and blend in with our family of four, complete with energetic children, friends and activities. Together with Marisa we were able to hand-pick the ideal pup to fit our lifestyle and personalities.

Eva is the perfect German Shepherd ambassador. She is forever eager to learn, please and protect. The follow-up training and education that Marisa and trainer Richard Crane offer is invaluable to dog and owner. We have been fortunate to attend Grünberg seminars on puppy imprinting, obedience, and protection work. At our house we use the training skills every day. Eva is obedient, agile and exceptionally responsive to commands making our daily walks through the woods or bustling downtown Manchester a pleasure. I am looking forward to continuing our training to the highest level.

At 2½, Eva has proved an ever-vigilant house and property guard. We live in a secluded wooded area. She is keenly aware of our boundaries, sensing intruders and stray ATVs. We all sleep soundly.

Eva is the most loving companion anyone could ever want. Thank you, Marisa and Grünberg Shepherds.

Donnel Barnum

I feel privileged to be the owner of two beautiful Shepherds from Grünberg Shepherds. Owner Marisa Shaw cares deeply about, and has unparalleled knowledge of, the German Shepherd Dog breed and it shows in the gorgeous animals she provides.

My first dog, Athos, is an eight-year-old male who can go from working hard all day in the sun to playing like a puppy. His incredible prey drive, his amazing constitution, and his joyful working attitude made raising and training him like putty in the hands. All his energy is there at the surface to use in training; there is nothing he cannot do.

He is the model of good citizenship, gentle with people, great with children, and can go anywhere, anytime. People are always amazed that such a serious working dog can be such a wonderful family dog as well. 

My new puppy, Hero, is the apple of my eye. Marisa's masterful skill shows through with Hero's confident attitude, magnetic curiosity, and incredible friendliness. It very apparent that Hero will be a dog like her brother; strong, confident, and deeply committed to working.

I simply cannot come up with enough superlatives to describe these dogs. Thank you Marisa for such wonderful additions to my family.

Trisha Selbach

I have been involved with German Shepherd dogs for 35 years; I have known Marisa for 15 of those years. I know her to be an honest, energetic person who truly loves the breed. She has made it her aim to breed German bloodline dogs of the highest quality and represent them with integrity. Her efforts have achieved sound dogs in mind and body and a credit to our breed, a very worthy endeavor.

Richard Crane

Photo: Richard Crane with Fax Vom Hof Niederzier SCH 3