Scott grew up with German Shepherds, and when he found the sport of French Ring, he was introduced to Dutch Shepherds. Recognizing the strengths of both breeds, Scott sought to produce level, balanced shepherd dogs with versatility and stability.

Hop River Shepherds has been breeding Dutch & German Shepherds for over 25 years, with dogs successfully placed in sport, protection, service, and active pet homes.

We breed FCI working Dutch Shepherds; these dogs are the historically correct, purebred iteration of Dutch Shepherds. Our dogs are among few US-bred Dutch Shepherds living and working in Holland today. They are bred to be stable and level.

We also breed East German and Czech Line working German Shepherd Dogs. Like our Dutch Shepherds, these dogs should be functional and happy to work.

Hop River Shepherds seeks to produce quality dogs that can work. Meaning: dogs that are like pieces of clay, and can be molded into any of the things that a shepherd dog is capable of doing. From therapy work, to herding, to police work, and everything in between, a Hop River Shepherd should be able to perform any of the number of tasks that shepherds were meant to perform.

“Make sure my shepherd dog remains a working dog, for I have struggled all my life long for that aim.” - Max v. Stephanitz, Father of the German Shepherd Dog Breed

All Hop River Shepherds puppies are sold on a limited registration.

We prefer to place puppies in homes that are either educated about the breeds we produce, or willing to be educated about these breeds.

We do not allow buyers to choose their own puppy; rather, we get to know what your needs are with your future dog, and match you with a puppy between 6 and 8 weeks based on each puppy’s temperament. We will consider gender preferences, but cannot guarantee any specific puppy to any buyer.

All of our buyers are involved in the process of raising these puppies from birth to 8 weeks old; meaning, we bring all puppy buyers into the fold from the time puppies are born, and send frequent updates.

We know how important the imprinting process is, which is why we put countless hours into exposing puppies to their environment and facilitating everything they need to be confident and stable.

Puppies go home around 8 weeks of age.

We require deposits before holding puppies, and full amount is due at pickup.