FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At Southernwind Kennels, breeding is not a business model—it is the result of over five decades of experience, study, and devotion to the German Shepherd breed. Established in 1974, our program is built on ethics, science, and purpose, not trends or volume production.
We carefully plan every litter by evaluating bloodlines, health data, temperament compatibility, and working potential. Our goal is to consistently produce sound, stable German Shepherds capable of excelling as family companions, service dogs, emotional support partners, or working dogs.
Every puppy is raised under our Early Neurological and Sensorial Stimulation Program, which includes controlled sensory, environmental, and social exposure designed to build confidence, resilience, and emotional balance.
What truly sets us apart is our philosophy: we see each puppy as an individual, not a product. Puppies are carefully matched to their future families based on temperament and lifestyle, and our responsibility continues for the lifetime of every dog we produce.
Temperament begins with genetics but is developed through environment. From birth, our puppies experience structured exposure to sounds, textures, and controlled challenges to build confidence and resilience. We carefully match each puppy to the right family or handler, ensuring harmony and long-term success.
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At Southernwind Kennels, breeding decisions are never random. Each pairing is the result of extensive analysis based on decades of proven bloodline combinations, structural soundness, temperament, and health history. We study multiple generations and prioritize compatibility to enhance stability, intelligence, and workability. Our results are intentional, proven, and focused on long-term success.
*For those interested in a deeper explanation of our breeding philosophy, we share our full approach here-
At Southernwind Kennels, we work exclusively with carefully selected, proven German Shepherd bloodlines known for health, temperament, structure, and long-term stability.
Our primary breeding program is based on West German Show and Working Lines, chosen for their balance of beauty, intelligence, sound nerves, and versatility.
These bloodlines consistently produce dogs well suited for family companionship, service work, and active working roles.
In addition, we maintain a separate East German (DDR) Working Line program, which is never mixed with our West German lines.
DDR German Shepherds are valued for their strong bone structure, solid nerves, endurance, focus, and serious working character, making them ideal for demanding environments and advanced training.
Our breeding program has been refined for over 50 years and spans more than eight generations.
Each generation is evaluated for health, anatomy, temperament, and psychological balance to preserve the true essence of the German Shepherd while continuously improving stability and adaptability.
Southernwind bloodlines are not simply pedigrees on paper—they represent decades of intentional selection, proven genetics, and a living legacy of purpose-driven breeding.
Puppies from Southernwind Kennels are best suited for homes that value structure, education, and long-term commitment. Our dogs thrive with families or individuals who understand the importance of leadership, routine, and clear communication.
Southernwind puppies adapt well to a variety of lifestyles—from active families to working or service-oriented homes—when their physical, mental, and emotional needs are met. Our placement process helps ensure each puppy is matched to an environment where it can develop into a balanced, confident adult dog.
Yes.
Every puppy from Southernwind Kennels is delivered with a written health certificate, microchip, and documented health guarantees as outlined in our contract.
Our breeding program follows strict health protocols, including orthopedic evaluations and genetic testing of all breeding dogs prior to entering our program, to reduce the risk of inherited conditions that could significantly impact a dog’s quality of life. We are committed to responsible breeding practices and full transparency.
In the rare event that a serious hereditary condition covered by our guarantee is diagnosed, we offer clear replacement options in accordance with our contract terms. Our priority is always the long-term well-being of both the dog and the family.
Puppies are typically ready to go home between 8 and 9 weeks of age. By this time, they have completed essential early developmental stages, received age-appropriate vaccinations, been introduced to early social, crate, and environmental exposure, and undergone a complete veterinary health check.
New families are encouraged to continue the vaccination schedule with their personal veterinarian.
At Southernwind Kennels, puppies are prepared through our Southernwind Enrichment Program, a structured early-development system designed to support confidence, adaptability, and emotional balance.
Before going to their new homes, puppies are exposed to children, other animals, household noises, varied surfaces, and different environments. They are introduced to basic crate manners, gentle handling, and early foundational behaviors to help ensure a smooth, calm, and low-stress transition into family life.
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Yes. Southernwind Kennels offers the Southernwind Puppy Starter Star Program, an optional early development program designed to support a smooth and confident transition into the home.
This program focuses on foundational development, including early obedience concepts, leash manners, structured socialization, and environmental exposure. The emphasis is on confidence, clarity, and adaptability rather than formal training.
For families seeking more advanced training, we also collaborate with our son’s professional training company, DSWK, a program known for producing outstanding working, sport, and companion dogs. Advanced training options are available through DSWK based on each dog’s temperament, goals, and suitability.
Many puppies from Southernwind Kennels have gone on to become successful service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support companions. Our breeding program emphasizes genetic stability, emotional balance, focus, and workability—traits essential for roles that require reliability, resilience, and clear social behavior.
While not every puppy is suited for specialized work, our intentional selection and early development provide a strong foundation for dogs that may excel in service, therapy, or support roles when matched appropriately and given proper training.
Yes, visits to Southernwind Kennels are available by appointment only. This policy helps us maintain a calm, structured environment that prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of our dogs.
We offer scheduled Meet & Greet sessions, where families can learn about our breeding philosophy, observe our program, and meet selected dogs in a controlled, professional, and educational setting. These visits are designed to ensure meaningful interaction while respecting the dogs’ routines and development.
At Southernwind Kennels, the reservation process begins with a detailed puppy request application. This allows us to understand your lifestyle, experience, expectations, and long-term goals so we can determine whether a Southernwind puppy is the right fit.
Once approved, families may place a reservation deposit to secure a position on the waiting list for an upcoming litter that best matches their needs. Puppy placement is based on compatibility and suitability rather than order of inquiry.
Yes. Southernwind Kennels offers safe, responsible transport options for puppies traveling outside Florida, including destinations within the United States and select international locations.
Transportation arrangements are handled through USDA-compliant, professional pet transport services or trusted hand-delivery options, depending on destination and circumstances. Every puppy’s safety, comfort, and well-being are our top priorities throughout the travel process.
At Southernwind Kennels, our relationship with families does not end when a puppy goes home—it begins there.
Every client becomes part of the Southernwind Family, with access to ongoing guidance, educational resources, and personalized advice throughout the dog’s lifetime.
We remain available to support our families with questions related to development, behavior, transitions, and general care, helping ensure long-term success and a strong human–canine bond.
At Southernwind Kennels, we value each family’s preferences, but we believe that the right match creates lifelong harmony.
Rather than a first-come selection process, we guide placement based on temperament, personality, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
By carefully evaluating both the puppy and the family, we help ensure the best possible fit—supporting a balanced relationship, long-term success, and a meaningful bond for years to come.
Yes. At Southernwind Kennels, every dog we produce is considered a lifelong responsibility. We care deeply about where our dogs live throughout their lives and require that families commit to responsible, long-term ownership.
If an owner is ever unable to keep their dog, we ask that they contact us immediately. Together, we discuss available alternatives and make informed decisions in the best interest of the dog. These may include returning the dog to Southernwind Kennels or, in certain situations, exploring approved rehoming options under our guidance.
All placement decisions must comply with our contract terms. This policy ensures that every Southernwind dog is protected, accounted for, and never placed without oversight. Our goal is to safeguard each dog’s future while reinforcing that acquiring a Southernwind puppy is a lifetime commitment, not a temporary arrangement.