What is a Heidelberg?

Before you read more about the Heidelberg German Shepherds, know this... our dogs will protect their families by sacrificing their own lives without hesitation, if necessary, to prevent harm to the people they love. Our German Shepherds are naturally the best companions and protectors you will ever find for your children, family pets, and property. Our German Shepherds are true herding dogs with herding instincts intact, and your family and property become theirs' in their mind. Their loyalty and loving nature toward those they protect has made them one of the most sought after breeds in the world.

Heidelberg is a kennel name that was started in 1971 by Mr. Thompson and his lifetime friend Mr. Richards (pronounced Ri-shard). Mr. Thompson purchased his foundation stock from a longtime AKC judge, Ann Mesdag. Her kennel was founded on Grand Victor (GV) Harrigan, whom many claim was the greatest Shepherd that ever lived. Harrigan was out of Grand Victor Lance of Franjo, which ancestors originated from Germany, and who was bred by Francis and Joan Ford.

From the same lines that produced GV Harrigan gave rise to Heidelberg German Shepherds as well as many of the other highly regarded top producing kennels in the United States. Unfortunately, these regarded kennels went another direction in their breeding in the late 1970's and early 1980's by producing a more extreme show Shepherd and in many cases disregarding temperament.

Mr. Thompson's first guidelines of breeding are temperament, followed by health, and finally show quality and appearance. In the 1980's to reinforce the lines, Mr. Thompson purchased Select Champion Sundown Von Freya for the unheard price of $20,000.00.

More than 150 champions later and several thousands of satisfied owners of the Heidelberg German Shepherds we have the current Heidelberg German Shepherd that is world-renowned.