Heidelberg German Shepherds

I am a vet in Houston (moved here 1 1/2 yrs ago) and personally own German shepherds that I train in Schutzhund. I love and know this breed inside and out. When I first moved here all the local vets warned me of this place: very poor quality with hip / joint problems being at the top of the list. I have copies of all the literature that goes home with new owners of Heidelberg dogs. The info they give out is mostly incorrect and if not down right ignorant. Example #1:They say do not waste money on fecal tests. We will worm your dog so you don't need fecal exams. -- We vets look for way more than just worm eggs in fecal samples including other parasites and abnormal bacteria. If your dog is having diarrhea, then a fecal exam is a must. I check fecal exams on all new puppies and many times catch things that cause diarrhea before the diarrhea occurs! Ex #2: Don't give kennel cough / bordetella vaccine because it causes pneumonia. I have been vaccinating dogs for years not to mention all of my colleagues and have NEVER seen this. Ex: #3: They will do all the vaccines at their facility for a lot cheaper than a vet. This is true BUT I don't know where they get their vaccines. I've seen places including feed stores who receive their vaccines and then do not immediately refrigerate them. This destroys the vaccine and makes it useless. I would hope that they are smart enough to purchase directly from a veterinarian and refrigerate properly. However, do NOT get a rabies vaccine from them. In the state of Texas (and I'm sure all others) an animal is not considered rabies vaccinated unless done by a licensed veterinarian. Therefore, if your dog gets a rabies vaccine by them and bites someone, it is not considered vaccinated and is quarantined for extremely long periods if not euthanized and tested for rabies (if bitten in the face). Heidelburg says that they live in a county that does not require a vet to give the rabies. This is absolutely NOT true and it Texas State law that it has to be done by a vet. Ex #4: Don't waste money on x-rays if your dog is limping. Just call us and we will tell you what to do.-- This is absolutely crazy! I've never heard of being able to diagnose lameness over the phone and where exactly is that DVM degree for you to diagnose anyway?! Some lamenesses are easily treatable if caught early but can progress into non-treatable conditions if mis-diagnosed or not treated properly.
The one thing I will say positive about them is that I agree with them on most commercial dog foods are poor quality. But the directions for the food they feed are complicated and can lead to mineral imbalance and bone problems if not followed precisely. There are several already prepared foods that are very good for your dog that are so much easier to feed.
This place is anti-vet and gives out mis-leading and incorrect info. There are much better quality German shepherds available. Call a vet or a Schutzhund club and ask where to find better quality and better educated breeders.
-MDL

I will NEVER step foot on their property again. I won't say anything more than that.

Heidelberger druckmaschinen ag34 years experiencebred for outstanding temperamentgerman shepherd breeder170190attr:training