Select German Shepherd Litters & Puppies from World-Ranked Parents

Our select German Shepherd litters are reserved for pairings that meet our highest standards: world-ranked sires and dams, IGP/Schutzhund working titles, completed Kkl1 breed survey by a licensed German Körmeister, and certified hips and elbows. We also require clear, stable temperament and correct structure before a dog is included in our select program.

Combined with more than 26 years of hands-on breeding experience in Colorado, these requirements allow us to consistently produce top-quality German Shepherd puppies for families who want the very best foundation in the breed.

The ZW score is a number used by German Shepherd breeders in Germany (the SV system) to measure the genetic risk of hip dysplasia.

• 100 is considered the breed average.
• 90–99 = Very Good hips.
• 80–89 = Excellent hips.
• 70–79 = Supreme hips (outstanding/elite).
• Lower than 70 = Exceptionally rare, supreme elite level.
• Higher than 100 means the dog has a higher risk than average.

Schutzhund, now called IGP, is the German working-dog evaluation designed specifically for the German Shepherd breed. It tests three areas: tracking, obedience, and protection.

The protection phase — often called the courage test — evaluates a dog’s mental stability, courage, confidence, and nerve soundness under controlled pressure. This confirms a dog is clear-headed and stable, not aggressive.

IGP has three levels:

• IGP1: Entry-level title proving stable nerves, basic obedience, and controlled courage.
• IGP2: Intermediate title with more difficulty, demonstrating stronger obedience, focus, and confidence.
• IGP3: The highest level — world-standard proof of superior temperament, nerve strength, and working ability. Required for world competitors.

These titles ensure the sire and dam have proven temperament, stability, workability, and clear character, which is essential when producing exceptional German Shepherd puppies for families in Colorado and nationwide.

The Körung — also known as Kkl1 — is the official German breed survey for the German Shepherd Dog. It is the highest evaluation a breeding dog can earn in Germany and is conducted by SV-licensed judges.

A dog must pass detailed testing in:

• Temperament — stability, confidence, and clear head.
• Structure & biomechanics — correct proportions, gait, and physical soundness.
• Nerve strength — calm behavior under pressure.
• Obedience & control — reliable response to commands.
• Courage test — controlled protection work proving courage and resilience.

A dog rated Kkl1 is deemed “recommended for breeding,” meaning it meets the highest standard for temperament, working ability, and physical structure. This certification helps ensure that puppies inherit stable nerves, correct conformation, and trustworthy family-friendly temperament.

Stacking — also known as poise — is the classic stance used to evaluate a German Shepherd’s structure, balance, and overall anatomy. In this position, the dog is gently guided into a posture that clearly reveals its topline, angulation, proportion, and symmetry.

When a German Shepherd is not stacked, they look like a normal dog — standing or moving naturally, just like any other companion German Shepherd. But for high-end breeding programs using world-class German bloodlines, the stacked position is essential. It allows professional breeders and judges to identify strengths and weaknesses that are not always visible when the dog is relaxed or in motion.

The stacked position also highlights the withers — the highest point of the dog’s topline. Correct German Shepherd anatomy requires high, pronounced withers flowing smoothly into a firm, straight back and powerful, well-angled hindquarters. Stacking makes this relationship clear and helps determine whether the dog meets the ideal SV breed standard.

Proper stacking also positions the hind legs to reveal true rear angulation: one leg extended back and one positioned forward under the hip. This classic SV/FCI pose forms a natural triangle that shows the dog’s drive, balance, and functional power. This rear placement cannot be evaluated accurately when the dog stands casually.

• Topline evaluation: strength, firmness, wither height, and back structure.
• Hindquarter angulation: balance, power, and working potential.
• Front assembly: shoulder placement, reach, and overall balance.
• Feet placement: stance correctness and weight distribution.
• Overall proportions: harmony, balance, and true breed type.

Stacking also demonstrates temperament and nerve strength. A confident, clear-headed German Shepherd holds the pose calmly and willingly — an important sign of stability, trainability, and breeder-quality temperament.

Importantly, stacking is not harmful when done correctly. It is a gentle, natural position used worldwide by SV and FCI breeders to evaluate structure fairly and consistently. No force, stretching, or discomfort is involved.

For breeders, stacking is a crucial part of determining whether a dog represents the exemplary standard of the German Shepherd breed. It provides a precise, honest view of conformation that simply cannot be evaluated from casual photos or natural standing positions. This is why every serious breeder, show handler, and working-line evaluator relies on proper stacking for accurate assessment.

We stand with complete confidence behind our breeding program. Every puppy is backed by a five-year written health and temperament guarantee. This reflects our commitment to breeding only from fully health-tested, world-ranked working and show lines (IGP/KKL1). With Gunbil German Shepherds, you can trust that your puppy comes from proven genetics, sound temperament, and the highest standards in the breed.

We’ll refund you in full if you change your mind about this purchase before the delivery of your new puppy.

A deposit will hold and reserve a puppy for you from the selected litter. By placing this fully refundable reservation, you secure your priority spot on our waiting list with guaranteed early selection. Once the litter is born, we will confirm availability, guide you through the matching process, and keep you updated with important milestones until your puppy is ready to join your family.

Your puppy includes everything you need for peace of mind — two core vaccinations, deworming, microchip, character testing, a five-year health & temperament guarantee, official health records, a starter guide, and lifetime breeder support.

Yes, all of our breeding parents are thoroughly health tested. Each sire and dam is certified for hips and elbows, DNA tested for pedigree (lineage) authenticity, screened for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), and carefully evaluated for overall health and temperament. We only breed dogs that meet our strict standards, ensuring your puppy comes from healthy, well-selected parents.

Yes. We work with trusted third-party live animal transport specialists who are highly experienced in safely delivering puppies. Our partners provide safe, nationwide, door-to-door service — from our home to your home — with flexible scheduling for your convenience.

Yes. All of our puppies are AKC eligible and come with the proper paperwork for registration. Each litter is registered with the American Kennel Club, and you will receive the documentation needed to register your puppy directly with the AKC.