Harko von der Gold Coast SchH3

Herzensfreude German Shepherd Dogs Breeding Dogs Who Love to Work Max von Stephanitz, the founder of our breed, requested: "Take this trouble for me: Make sure my shepherd dog remains a working dog for I have struggled all my life long for that aim" We are committed to Max's request. We have bred 4 litters so far -- our D litter was whelped on March 6, 2006. So far, at least one from each of the first three litters is in Search and Rescue work; several are in SchH homes, one is a national level SchH competitor; one assists a woman in a wheelchair; yet another is doing narcotics detection. Still others are much loved family companions.  We breed infrequently, and selectively. It is a hobby for us. We are not making money from this (not by a long shot!) because we do it for the love of the breed. We train and title our own dogs in SchH, and we feel this is the only way to know what the true working characteristics of the dog are.  Herzensfreude German Shepherd Dogs  (Heart's Joy) is a registered kennel with the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. We, Kathy and Mike Moacanin, have been members of USA since 1984, having trained and titled numerous dogs in that time. German Shepherd Dogs are a passion for us. We care deeply for the breed, and our desire to preserve the German Shepherd Dog is what drives our breeding program. We breed only working line dogs that have proven themselves in Schutzhund. This temperament test ensures that the dog has the nerve to do the work, the "nose" to track, the guidability necessary for all avenues of work, and the courage to defend himself and his handler.  Temperament is paramount for us. Not only do our dogs excel in their work, they are also excellent with children.

Our kennel name means Heart's Joy. When Rhena, our foundation bitch came to us, she fulfilled a very long dream. She had the work ethic, she had the pedigree and she had the heart that I had been searching for for many years. She worked like a male, with a tenacity, and toughness that few bitches possess. She is twelve and a half years old now, and is still in phenomenal condition. She looks to be half her age. Her mother lived to well over 14! Rhena is my "heart's joy", and when it came time to breed Rhena we wanted each of her pups to go to homes where they would be considered someone's "heart's joy" as well.  Now her daughter "Annie" carries on the legacy of a strong mother line!

When someone buys a pup from us, they become like a member of our family. We do not sell to the first people who show up with a check book. Each prospective buyer is researched as carefully as possible to be sure that it is the right home for the pup. We will always be available for questions, guidance, and support for the duration of the pup's life. We take this very seriously, and hope that our level of interest in how the pup does is appreciated by the new owner. We would like to see photos and hear progress reports as time goes on. Our commitment is to your happiness as the owner of a Herzensfreude puppy!

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"To breed for GSD pets is exactly what [will] kill this breed and will eventually take it down to a breed worth nothing more than any other mutt coming out of the pound.  I like to think that this breed, if no other, is more special than that, and has a function and purpose.  Never should someone breed a dog who will fit into all lifestyles of the people looking.  In all cases, the people looking must be able to conform their lifestyles to the breed that they have chosen.  If they can't - - [they ought to] choose a different breed."                      -- Grace Keh