German Shepherds Aren't Just Our Dogs… They're Our Family
Hey there! German Shepherds have been part of our lives for as long as we can remember. We both grew up with GSDs in the house, so when we moved into adulthood together, there was really only one breed we ever considered.
Right out of college, we brought home our first German Shepherd as a couple. Aries is, without exaggeration, the ultimate GSD. She’s smart, steady, and completely in charge in the best way. She's the matriarch of our pack, and if we're being honest, she's Diana's spirit animal.
About two years later, we welcomed Atlas into the family. He is the most loyal, sweet, and lovable dog you'll ever meet; the kind who will chase a ball for literal hours if you let him. He's deeply protective of his pack and family, high drive, and has turned out to be an incredible homestead dog, equally happy working as he is curled up on the laps of the people he loves (what’s 75lbs of dog on your lap anyways?).
Two and a half years ago, our pack grew again with Amara, a stunning, all-black GSD with a coat that stops people in their tracks. She's attentive, fiercely protective, and lives for a good game of tug-of-war with her jolly ball. Both Atlas and Amara come from working-line pedigrees, and their temperaments complement each other beautifully.
Why this litter?
For years, we talked about how badly we wanted a son of Atlas — another boy with his heart, his drive, and that same unmistakable loyalty. It wasn't a decision we took lightly.
We worked through full breed health testing and partnered directly with a team of theriogenologists (veterinary reproductive specialists) to plan and support this breeding between Atlas and Amara. Every step was intentional, from health clearances to the guidance of experienced professionals, because we wanted to do this the right way.
The result is the litter you see below — puppies with working-line pedigrees, sound temperaments, and, we think, some of the sweetest personalities we've ever raised.
Meet the Pack
Aries
Atlas
Amara
Meet the Puppies
He’s an all black GSD, with a tiny little white spot on his chest.
Check back as we learn more about each puppy’s personality!
Red - Boy
2 weeks
4 weeks
She’s an all black GSD.
Check back as we learn more about each puppy’s personality!
Pink - Girl
2 weeks
4 weeks
She’s possibly a solid liver (brown) GSD.
Check back as we learn more about each puppy’s personality!
Orange - Girl
2 weeks
4 weeks
She’s a dark sable GSD.
Check back as we learn more about each puppy’s personality!
Yellow - Girl
2 weeks
4 weeks
She’s an all black GSD.
Check back as we learn more about each puppy’s personality!
Green - Girl
2 weeks
4 weeks
He’s a dark sable GSD.
Check back as we learn more about each puppy’s personality!
Blue - Boy
2 weeks
4 weeks
Purple - Girl
She’s a lighter sable GSD.
Check back as we learn more about each puppy’s personality!
2 weeks
4 weeks
FAQs
What health testing did we do on the parents?
1
Before breeding, Atlas and Amara went through full breed health testing, including OFA hips/elbows, DM (degenerative myelopathy panel), and brucellosis. We also worked directly with a team of theriogenologists (veterinary reproductive specialists) to plan and manage the breeding, ensuring both dogs' health and the health of the litter were prioritized every step of the way.
What are we doing with the puppies before they go home?
2
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS): a series of gentle exercises performed during days 3–16 that help build resilience and a stronger stress response later in life.
Early Scent Introduction (ESI)
Desensitization and socialization: exposure to household sounds (including thunderstorms and fireworks), different surfaces/textures, handling, bathing, car rides, new people, and everyday experiences to build confident, adaptable dogs.
The puppies are at the center of our home, that means they experience nearly everything that goes on daily.
They’re raised around young children, dogs, cats, chickens, and rabbits (some typical homestead animals)
Early crate introduction and potty training.
How much are the puppies?
3
Our puppies are priced at $3000, for limited AKC registration, i.e. family dog homes. And $4000 for full AKC registration, i.e. breeding rights.
We require a $300 non-refundable deposit, to reserve a puppy. Remaining balance due upon pick-up.
This reflects the extensive health testing of our parent dogs, veterinary care throughout the pregnancy and litter, and the time we invest in early puppy development.
What's included — first shots, deworming, health certificate, microchip, AKC puppy info, 3 generation pedigrees, food for transitioning, and a fun puppy basket full of goodies.
We reserve the right to the first litter pick. Litter picks will begin at 6 weeks (plenty of time for personalities to emerge) on a first come first served basis.
What are you feeding the puppies, and what will they be eating when they go home?
4
Puppies are weaned onto Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Recipe Puppy Medium & Maxi Dry Dog Food. We'll send you home with a small supply along with feeding guidelines, so you can either continue the same food or transition your puppy gradually to the food you choose.
At what age can puppies go home?
5
Puppies may go home at 8 weeks, which is the age typically recommended by breeders and veterinarians to ensure they've had adequate time with their mother and littermates for proper social development.
The puppies were born on 7/30/26, they’ll be ready to go to their furever homes on 9/24/26.
Do we offer a health guarantee?
6
Yes! This is in the works with our legal team, and will be available shortly. Thanks for your patience while we work out the details!
Can I visit the puppies before bringing one home?
7
Starting at 6 weeks we will allow visits for families who have paid their deposit.
Please note, we take biosecurity very seriously. At the time of your visit, we ask that you do not have any pet fur on your clothing, that you wear sock/shoe covers, and that you wash your hands and arms when you get here. Also… no early kisses… we know, they’re hard to resist!
How do I reserve a puppy?
8
Please email us at ogmercantilellc@gmail.com and we’ll start the process!
If you’re unfamiliar with Sable GSD’s, here’s some pictures of Atlas over time, that show just how much his coloring and coat have changed.
