LOVING FAMILY MEMBER. NATURAL PROTECTOR.
KENNEL WITH NO FAKE TITLES.
29 Frequently asked QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
We have gathers the answers to the questions we hear most often, all in one place to help guide you every step of the way & we are continually adding more questions and answers as new ones come in - we are alway evolving with you in mind.
THE ULTIMATE QUESTION IS WAITING FOR YOU AT THE BOTTOM — QUESTION #29
1. Are your dogs imported?
Our dogs are imported from top European kennels (mainly from Germany) known for preserving the true German Shepherd standard. We select breeding dogs under very strict criteria based on health, temperament, working ability, and structure. Dogs that are not imported are bred by us at King of Zion from imported parents, continuing the same high standards.
2. Are your dogs health tested?
Absolutely. We follow the SV German health testing standards and go beyond them. Every breeding dog is tested for hips, elbows, and DM (Degenerative Myelopathy). We only breed dogs that meet strict health standards to help ensure strong, healthy puppies. Each puppy comes with a health guarantee (click here), and we stand behind our program 100%.
3. How do I reserve a puppy?
Our reservation process begins with a phone conversation, so we can get to know each other. This is followed by an application, which includes two references. Once approved, $1,000 reservation fee secures your place on our waitlist. Puppies are matched with families in the order reservation fees are received, while also considering temperament and family needs. We personally match each puppy based on personality, drive, and temperament to ensure the best fit for your lifestyle and goals. First pick is available for an additional $500.
4. When can I take my puppy home and what is "Puppy Pick-Up Day"?
Puppy Pick-Up Day is the special day, when you take your puppy home and we finally meet in person. Puppies are ready to join their new families at 8 weeks of age.
In advance, you will receive guidance to help ensure a smooth transition. We have developed a "Client-Only Access" page, that answers many of your questions while you prepare to bring your puppy home. This page also includes our best practices, developed over the years, covering everything from nutrition to vitamins and supplies. On the day of, you’ll meet your puppy, go over their routine, and receive all documentation and health records. Pick-up is scheduled 2-3 weeks in advance with specific instructions to keep everything calm and safe for our dogs. It is a joyful day that marks the beginning of your journey with your King of Zion German Shepherd.
5. What vaccinations and deworming will my puppy have & what is included with my puppy?
Puppies leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, multiple rounds of deworming and parasite prevention, and a thorough veterinary exam. A health report is provided. Your puppy will also be microchipped.
6. What is your health guarantee?
We offer a lifetime genetic guarantee against severe hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as inherited genetic conditions that would prevent the dog from living a normal, healthy life. If a genetic issue is confirmed by a licensed veterinarian, we will replace the puppy with one of equal value. See more about our Lifetime Warranty: here.
7. Do you ship puppies? How does transportation work?
We can ship puppies via cargo for those 12+ weeks old. We strongly prefer in-person pick-up so we can meet our King of Zion families face-to-face, but we can also arrange safe ground transportation or in-cabin flight nanny services at the buyer’s expense. We work with trusted, reliable professionals, who safely deliver puppies throughout the United States.
8. What do you feed your puppies?
We are an official Royal Canin partner, a brand that has consistently proven successful in our program.
Our nursing mothers and weaning puppies are fed Puppy Starter. By the time your puppy goes home, they are transitioned to Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy. We recommend continuing this for a smooth transition. We also recommend adding supplements starting at 10–12 weeks of age, such as plain gelatin, NuVet Plus, and NuJoint Plus for proper development. More is shared on our client page only.
9. Do you own the parents?
The majority of our puppies come from parents we own, train, and love on daily. This allows us to fully understand their temperament, health, working ability, and personality. Occasionally, we may use an outside stud from a trusted, world-class program to enhance specific bloodlines. In every case, both parents meet our strict standards. We provide full transparency, including photos, videos, pedigrees, and health results. Each of our dogs also has an individual page on our website.
10. Will you help with training and care advice?
Absolutely. We provide ongoing support and guidance. We want your puppy to succeed and are always available to help with care, nutrition and connect you with training professionals we trust.
11. What registration will my puppy have?
Our puppies are registered through either the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the USCA (United Schutzhund Clubs of America = organization affiliated with German SV), depending on the litter and pedigree. Both registries provide official documentation of lineage, ensuring proper identification, traceability, and adherence to recognized breed standards.
Most puppies are placed with limited AKC registration as companions and are not intended for breeding. Full AKC registration is available only to experienced, proven programs that share our standards and commitment to the German Shepherd breed.
12. How do you match puppies to families?
Puppies are matched in the order reservation fees are received. We evaluate each puppy’s temperament, drive, and personality, then match them to families based on lifestyle, goals, and experience. This ensures long-term success for both puppy and owner. Most puppies within a litter are very similar, with only slight personality differences between them.
13. Will my puppy be socialized before going home?
Yes. Our puppies are exposed to age-appropriate socialization, including people, other dogs, household sounds, outdoor environments, and play. Our goal is to raise confident, well-adjusted puppies ready for their new homes.
14. What ongoing costs should I expect?
In addition to the initial purchase, plan for high-quality food, regular veterinary care, parasite prevention, training, and enrichment. German Shepherds thrive with proper investment in both health and training.
15. Do you take back dogs if the owner can’t keep them?
Yes. We have a lifetime commitment to every dog we produce. If an owner is unable to keep their dog, our contract requires the dog to be returned to us. This ensures every King of Zion dog always has a safe home.
16. Do you allow visits to your property?
We love sharing our program and aim to provide extensive information through our website and social media, so you can get to know us well. To protect the health of our puppies and maintain a calm environment—especially with newborn litters — we do not allow casual visits. Our kennel is also our home, and we value both privacy and stability for our dogs.
Even with strong sanitation protocols, illnesses can be unintentionally carried on clothing or shoes and can pose a risk to young puppies.
That said, Puppy Pick-Up Day is one of our favorite moments, where we finally meet our families in person and they meet their new baby bear.
We also offer FaceTime or live video calls, so you can see our dogs and environment in real time.
In-person visits are reserved for serious, pre-approved applicants and require:
17. Do I have to show my dog?
No. While our dogs have the quality to succeed in shows or sport, most are placed in loving companion or active homes.
18. What does IGP mean?
IGP is an international working dog sport that tests tracking, obedience, and protection. It is one of the most respected evaluations of a German Shepherd’s temperament, intelligence, and working ability.
19. What is a Breed Survey?
A Breed Survey (Körung) is an official evaluation by licensed judges to determine if a dog meets German Shepherd standards for health, structure, temperament, and working ability. Only dogs that pass are approved for breeding under the German system.
20. Why are some puppies priced differently and what is the cost?
Pricing reflects the pedigree and accomplishments of the parents. Dogs with breed surveys and advanced titles represent a significant investment, training, health testing and competition. We have 3 Levels.
Diamond Litter = VA rated parent/s; International breeding
Platinum Litter (most of our litters) = Parents with Breed Survey under SV German standard
Gold Litter = Parent/s partially titled
See our pricing schedule: here
21. Do you train your dogs?
Yes. Every dog in our program is either trained and titled by us or at some point of their career, was trained and prepared by us for show event, breed survey with bite-work performance and/or IGP trial. This is rare in the United States and allows us to truly understand our dogs’ abilities, temperament, and potential.
22. Are your dogs’ titles real?
Yes. All titles are earned under licensed judges and recognized organizations. They can be verified through official databases, which can be purchased, however we shared video documentation.
23. What does it mean when titles are “fake”?
The German Shepherd breed has one of the most demanding systems for proving breeding quality. Dogs must demonstrate working ability, structure, health, and temperament. Because this process requires significant effort, dedication and financial investment not all titles seen in the market are equally verified or transparent. At King of Zion, we focus on proven, verifiable accomplishments. Our dogs earn their titles through real training, real trials, and recognized judges. We openly share documentation and footage, so our clients can have full confidence in our program.
24. What is Narrow Path Dog Club?Narrow Path Dog Club was founded by Alonzo and Lucie, the breeders behind King of Zion, as an extension of their dedication to the German Shepherd breed. The club hosts IGP trials, conformation shows, and breed survey tests, and regularly brings in SV German judges who are recognized experts in the breed. Read more: here.
25. Are your dogs from champion bloodlines and do you have accomplishments?
Yes. Our dogs come from proven champion bloodlines in both the U.S. and Europe - and they are accomplished competitors themselves. Our kennel has been highly recognized by German judges and ranked among the top programs in the United States. Highlights include:
- #1 The highest awarded Long Coat German Shepherd kennel in the USCA South Central Region 5 years in the row:
2022, 2023, 2024, 202, 2026
(Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico)
- #2 in the USA (2022) and #3 (2024)
Our dogs also hold working titles, breed surveys, and Sieger show placements. We are also honored to have 2x VA rated dogs in our kennel as well. More about our Accomplishments: here
26. What is the breed standard?
The German Shepherd breed standard defines ideal structure, temperament, and working ability, eye color to length of tail and so much more. Full details: here.
27. What does it mean that you are AKC verified?
King of Zion German Shepherds is proud to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an AKC-verified kennel. This reflects our commitment to responsible breeding, accurate record keeping, and high standards of care. AKC representatives conduct inspections to ensure these standards are maintained.
28. Are your dogs good with children?
Yes—when properly raised and guided, German Shepherds can be exceptional family dogs, and many of our puppies go to homes with children.
At King of Zion, we prioritize stable temperament and sound nerves, which are essential for a dependable family companion. We receive many photos and updates from families showing our dogs growing up closely bonded with children—often becoming both loyal companions and natural protectors in the home. Essentially, they become the children's babysitters and security system all in one.
29. THE ULTIMATE QUESTION — Why should I buy a King of Zion German Shepherd puppy?
Because you are not just getting a puppy—you are becoming part of the King of Zion family.
Our puppies are the result of careful selection, proven bloodlines, and a deep commitment to the German Shepherd breed. Every parent dog is health-tested, evaluated for temperament and structure, and proven through titles and/or breed surveys. We raise our puppies in our home with hands-on care, proper socialization, and daily exposure to real-life environments, giving them the strongest possible start.
What truly sets us apart is that we don’t just breed—we train, work, and title our own dogs. We know them inside and out, and that knowledge carries directly into the quality of the puppies we produce. We also provide ongoing support and exclusive custom resources developed by us for our King of Zion families. Our program is transparent—you can follow our dogs, their lives and development, and their accomplishments over time.
When you choose a King of Zion puppy, you are choosing proven quality, dedication, and a professional breeder, who stands behind their dogs for life. You are gaining a loyal companion, a trusted support system, and a German Shepherd you can be truly proud of that will bring you joy for many years to come.
1. Are your dogs imported?
Our dogs are imported from top European kennels (mainly from Germany) known for preserving the true German Shepherd standard. We select breeding dogs under very strict criteria based on health, temperament, working ability, and structure. Dogs that are not imported are bred by us at King of Zion from imported parents, continuing the same high standards.
2. Are your dogs health tested?
Absolutely. We follow the SV German health testing standards and go beyond them. Every breeding dog is tested for hips, elbows, and DM (Degenerative Myelopathy). We only breed dogs that meet strict health standards to help ensure strong, healthy puppies. Each puppy comes with a health guarantee (click here), and we stand behind our program 100%.
3. How do I reserve a puppy?
Our reservation process begins with a phone conversation, so we can get to know each other. This is followed by an application, which includes two references. Once approved, $1,000 reservation fee secures your place on our waitlist. Puppies are matched with families in the order reservation fees are received, while also considering temperament and family needs. We personally match each puppy based on personality, drive, and temperament to ensure the best fit for your lifestyle and goals. First pick is available for an additional $500.
4. When can I take my puppy home and what is "Puppy Pick-Up Day"?
Puppy Pick-Up Day is the special day, when you take your puppy home and we finally meet in person. Puppies are ready to join their new families at 8 weeks of age.
In advance, you will receive guidance to help ensure a smooth transition. We have developed a "Client-Only Access" page, that answers many of your questions while you prepare to bring your puppy home. This page also includes our best practices, developed over the years, covering everything from nutrition to vitamins and supplies. On the day of, you’ll meet your puppy, go over their routine, and receive all documentation and health records. Pick-up is scheduled 2-3 weeks in advance with specific instructions to keep everything calm and safe for our dogs. It is a joyful day that marks the beginning of your journey with your King of Zion German Shepherd.
5. What vaccinations and deworming will my puppy have & what is included with my puppy?
Puppies leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, multiple rounds of deworming and parasite prevention, and a thorough veterinary exam. A health report is provided. Your puppy will also be microchipped.
- AKC/USCA registration
- Health records
- Royal Canin Puppy Kit
- Optional "Puppy Pick-Up Day Pack" (includes 40 lbs bag puppy food)
- Puppy Pick-Up Day Pack Checklist
- Contract
- Ongoing Contact
- Client Only Access custom tools
6. What is your health guarantee?
We offer a lifetime genetic guarantee against severe hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as inherited genetic conditions that would prevent the dog from living a normal, healthy life. If a genetic issue is confirmed by a licensed veterinarian, we will replace the puppy with one of equal value. See more about our Lifetime Warranty: here.
7. Do you ship puppies? How does transportation work?
We can ship puppies via cargo for those 12+ weeks old. We strongly prefer in-person pick-up so we can meet our King of Zion families face-to-face, but we can also arrange safe ground transportation or in-cabin flight nanny services at the buyer’s expense. We work with trusted, reliable professionals, who safely deliver puppies throughout the United States.
8. What do you feed your puppies?
We are an official Royal Canin partner, a brand that has consistently proven successful in our program.
Our nursing mothers and weaning puppies are fed Puppy Starter. By the time your puppy goes home, they are transitioned to Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy. We recommend continuing this for a smooth transition. We also recommend adding supplements starting at 10–12 weeks of age, such as plain gelatin, NuVet Plus, and NuJoint Plus for proper development. More is shared on our client page only.
9. Do you own the parents?
The majority of our puppies come from parents we own, train, and love on daily. This allows us to fully understand their temperament, health, working ability, and personality. Occasionally, we may use an outside stud from a trusted, world-class program to enhance specific bloodlines. In every case, both parents meet our strict standards. We provide full transparency, including photos, videos, pedigrees, and health results. Each of our dogs also has an individual page on our website.
10. Will you help with training and care advice?
Absolutely. We provide ongoing support and guidance. We want your puppy to succeed and are always available to help with care, nutrition and connect you with training professionals we trust.
11. What registration will my puppy have?
Our puppies are registered through either the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the USCA (United Schutzhund Clubs of America = organization affiliated with German SV), depending on the litter and pedigree. Both registries provide official documentation of lineage, ensuring proper identification, traceability, and adherence to recognized breed standards.
Most puppies are placed with limited AKC registration as companions and are not intended for breeding. Full AKC registration is available only to experienced, proven programs that share our standards and commitment to the German Shepherd breed.
12. How do you match puppies to families?
Puppies are matched in the order reservation fees are received. We evaluate each puppy’s temperament, drive, and personality, then match them to families based on lifestyle, goals, and experience. This ensures long-term success for both puppy and owner. Most puppies within a litter are very similar, with only slight personality differences between them.
13. Will my puppy be socialized before going home?
Yes. Our puppies are exposed to age-appropriate socialization, including people, other dogs, household sounds, outdoor environments, and play. Our goal is to raise confident, well-adjusted puppies ready for their new homes.
14. What ongoing costs should I expect?
In addition to the initial purchase, plan for high-quality food, regular veterinary care, parasite prevention, training, and enrichment. German Shepherds thrive with proper investment in both health and training.
15. Do you take back dogs if the owner can’t keep them?
Yes. We have a lifetime commitment to every dog we produce. If an owner is unable to keep their dog, our contract requires the dog to be returned to us. This ensures every King of Zion dog always has a safe home.
16. Do you allow visits to your property?
We love sharing our program and aim to provide extensive information through our website and social media, so you can get to know us well. To protect the health of our puppies and maintain a calm environment—especially with newborn litters — we do not allow casual visits. Our kennel is also our home, and we value both privacy and stability for our dogs.
Even with strong sanitation protocols, illnesses can be unintentionally carried on clothing or shoes and can pose a risk to young puppies.
That said, Puppy Pick-Up Day is one of our favorite moments, where we finally meet our families in person and they meet their new baby bear.
We also offer FaceTime or live video calls, so you can see our dogs and environment in real time.
In-person visits are reserved for serious, pre-approved applicants and require:
- Completed application
- Pre-approval including references
- Copy of valid ID
17. Do I have to show my dog?
No. While our dogs have the quality to succeed in shows or sport, most are placed in loving companion or active homes.
18. What does IGP mean?
IGP is an international working dog sport that tests tracking, obedience, and protection. It is one of the most respected evaluations of a German Shepherd’s temperament, intelligence, and working ability.
19. What is a Breed Survey?
A Breed Survey (Körung) is an official evaluation by licensed judges to determine if a dog meets German Shepherd standards for health, structure, temperament, and working ability. Only dogs that pass are approved for breeding under the German system.
20. Why are some puppies priced differently and what is the cost?
Pricing reflects the pedigree and accomplishments of the parents. Dogs with breed surveys and advanced titles represent a significant investment, training, health testing and competition. We have 3 Levels.
Diamond Litter = VA rated parent/s; International breeding
Platinum Litter (most of our litters) = Parents with Breed Survey under SV German standard
Gold Litter = Parent/s partially titled
See our pricing schedule: here
21. Do you train your dogs?
Yes. Every dog in our program is either trained and titled by us or at some point of their career, was trained and prepared by us for show event, breed survey with bite-work performance and/or IGP trial. This is rare in the United States and allows us to truly understand our dogs’ abilities, temperament, and potential.
22. Are your dogs’ titles real?
Yes. All titles are earned under licensed judges and recognized organizations. They can be verified through official databases, which can be purchased, however we shared video documentation.
23. What does it mean when titles are “fake”?
The German Shepherd breed has one of the most demanding systems for proving breeding quality. Dogs must demonstrate working ability, structure, health, and temperament. Because this process requires significant effort, dedication and financial investment not all titles seen in the market are equally verified or transparent. At King of Zion, we focus on proven, verifiable accomplishments. Our dogs earn their titles through real training, real trials, and recognized judges. We openly share documentation and footage, so our clients can have full confidence in our program.
24. What is Narrow Path Dog Club?Narrow Path Dog Club was founded by Alonzo and Lucie, the breeders behind King of Zion, as an extension of their dedication to the German Shepherd breed. The club hosts IGP trials, conformation shows, and breed survey tests, and regularly brings in SV German judges who are recognized experts in the breed. Read more: here.
25. Are your dogs from champion bloodlines and do you have accomplishments?
Yes. Our dogs come from proven champion bloodlines in both the U.S. and Europe - and they are accomplished competitors themselves. Our kennel has been highly recognized by German judges and ranked among the top programs in the United States. Highlights include:
- #1 The highest awarded Long Coat German Shepherd kennel in the USCA South Central Region 5 years in the row:
2022, 2023, 2024, 202, 2026
(Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico)
- #2 in the USA (2022) and #3 (2024)
Our dogs also hold working titles, breed surveys, and Sieger show placements. We are also honored to have 2x VA rated dogs in our kennel as well. More about our Accomplishments: here
26. What is the breed standard?
The German Shepherd breed standard defines ideal structure, temperament, and working ability, eye color to length of tail and so much more. Full details: here.
27. What does it mean that you are AKC verified?
King of Zion German Shepherds is proud to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an AKC-verified kennel. This reflects our commitment to responsible breeding, accurate record keeping, and high standards of care. AKC representatives conduct inspections to ensure these standards are maintained.
28. Are your dogs good with children?
Yes—when properly raised and guided, German Shepherds can be exceptional family dogs, and many of our puppies go to homes with children.
At King of Zion, we prioritize stable temperament and sound nerves, which are essential for a dependable family companion. We receive many photos and updates from families showing our dogs growing up closely bonded with children—often becoming both loyal companions and natural protectors in the home. Essentially, they become the children's babysitters and security system all in one.
29. THE ULTIMATE QUESTION — Why should I buy a King of Zion German Shepherd puppy?
Because you are not just getting a puppy—you are becoming part of the King of Zion family.
Our puppies are the result of careful selection, proven bloodlines, and a deep commitment to the German Shepherd breed. Every parent dog is health-tested, evaluated for temperament and structure, and proven through titles and/or breed surveys. We raise our puppies in our home with hands-on care, proper socialization, and daily exposure to real-life environments, giving them the strongest possible start.
What truly sets us apart is that we don’t just breed—we train, work, and title our own dogs. We know them inside and out, and that knowledge carries directly into the quality of the puppies we produce. We also provide ongoing support and exclusive custom resources developed by us for our King of Zion families. Our program is transparent—you can follow our dogs, their lives and development, and their accomplishments over time.
When you choose a King of Zion puppy, you are choosing proven quality, dedication, and a professional breeder, who stands behind their dogs for life. You are gaining a loyal companion, a trusted support system, and a German Shepherd you can be truly proud of that will bring you joy for many years to come.
