Our pups are bred from superior quality Sires and Dams, making them some of the best in the USA.
All our pups are certified and come with all their paperwork, ensuring their health is in tip-top shape.
Our pups grow up in a social environment. Ready to come home at 8 weeks old minimum.
With over 40 years of combined experience, Upstate German Shepherds, led by founder Don Spear and seasoned breeder Jodi Hartman, specializes in breeding the renowned European German Shepherds. Don’s decades-long dedication, particularly 20 years focused on this majestic breed, led to the discovery of the longhair variant Shepherd, a journey that began with the union of Rommel and Mishka. Together, Don and Jodi merged their expertise and kennels, situated on Jodi’s expansive 14-acre property in Canisteo, NY. Jodi’s innate understanding of German Shepherds, honed over 20 years, complements Don’s expertise, guiding their meticulous breeding practices. Upholding the legacy of post-WWII bloodlines, they meticulously select pairings to ensure impeccable temperament and unwavering courage, prioritizing the well-being of each pup. Emphasizing companionship, their dogs reside in homes, not kennels, fostering vital human interaction essential for their intuitive nature. Their commitment to superior health, evidenced by DM-clear status and certified hip and elbow health, underscores their dedication to excellence. With a focus on impeccable disposition, impeccable health, and unwavering obedience, Upstate German Shepherds sets the standard for exceptional canine companionship and protection.
Contact us by phone or Email and let us know what you’re looking for. We will give you our latest litter information.
We offer a range of options from physical visits, virtual visits, and delivery. Whatever you’re chosen method, we’re here to make this experience a happy one.
Once your pup has reached the 8-week threshold, he or she is now ready to be with their forever family
Patton, a strikingly handsome young male, boasts impeccable structural form. He approaches strangers with a confident bark, maintaining a reserved demeanor until given the command to engage. With a keen ball drive and playful disposition, Patton embodies the spirit of the German Shepherd breed.
Born from a standard coat crossed with longhair breeding, they inherit a slightly mellower disposition. Levi, embodying the traits of a friendly German Shepherd, captivates with his charming personality. Possessing a balanced temperament and moderate ball drive, he displays strong family protection instincts without any hint of aggression towards dogs or people.
Karma aligns with the European trend of smaller GSDs, with solid black stock coat and the potential to carry the long coat gene. A happy and playful girl, she exudes high play drive and a strong desire to please.
A vigilant guard dog with strangers, she warms up quickly under the approval of her trusted humans. Anoshi’s lineage is exemplary, with her sire, Rush Vom Kaftwerk, serving as a working police K9, and her dam as a wheelchair assist service dog.
Cruze, a stunning long-haired German Shepherd from an exceptional Polish bloodline, brings a blend of beauty and companionship to our kennel. With a trained alert bark, he embodies both protection and affection, eagerly joining in whatever activities his humans are engaged in.
Chewy, graciously lent to us by our partner kennel Vom Liebestropschen German Shepherds, boasts German lineage, offering robust protective instincts and exceptional trainability. His striking black and red long-haired coat completes his impressive profile.
Mira’s charm is irresistible to all who meet her, drawn to both her stunning appearance and her lively and affectionate nature. Always ready for playtime, she transitions seamlessly to serious work when needed, showcasing exceptional obedience and intelligence as a trained diabetic detection service dog.
A 75 lb short-coat sable German Shepherd, she’s not only impressive in stature but also in character. With both her parents boasting beautiful sable IPO 3 titles, Ida inherits a legacy of excellence.
Karenina’s intelligence and drive for higher-level training are matched by her invaluable “off” switch, allowing her to seamlessly transition between family companion and serious working dog.
ExcellentBased on 19 reviewsRick LaBour2024-08-10We purchased a sable male from Upstate and he is the most intelligent, loving, and fun shepherd we have ever heard. He was so easy to train. His is a certified search/rescue dog and and has the biggest personality in our family. Highly recommend Upstate GSD!Ryan Bierley2024-04-05Ivan turned 2 this week. He has amazing bone structure, head size and calm temperament. Our family couldn't be happier with our decision to work w Jodi and purchase a pup. It is very comforting to know that any issue/question I may have, no matter how small, she will be there to answer and help me out. This has helped us raise Ivan with the best care possible. Thank you so much!!!Ting Cai2023-11-26Our baby Hemi, Anoshi and Chewy’s boy, turning 2 next March. Only here to show how beautiful Hemi is. Enjoy.Diana Anderson2022-09-30Looking into getting a pup, soon !Edurne Johanna Kristiina2021-12-22I have been in the market for the best bred Shepherd for a while and contacted a specialized GS group on Reddit for a breeder in the Northeast, which is how I found UGS. I have never experienced better customer service, or such knowledgeable, as from Jodi and Don. Every question I have had along the way has been replied to in such a friendly manner, and when I decided to wait for a bit longer with getting my puppy due to personal life events they were really cooperative and helpful, and I cannot wait till I can get back to them to get my puppy. The dames and sires are impressive stock - I have experience dealing with the best breeders in Scandinavia. I wholeheartedly recommend UGS for anyone considering a top of the line GS. Thank you Jodi and Don!!C D2021-11-01Spoke with the breeder. Very knowledgeable of the GSD breed. I would recommend this breeder to anyone in the market for a well balanced GSD.Yarri Soteros2021-09-13I called Don out of the blue after hours and he graciously took the call and answered all my questions. Having 50 years experience with large breed dogs, I could tell straight away Don was knowledgeable. We lost our beloved old man last year at age 14 and we're not quite ready for a new family member just yet. When the time is right, I'll be sending a deposit for my puppy from Upstate.
Yes, all our breeding dogs undergo routine comprehensive health screenings to ensure the well-being of our puppies.
Absolutely, we prioritize socialization from an early age to ensure our puppies grow into well-adjusted and confident dogs.
Our German Shepherds are known for their stable and loyal temperament, making them excellent family companions and protectors.
Yes, we encourage prospective buyers to visit our facility, meet the puppies, and interact with the parents to ensure a good fit. Call now to schedule an appointment to visit.
Canisteo, New York