About - Von Zephir Ranch

We are a boutique kennel in central Florida specializing in quality preservation bred AKC German Shepherds. We have thirty years experience with the breed and are producing healthy, family raised, well socialized, trainable, protective, beautiful puppies with good temperaments, strong nerves and drives, graceful movement, solid bone structure and rich pigmentation. Puppies come with a health guarantee and a certificate from our vet. Our litters are tested and puppies are matched up to the best owners for each puppy’s individual intensity for work. They make excellent companions for families, reliable service animals, and personal home, business, or farm protection. They are also suitable for dog sports, police work, and therapy jobs.

Prices

“ Not your neighbor’s Shepherd.”

Every breeding at Von Zephir Ranch is intentional, based on health, genetics, and performance. I raise my puppies with structure, care, and honesty. This takes time, money, and deep knowledge — not cutting corners.

Cheap dogs often cost far more in heartbreak, stress, or failure.

I breed for people who want predictability, drive, and stability. Not everyone needs that kind of dog. But for those who do — I’ve got you.

“Quality isn’t cheap — for me, or for you.”

I invest in real dogs with proven lines, stable temperaments, and strong working drives. I spend thousands before a single puppy is ever born — purchasing the best imported

stock I can find, health testing, training, feeding, vet care, sleepless nights, and hours of evaluation.

“You live with the outcome of your decision for 10+ years.” - Chose wisely.

We put quality ahead of quantity and only breed one litter every few years. Next litter planned for 2027.

Not all German Shepherds are created equal.

Our dogs are direct descendants of renowned working lines — purpose-bred in the Czech Republic, East and West Germany for strength, clarity, and courage.

These aren’t kennel dogs. They’re stable, loyal protectors raised in the home — ready to bond, work, and defend.

At VZR, our dogs exhibit clear minds, stable nerves, and excellent character. They are dedicated working dogs with abundant drive and focus. All dogs in our program are considered family members; they live indoors and enjoy daily exercise across 2.4 acres.

Their nutrition is carefully managed with a combination of premium kibble and home-cooked meals, which may include ingredients such as pasta, carrots, sea salt, ground beef, baked chicken, canned salmon, and cooked eggs. To support digestive health, I incorporate prebiotic and probiotic foods like kefir, plain yogurt, and sauerkraut.

Additionally, their diet is supplemented moderately with joint-support nutrients such as collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, and chondroitin, along with vitamins tailored for canine health. Healthy fats like salmon oil, coconut oil, and MCT oil are also provided, alongside supplements such as Canine Vertex and turmeric. Occasionally, I add natural ingredients such as flaxseed or strawberries to their meals.

I sometimes prepare a nutrient-rich soup containing chicken gizzards, spinach, and rice or pasta—taking care to soak the rice beforehand to reduce arsenic content. Bone broth, prepared and frozen in batches, is also a staple in their diet. While I primarily feed cooked meals, I occasionally include raw food sourced from trusted, safe suppliers.

Below is detailed information regarding their premium kibble, supplement and feeding regimen.

All of my puppies receive thorough early care to ensure a strong start in life. They are dewormed starting at two weeks of age and continue on a regular schedule every two weeks until they go home, using safe and effective dewormers to target roundworms, hookworms, and other common parasites. They receive their first set of core vaccinations (typically a 5-way vaccine) around 8 weeks of age to begin protecting them against parvovirus, distemper, and other serious illnesses. Probiotics are given regularly to support gut health, especially during transitions such as weaning or after deworming. I also proactively treat for coccidia, a common protozoan in puppies, using appropriate medication if needed, and I keep a close eye on stool consistency to catch any early signs of trouble. My goal is to send home healthy, thriving puppies with strong immune systems and clean digestive tracts.