Wilhendorf Kennel-German Shepherds

Lars Rascovich

2024-03

Hi Everyone,I have had the honor & privilege of knowing John Henkel for over 35 years including his father Mr. Henkel.I have never seen an individual that is so passionate and knowledgeable about the German Shepherd Breed.I bought one of his pups about 35 years ago and I am going to buy a female pup sometime in April, 2024.I am so very excited to to have the opportunity to buy one of his amazing dogs.Wilhendorf Kennel German Shepherds are simply the best in the Country.I highly recommend everyone to experience to the finest German Shepherd Breeder in the United States.Thank You.

Yelena Ostuni

2024-04

I bought a male from John Henkel in 2021. He claimed that the puppy was imported from a breeding partner in Germany. I doubt it based on the many other reviews of puppies with stomach problems.He was 12lbs at 14 weeks and never had a solid poop. Lots of diarrhea. Spent thousands at the vet trying to get him better. He's on prescription food for life, but has other problems with severe allergies.He's in the hospital right now with liver failure and the outlook is very poor. He's only 3 and a half years old.John Henkel knew from day one that the dog had problems and brushed me off, told me to give him metronidazole that was sold over the counter as a fish antibiotic! 250mg for a 12 lb puppy is a ridiculous dose.He stopped responding shortly after that when the stomach problems didn't resolve and I kept asking questions.So far I've spent about $50k on vets. I'm currently praying my baby survives the next 24 hours.

Julie Bell Petrak

2024-03

This review for John and his team at Wilhendorf GSDs is LONG over due. In 2010, we got our "heart dog", Ronin, from John when we lived on the East Coast. Ronin was the most loving, intelligent dog. We had almost 12 glorious years with Ronin; the last 5 years of his life he enjoyed the California sunshine in our new home on the West Coast. When we decided we were ready for our next GSD, John knew he had big paws to fill to follow Ronin... and we are so blessed to now have Cello. John knew us and what we wanted in our new best friend and Cello is so sweet, smart, loving and an old soul. John went above and beyond to get Cello to us and we are forever grateful.

Liz Occhionero

2022-05

Dear John, Stella aka Lanna Von Wilhendof was a year old when we got her in Sept 2020. I must tell you she is a joy in our lives. Kind, gentle, smart and not a mean bone in her body. Everyone loves her! I’ve only got one issue. She thinks she’s human.Thanks again,Liz & John Occhionero

Vincenza Bardelli

2022-05

Best dog I have ever had. I absolutely love my girl. She is 4 now. No health issues. Playful. Great with kids. I wouldn’t purchase a German Shepard from anyone but John.

Joseph Bianco

2021-05

The kennel is 5 stars in my book. I've been a dog owner all my life and have never had a more intelligent, responsive and loving dog I've had in the many years of ownership. He also was the easiest dog I've ever trained. Learned new commands on first request and was excited to learn the next command. My idea of the perfect dog. No rating is high enough for his temperament, confirmation and desire to please.

Nelda Chang

2019-05

I got in touch with John Henkel, owner of Wilhendorf, based on strong recommendations from one of his clients. Went to his kennel in New Milford CT, and met John and his wife Kathy, both such kind and knowledgeable people. John showed me 2 puppies, and me dad and I were able to play with them for as long as we needed to, with ZERO pressure from John or Kathy. They patiently answered all our questions, and allowed us to get to know the puppies and make a decision on our own. We brought home a 9-week old German Shepherd puppy, and he’s been an absolute joy the last 6 months he’s been with us. Great temperament, highly intelligent and trainable, and so affectionate. John continues to be very responsive to answer all questions, and has been more than helpful and supportive. Highly recommend John and his GSD puppies!

Randolph Abraham

2021-05

I’ve had German Shepherds for over 25 years and own two exceptional Wilhendorf GSD. I’m always impressed by how calm, smart and loyal these two are. Plus they are the BEST looking dogs around. When I go on vacation, I am able to board the dogs with John and his family, who take great care of them. They even provide training at an affordable price. You want the overall best? Get a Wilhendorf!

Quetico Cathcart

2021-05

I have had three of these beautiful dogs and have always been treated well by John both with prompt calls back and great communication with delivery. Unfortunately due to the us dollar compared to the Canadian dollar it has been difficult to keep up the relationship. I would recommend wilhendorf to all dog lovers

Laurie Cafaro

2019-05

We have been very pleased with our Shepherd that we purchased from von Wilhendorf. Our Shepherd celebrated his 12th birthday on Valentine's Day. He has been a spectacular dog with a great temperament and he has achieved numerous competition titles in various venues. He has always been a dog that is comfortable and stable in any environment. He is easy to travel with and great with our other 3 dogs. At 12 yrs old I am pleased to say that he is in good health. A real tribute to the German Shepherd breed! Love this dog!

gene nie

2019-05

I would give zero Stars if possible. This man breeds sick dogs. Purchased a male puppy from him in 2010. The dog was sick from the beginning. Loose stools barely eating and very skinny. All attempts at feeding him a proper diet and and trying dozens of different foods including boiled chicken Etc had little or no effect. Had to put the dog down after 6 years. If you want to waste your money buy a dog from this man. If he truly cared about breeding dogs he would take care of this problem. Instead he continues to breed sick dogs and steal people's money.

Juliana Tsiamtsiouris

2019-05

John Henkel of Wihendorf German Shepherds is a honest and responsible breeder. When we first met John, he took his time and answered all of our questions. We met a few of his dogs and were immediately impressed by their good behavior. We have six children and we wanted a family dog.John selected our Nella for our family. She is a remarkable German Shepherd. She is a beauty with rich pigment. Above all her temperament is outstanding. She is very sweet, gentle and loving. She is so intelligent and has such a calm demeanor with the children. A perfect companion for our family! We will always be so grateful to John. We highly recommend Wilhendorf German Shepherds!

Ted Barnard

2021-05

First i would like to start by saying my family and i purchased a beautiful shepard from Mr Henkel in 2014. He was an amazingly well behaved dog snd quite social. Unfortunately his short life of 7 years were plagued with extremely loose stools, food allergies, and constant low weight. His condition became such we had to put him down. My heart aches. We consulted 3 different veterinarians over time to no avail. . Buyer beware.

Carmen Jones

2019-05

This breeder has no integrity! He gave me one of his dogs for adoption because he was too skinny (almost 40 lbs). Before I took him I asked if that was the only reason or if there were some medical issues. He said the dog was perfectly healthy and to go to his vet. I took him to a different vet and the poor dog had a horrible yeast infection on his belly and IBD. I made more research on this place and other people said that some of the dogs they got had stomach issues too. He only posts positive testimonials on his page of course. This poor dog is also scared of almost everything. It almost makes me think he was abused at some point in his life.

Jim Davies

2019-05

I am extremly pleased with John and how he helped us pick the best dog for our family. When I’ve had a question I’ve always gotten a fast response from him. It has been a great experience and you can tell John really takes pride in his dogs and is always willing to help us out.

Nora Caruso

2024-01

O haven't seen or done any business with them yet, so ratings are negative but hopeful

Sandy Paar

2021-05

Amazing dogs wonderful breeder terrific experience I don't have enough good words

Briana Moffett

2019-05

If I could give no stars I would! We bought a female puppy from him 6 years ago. She was sick from the day we got her. He had dewormed her so many times ( And sent us home finishing a deworming) That he ruined her intestines. Our vet in NM said she wasn't going to make it even 2 weeks. we spent nights on end taking turns staying up with her all night to make sure she made it outside from her loose stool to vomit. but my baby girl was a fighter and pulled through. however she was on medicine her whole life. about 6 months ago she took a turn back for the worst suddenly and stopped responding to her medication. Yesterday we had to put her down. This man breeds sick dogs and by the looks of it we're not the only ones who got one. My poor girl is in a better place now no thanks to this wanna be "vet". Buyer BE WARE!!!! This man should be investigated and also ASHAMED of himself !since I cant figure out how to respond to you ill write it here.your acalades mean nothing!! We tried to contact you for 2 weeks after we brought her home and you wanted nothing to do with it and were rude!! The hundreds of reviews of peoples dogs being just like ours from you says a lot more!!!Briana M.

Michael Staff

2019-05

Wanted to purchase a dog from this guy, but his phone etiquette is absolutely horrible. Read the other reviews on this guy and he reminds me of a character from Seinfeld. No dog for me, No soup for you.Edit: Why would I write a review if I'm not a paying customer? I wrote a review to warn people about how poor your phone etiquette was and probably still is. I wanted to be a paying customer but seeing you cannot operate a phone.... your loss.

Lauren Gillespie

2022-05

My family has been buying dogs from this breeder for years. All are healthy normal weight well cared for and great dogs upon pick up. They are amazing family dogs loyal and I am so happy I got to grow up with these great dogs over the years.

donna foust

2018-05

I called and asked how much the puppies were and I was told that if that was my first question I don't belong getting one. I asked again, and he just hung up on me.I have many places to choose from to get a puppy, but you have only one business that now has another bad review giving your business an overall lower rating. Your the only loser here.

Kevin Maloney

2018-05

Huge amount of knowledge, expertise and wisdom. My four shepherds have been great and will always go to John for my family member.

Kevin Maloney

2019-05

Awesome breeder with a huge amount of training and experience. The shepherds I have John are true members of our family !!!

Sarah Fields

2019-05

Absolutely perfect experience, met the kids,.knew our situation, matched us with the best dog....one happy family including a beautiful 4 legged member!

willie jay

2023-05

Best breeder EVER! His German Shepherd Dogs are AMAZING.

Joan Mazzella

2020-05

Loving care for majestic creatures!

Chris Neagu

2021-05

Best place in the world to train a dog and or purchase a German Shepherds! Great family as well 👏

Chris

2023-05

Best place to buy a Shepherd or train your dog!

Emily Laurel

2019-05

Greed breeds. Make money off your own labor, not pimping out dogs.

Tom Walden

2016-05

Best shepherd i've ever had. Rudy. Tom walden