Kolenda Kennels

Tammy Klatt

2024-02

The Kolenda Kennels from the first email we were sure that we wanted to purchase from this breeder. After meeting them and seeing the puppies we knew we made the right decision. Being able to see the father and mother was a plus for us. Seeing the kennels and meeting John and Susan was a pleasure, they both showed us around and explained to us the back ground of both parents, you also can see the love they have for their German Shepherds. Our boy Korth has been with us for 4 weeks and we couldn't be any happier. He is beautiful and well tempered. He has made our 8 year old German Shepherd (Dutch) feel young again. If in the future we would like another German Shepherd there is only one place we will go toThe Kolenda Kennels.

Rina Srinivasan

2024-02

Smooth from start to finish. I called wanting a female pup and I needed her shipped to Florida. Susan from Kolenda handled everything and this pup is nothing short of amazing. She’s smart, and has a fantastic temperament. Would absolutely buy another dog from Kolenda

Don Anderson

2024-03

From the very start, they were great people to work with. They made sure I knew exactly who the parents of my puppy were and all of their details. I’ve had German Shepard all my life but the puppy I got from there is absolutely incredible now that he’s three years old I’ve decided I need another one, so they are helping me to get a new puppy in May. I can hardly wait, they are definitely the best people I’ve ever worked with My dog has become a service animal for me

claire cerame

2024-04

10stars if possible! We have been following their website for the past 4 years after seeing FB post of a pup just purchased from this breeder. The owner of that pup & I became FB friends and we followed her pup’s growth to the impressive adult he is. When we made our decision to add a pup to our small pack, Kolenda is who we ultimately chose. The well constructed and appealing website depicted not only the beauty of their dogs and pups but their impressive lineage as well, speaking to the quality of the breed and breeding they have and maintain. After losing two GSDs to degenerative myelopathy, I was thrilled to see they state their dogs as DM Free/Clear as well as OAS clear. In my search of breeders around our own AZ state and throughout the country, I found very few who provided this information on their website. When I contacted Susan on the phone, she was exceptionally helpful, attentive, compassionate, and patient with my many questions. When we arrived there after our drive from AZ to pick up our 8 week old boy and girl, the kennels, reception, and process exceeded my already high expectations. The grounds and kennel are beautiful and obviously well maintained. We met all of their many dogs and our pups parents, each as beautiful and majestic as the other! Our pups, now 4 months old, were declared “just perfect” per our vet - healthy & beautiful, excellent structure. They are quick learners, attentive, alert, loving, great dispositions and already bonded to us and each other. I truly cannot say enough about the professionalism, caring, and wonderful experience with Susan and John. Do I recommend them? Yes! A thousand times over!!!!!

Tasha Hastings

2024-01

We are so happy and pleased with Delilah. She is growing very healthy and such a wonderful, wonderful German Shepherd. We are so pleased to have found you. You have a lovely and clean environment and we will definitely recommend our friends as well as our family to your home when it comes to purchasing a German shepherd puppy thank you and happy New Year’s to you and your family as well. God bless you.

J R

2024-04

Just picked up 2 girls this weekend from John and Susan and the entire experience was incredible. Outstanding dogs and top notch breeders. I drove from Pittsburgh, Pa and would highly recommend anyone do the same if they are looking for a GSD!

Kristen Kinley

2023-08

Our boy Dallas vom Kolenda is such a sweet puppy and so smart. He already knows lots of commands at only 12 weeks. The pickup process with Susan was smooth and she provided all kinds of helpful advice before bringing our puppy home. What appealed to me about Kolenda was the health and care of the dogs. Good genetics and careful breeding. Can’t wait to see how Dallas matures!

Amy Near

2023-05

We took home two males, 8 weeks old, from separate litters and they are the best of friends! Both have excellent temperaments, are highly confident and are not phased one bit by loud noises. We are very impressed at how early they engaged in eye contact with us and how in tune they are to us and their surroundings. John and Susan were fantastic to work with, always available to promptly answer any questions or concerns. Thank you Kolenda Kennels for our amazing additions to the family !❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Brian Gerhardt

2023-07

As a first time GSD owner, I am so fortunate I chose Kolenda Kennels for the newest addition to my family! Susan was phenomenal from the get go….. extremely accommodating and informative, while being willing to assist in whatever way possible. I was so impressed with the professionalism and the dedication for education that I traveled just so I could get a Kolenda pup (after a year of researching breeders). As for the caliber of their bloodlines…… WOW! I was nervous and intimidated by choosing a GSD but my mind was set. The temperament and trainability of Kolenda’s pups are out of this world and I feel like I got away with something for not having a single puppy horror story to share. I literally bought a case of puppy pads and never had to use them! My pup is almost 4 months old and is potty, leash, and crate trained, and knows over a dozen commands without any formal training. My beautiful extremely intelligent (almost too smart) pup learns commands with 1-2 repetitions and is a show stopper whenever I take her out in public. She is praised by strangers for being such a stunning looking well mannered pup, whether it’s people or other dogs she is cool calm and collected. My vet was even impressed, praised my girl Dascha and insisted to know where I got her from because she had never met a GSD like her. 10/10, would give more than 5 stars if I could but I do know one thing for sure…….. I won’t get a GSD anywhere else and I WILL be getting another pup from Kolenda Kennels!Edit: added more photos and everything still remains true from this review

Bonnie Zbaraz

2023-05

We picked up our puppy a week ago from Kolenda and could not be happier! She has a wonderful temperament and is SO smart! John and Susan really take great care to breed the best GSDs. (Their dogs are beautiful as well as good tempered.) Our emails and calls were always answered promptly.

Roger Bajric

2020-05

We have purchased our dog named Stella from Kolenda Kennels and we are happy to say we made the right choice to choose Kolenda Kennels. The litter date was 4/23/2019 Father Taifun and Mother Avon. If any other owners see this post and bought a dog in this same litter please contact me i would love too see the other puppy pictures and how they look while now grown from this litter. Kolenda is professional, clean and take very good care of their dogs i have already recommended them to many people and we get compliments every time we take our dog on a walk.

Phil Petro

2023-05

I can’t say thank you enough to Kolenda KennelsSusan keep us in the loop by sending photos and videos each weekMy wife and I went down to visit the kennel and get a look at the all the dogs ( pretty awesome kennels )We picked my little puppy at 8 weeksSusan gave us everything we neededAs far as emails on what kind of toys to buy, food, water, calming stuff for the first couple weeks.Now my little puppy is 6 months old and right around 60 lbsVery smart, temperament is awesome,My puppy is exactly the way Susan said he would be.I would do it all over again in a heartbeatIf and when I get a 2nd pup it will be from Kolenda Kennels.Thank you again

Wendy Beck

2024-01

Love our little boy and it was such an Awesome experience Thank you so much we plan on getting another pup when our Tessa passes🙏 love your lines Definitely Happy 😊

Slater

2019-05

We took first pick of litter from Kolenda in Jan 2018 at about 7-8 weeks. From our first communication with Susan and John until our pick-up of our new puppy, everything went according to plan. Weekly pictures of the puppies were sent and any of our questions that came up were answered promptly and honestly. Our puppy is now twelve weeks old, healthy and has amazing red and black coloring showing its true German linage. She is super smart and already potty trained to go outside on the perimeter of our property. We looked at other kennels but Kolenda’s GSD’s seemed to have what we were looking for in a pure bred West German shepherd.Update- Regina photos at almost 11months old. Still strong, healthy and a great temperament. Her red coloring from Taifun (her father) really show.

Ryan Schroeter

2020-05

We have had two (absolutely amazing) GSDs from Kolenda over the last decade.Susan and John have a storybook, perfect place in West Michigan; they select, raise and breed the most beautiful dogs.We picked up our first puppy at their place; and Susan and John helped us arrange transportation to pick up our second puppy years later at LAX.We’ve gotten so many compliments on both of our dogs. Not only have they both been wonderful, beautiful dogs (in particular: great, classic features; beautiful copper color; perfect stature; etc.); but it is immediately apparent to everyone who meets them how loving and balanced they are in their temperament... loyal beyond belief, as friendly as the day is long when you’re around, and on-the-door ready to jump through it when you’re not. Perfectly balanced, easy to train dogs.We can’t say enough about how grateful we are to have found Susan, John and their wonderful dogs...[Edited to add pics of—with all due respect—the world’s coolest dog :-)...]

Jeri Swingle

2023-05

Hi Susan,I took Bocephus to the vet today. The staff there complimented me on how beautiful my German Shepherds always are. I told them that I have used the same breeder a couple times now and that while I have to drive to Michigan to pick the puppy up, they are well worth it. The staff agreed as well. I just wanted you to know.Thank you!Paul Swingle

Gregg Stone`

2023-05

Kolenda kennels was very good to work with. Showed us the whelping room along with the other kennels. All the dogs were beautiful and friendly. Susan and John were great to work with. Our pup is beautiful and happy. She had a great temperament around our grandchildren. We will be purchasing another dog from them in a few years.

Jeffrey Sumner

2023-05

Kolenda Kennels has amazing German Shepherd dogs. Temperament and markings are beautiful. This is the third GSD dog we have gotten from them and they all have been phenomenal dogs. Thank you so much Kolenda, we love our new puppy Mav so much!

chris Gilson

2023-05

I purchased two beautiful GS puppies from Kolenda Kennels and couldn’t be happier with the experience. They are a breeder with the highest standards, and their insight regarding the puppies personalities & behavior was invaluable. If you are looking for a GS puppy that has a lineage of wonderful health and temperament, I would strongly recommend reaching out to Kolenda Kennels!!!

David Mishels

2023-05

I can't say Thank You enough to John and Susan for our furry baby Loki. He is now 2yrs old and brought so much joy and funny moments to our lives. Susan made buying and out of state delivery experience seamless. Amazing people and first in class German Shepherd breeders!!!

david allen

2023-05

Yesterday we had North (Finn and Wendy’s male pup) for his first visit to the Vet.Not only is he a VERY healthy 19 lb 8 week old pup, the Vet went out of her way to praise the kennel that we got him from.Our vet was particularly impressed with the health records we were given by you, and the quality of our GSP we have. She said, “this is an impressive example of a pure bred German Shepherd pup, you can tell that the breeder really cares about their craft.”Thank you so much for North, it may be a honey moon stage but so far he has been a pure joy!

Chip Lape

2023-09

We received Riley four weeks ago today. He’s our second puppy from Kolenda Kennels and as expected he’s a beautiful German Shepherd. Riley is full of energy as is driving our other German Shepherd Max crazy.

Jeff Hilton

2024-03

Absolutely rockstar breeding philosophy and program! John and Susan are awesome to work with, and pour their hearts and souls into each litter.

Victor Torres

2023-05

We are very pleased and grateful! Our puppy arrived today and we couldn't be happier with her. Her temperament and beauty are outstanding!Thank you for our beautiful German Shepherd puppy, it was a smooth process and great service!

Annie Monigold

2021-05

My family and I had the pleasure of purchasing two of John & Susan's wonderful pups this past summer / fall. We purchased our first pup in August - he is from one of their imported litters. COVID made the process very difficult on John & Susan as well as the breeder overseas, but they worked so hard to get the puppies here. And are we ever glad they did! During the process, John & Susan were very communicative as to the delays and where things stood with getting the dogs in to the US. Our second pup is from their kennel and was purchased in October. We received many pictures of the pups from the time they were born until the time we went to pick ours up.Both visits to their kennel provided us with a clear picture of the quality dogs they own as well as the quality business they run. The dogs are stunning and well mannered, the kennel is clean and well maintained and it is clear that John & Susan care for the breed. Both of our dogs have an even temperament, are great with other dogs and children, and are happy, loving members of our family. They are also both on track to become certified Therapy Dogs. I can't tell you the number of times we have been stopped by strangers asking about our dogs and from whom we purchased them. From start to finish - John & Susan were wonderful and we are so glad to have the opportunity to own their dogs.

Deborah Nottenkamper

2019-05

We bought our dog from Kolenda Kennels two years ago. Saxon is an amazing, lovable, playful, and smart dog (sometimes too smart for his own good). I can't take him anywhere without getting tons of compliments. We just put down his 15 year old playmate and will be looking to purchase another dog from them soon. He needs a buddy to help keep him company.

David Fosson

2023-06

I picked up my 8 week old pup and couldn’t be happier with the this kennel. I drove 400 miles to inspect it and meet the puppy and parents when he was 3 weeks old. The tour and information shared on his lineage and medical checkups gave me confidence I was not at a puppy mill. He was bathed, microchipped, and I was provided a professionally prepared medication status to share with our vet at his first appointment. The pup is so smart and has a great temperament. We’ve had him a week and he potty’s outside, loves his crate with toys, and would sleep all night if I didn’t take him outside during the night due to his young bladder. I highly recommend this GSD kennel.

Lori B

2022-05

We lost our two German shepherds at 13 & 14 and our house has been so sad. We searched around the internet for quality German shepherds and found Kolenda Kennels. We picked up our little man at 8 weeks. He is highly energetic, all ‘boy’, and smart as can be. He figured out the gate latch in 2 days and already goes in and out the doggy door in the two weeks that we have had him. Susan was extremely patient in answering my questions. All the puppies in the litter were extremely friendly and playful so picking only one was difficult. We would highly recommend Kolenda for high quality German shepherds! Jax is a Taifun and Bree puppy.

S Pant

2020-05

If you're looking to add a GSD to your family go see John & Susan Kolenda. My family visited their Kennel 3 separate times between May and August. Each time it was clean and we were greeted by many happy GSD. John & Susan answered all my questions in person thoroughly and returned emails very quickly. We picked a male from Arum & Britta's litter born 6/25/19. Phoenix has been home now for one week with us and he is so smart! He catches on very quickly and has blended right in with our family. I've had many complements on Phoenix already including from our vet who said he is very healthy and has a beautiful coat and markings. I highly recommend Kolenda Kennels!

Alyssa Woodwyk

2022-05

I absolutely ADORE my Kolenda Kennels pup. John and Susan were a pleasure to work with. Susan emailed weekly picture updates of all the puppies and was quick to address our questions through the process. Their kennel is nicely setup and we were able to meet our pups mom and dad on site. John and Susan gave me plenty of time to interact with the pups and pick mine out, and gave him a quick bath before we brought him home. He has been the best addition to our family and we will absolutely go back to Kolenda when we are ready to bring another GSD into our home. I highly recommend Kolenda Kennels as a trusted breeder for your next GSD.