Strong enough to protect your home,
gentle enough to play with your children.
Rooted in Stronghold Values
Heather and Josh are as devoted as we are to raising shepherds who are healthy, strong, emotionally grounded, and holistically raised - dogs who bless families, protect homes, and carry the ancient instinct of the breed with dignity.
They have welcomed several Stronghold dogs into their home, raising them with the same intentionality, clean nutrition, and family‑centered environment that define our program. They have studied our methods, asked thoughtful questions, and embraced the holistic approach that shapes confident, stable, emotionally balanced shepherds.
Their home is full of structure, gentleness, and purpose — the very atmosphere where great dogs are made.
A Message from Heather
My heart has always had a German Shepherd stamped on it and I was dreaming and waiting for the day to get one. Having checked out other breeders and not finding the right fit, I kept looking and waiting in hope.
In 2018, I came across Stronghold German Shepherds and immediately felt a connection with Penny, her dogs and the way she raised them. After many phone conversations and questions, we made a trip from Pennsylvania to Stronghold German Shepherds in Vermont. After meeting Penny and Will, I was blown away by what God had just connected me with! I could have stayed there all day! Penny gave me so much information on dogs, nutrition, natural rearing, life and sharing years of experience. It was a dream come true! We got our first Stronghold GSD
in 2019 and from that point Penny has been my friend, mentor, encouraging, helping every step of the way.
With Penny's help, we decided to start our breeding program, being an extension of what Penny has worked hard, many years, to perfect. What an honor for me and my husband Josh to become a part of Strongholds finest, premier, outstanding GSD breeding program! I'm pinching myself so many times, thanking God for His hand in all of this.
• strong, healthy genetics • sound temperament • holistic raising • ethical breeding
• family‑centered socialization • shepherds with heart, instinct, and purpose