Deposits We require a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 to hold a puppy. The remaining balance is due by the time the puppy is six weeks old to insure payment processing before pickup/delivery of pup.  Deposits allow us to assign you a puppy and remove it from the available list. If for any reason you are unable to take the reserved puppy, we will gladly roll your deposit over to another litter, puppy or adult dog that fits your needs when you are ready.  However, if you decide not to take delivery of the dog the re-stock fee still applies as the non-refundable deposit. Please keep in mind that there is a remote possibility an assigned puppy may not be able to leave our facility.  This might happen due to sudden illness or other, unforeseen reasons.  If this should occur, we will transfer your deposit over the next available puppy, dog or breeding of your choice.
	Pricing and Bargaining   Bargaining over the price of a dog or puppy is not tolerated.  We offer superior German Shepherd Dogs that we have priced fairly, and we find haggling completely unacceptable.   Our dogs are not just dogs to us; they are our family.  It is offensive to us when someone chooses to negotiate the price of our “children”!  We are not commercial breeders, and we do not make a living breeding dogs.  Puppy sales only cover a small fraction of the costs of running a quality breeding program.   The purchase price of a puppy or dog is only a small part of the cost of ownership. The cost of vet bills, food, crates, and other dog supplies must be taken into account when purchasing a dog.  If the purchase price is an issue for a prospective client, our concern is that these important and necessary expenses will be difficult to cover, resulting in inadequate care of the dog throughout its life time.  In this case we will automatically decline the sale.  Remember, too, that you get what you pay for!
	Discounts   At our discretion we may offer discounts to the following prospective owners: Previous owners of a von Hayden dog Military, police personnel and government agencies Experienced handlers; any dog sport, search and rescue, SchH, etc.
	Contracts   We require that an extensive sales contract be signed before the puppy/dog is released from our care. A copy of the client’s drivers license or State ID is also required at contract signing.  There are two different sales contracts for different puppy categories.   However, most of the contracts are similar and pertain mainly to the care and well being of our dogs   As breeders, we strongly feel that it’s our responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of every dog we produce. That responsibility is transferred to the new owners.    If, at any point in time and for any reason, an owner can no longer keep the dog, we will accept it back.   Under NO circumstances should a von Hayden dog end up in a shelter or rescue.  Our dogs are always welcome back home if it is ever needed.
	von Hayden German Shepherds offers supreme quality German Shepherds bred from some of the most highly recognized and desirable German working lines.  Each litter produced will include puppies with varying abilities and potential.  According to our puppy evaluation we place them in one of three categories according to the following criteria:  drive, temperament, structure, sensitivity and nerves.  We hope this will give our prospective clients a better understanding of the way we choose their puppy.
	Family Companion Puppy These are young, healthy puppies with outstanding temperaments, dispositions, and good bodies.  Dogs placed in this category usually lack the kind of drive that’s needed for working careers. Most of these pups will make excellent obedience, therapy, and agility prospects. The quality of our pet puppies is higher than most other breeders'  working quality prospects.  We breed to the highest standard of the German Shepherd Dog which reflects in all of our dogs regardless of their early “career” prospects. Family companion puppies cannot be bred and come with a limited registration.  We require that these puppies be spayed or neutered between the ages of 18-24 months.  We do not recommend early spaying or neutering because the puppy will not have had enough time to reach full gender development. Price Range:    $1,200.00 and up
	Working Prospect These are puppies that possess drive and are well balanced with excellent temperaments, structure and type.  Puppies in this category just have the “extra edge” needed for working dogs.  They have extreme energy levels, super focus, and excellent confidence levels, and have little to no environmental sensitivity. Pups that fall into this category usually show higher levels of dominance.  We support and develop these characteristics from early on in their training.  We raise these working quality puppies just as we would raise one for ourselves that would be kept for Schutzhund, competition or other similar work.  We know from experience that dogs we identify as working prospects will be successful, and our record proves it. We are proud that every litter we breed produces one or several working quality puppies.  Each comes with full registration and breeding rights.  Excellent credentials are a must in order to be considered for a puppy of this caliber. *We do not recommend these pups for pet homes because most families are not able to keep up with such strong drive and energy levels.  Puppies in this category require advanced training and will not be sold without it. Price Range:  $1,500 and up
	Pick Of The Litter This is a puppy that we have graded as phenomenal and is reserved for people who want to breed, work, or show German shepherds, or for those who just want the best of the best.  They would come from the “working prospect” category but would exhibit that extra something, setting them apart from the rest.  In most cases, these puppies stay with us.  But sometimes we are unable to keep another puppy or there is more than one in a litter, at which point a “pick of the litter” will be available.  On occasion we will have a litter that doesn’t produce such a dog.  “Pick Pups” must be applied for well in advance and come with full registration and breeding rights. Price:  $1,800 and up
	Elite Family Companions – Adults Occasionally we will offer an “elite family companion” that is looking for a “forever” home.  All dogs offered will have basic to advanced training, be house broken, and will be well rounded with social temperaments.  They have been properly raised and socialized and will fit easily into a family with children.  Such dogs may be retired from our program, are the rare “working prospect” that would be best as a “family companion pup” instead,  or a dog we bred and placed as a pet that was returned due to circumstances in their pet home. Pricing will depend on the quality and age of the dog.  They will come with no breeding rights.  All proceeds go to a dog related non-profit organization. Price Range:  $500 - $2,500.00
	Titled Adult Dogs   We do offer custom importing for your needs, but occasionally we will offer titled adults already here in the states, ready to be previewed and to work.  Usually they are breeding stock from a partnering kennel, or puppies from one of our breedings that had to be returned due to extraordinary circumstances.  All dogs that become available will be fully prescreened for hips, elbows and general health, and with working titles best suited for a breeding program.  They come with full registration and breeding rights.   Prices begin at $3,000 and will increase according to the level of training, and titles
	Green Dogs (Law Enforcement) These young adult or adult dogs have been raised especially for your needs and are priced accordingly.  They come from the “working prospect” group and have been raised with some differences.  They are socialized to the max and are well rounded with minimal training.  The most we normally do, unless requested, is the following:  leash training, build and develop ball, tug, and food drive.  They will be imprinted in all phases.  They will be exposed to and comfortable with traveling in vehicles, crates, kennels, homes, and other dogs, as well as people of all ages.  All dogs are also prescreened for hips and elbows before placement. You will have the opportunity to see, evaluate and work with your dog prior to purchase.  You will be absolutely certain that this is the correct dog for your needs. Prices will depend on age, working ability, prescreening and previous training. Price Range:  $2,500 - $3,000