Honoring Service through Every Paw

Welcome to Shupp Paws Of Valor, a veteran-owned and operated company dedicated to the excellence of Golden Retrievers and DDR German Shepherds. Our story is rooted in a legacy of service; as veterans, we understand firsthand the profound impact of a loyal companion. We have dedicated ourselves to breeding dogs that embody the very qualities that define our nation’s heroes: courage, dedication, and an unwavering spirit.

Our Story: A Legacy of Valor

Founded by Joel and Shannon Shupp, Shupp Paws Of Valor was born out of a deep passion for our breeds and a commitment to excellence. As a proud veteran-owned family business, our foundation is built on the values Shannon’s military background instilled in us: discipline, integrity, and perseverance.

We carry these principles into every aspect of our program. We believe that a dog’s greatest calling is to serve, and we are dedicated to raising companions who mirror the courage and spirit of those who have served our country.

Excellence in Every Pedigree

Every puppy that begins its life in our home is a reflection of our high standards. Our goal is to ensure our dogs are not only beautiful and healthy, but also possess the exceptional temperament and intelligence these breeds are renowned for.

With a specialized focus on certified therapy services, we breed for a specific purpose: to provide comfort and healing. We further distinguish our DDR German Shepherds through elite protection training, ensuring they possess the discipline, courage, and discernment to be steadfast guardians as well as loyal companions. Whether it is the intuitive gentleness of our Goldens or the unwavering, trained protection of our DDR Shepherds, our dogs are Bred for Purpose and Born for Loyalty. At Shupp Paws Of Valor, we aren’t just breeding dogs; we are honoring a legacy of valor, one paw at a time.

Our Breeding Philosophy

We prioritize responsible practices that put the health and well-being of our dogs above all else. Our breeding pairs are carefully selected based on their genetics, health clearances, and overall quality. Every puppy is raised in a loving, nurturing environment, receiving the socialization and early training necessary to become a confident, well-rounded companion.

Our Commitment to You

We are dedicated to matching our dogs with families who will cherish them as much as we do. Our support doesn’t end when you take your new family member home; we are here to provide guidance throughout your entire journey. We are committed to ensuring our dogs bring the same joy, love, and companionship to your life that they have brought to ours.

Join Our Family

Thank you for considering Shupp Paws Of Valor. We invite you to learn more about our available puppies, meet our breeding dogs, and discover why these breeds are truly a class apart. Together, we can continue to honor the legacy of service and create lasting memories with these remarkable dogs.

Two Breeds, One Mission:

What is a DDR German Shepherd?

Many people are familiar with the standard German Shepherd, but the DDR (East German) Shepherd represents a distinct and historic lineage. Emerging from the post-WWII era in East Germany, these dogs were bred under strict government standards specifically for their working ability, resilience, and unwavering focus.

The DDR Difference: Strength & Stability

Unlike show lines, DDR Shepherds possess a straight-back athletic build, large bone structure, and deep chests. They were designed for physical stamina, rugged work, and—most importantly—soundness of mind.

• Elite Protection & Discipline: Reflecting their heritage as border protectors, our DDR German Shepherds undergo Protection Dog Training. This training is not about aggression; it is about the ultimate level of obedience, self-control, and the courage to defend. This ensures your companion is a disciplined guardian who can transition seamlessly from a focused protector to a calm family member.

• Stable Temperament: The DDR line is known for being “clear-headed.” They possess a natural ability to distinguish between a normal environment and a true threat, allowing them to remain calm under pressure.

• The “Off-Switch”: Despite their high level of training and capability, these dogs are famous for their ability to settle at home. Their intelligence makes them highly intuitive to their handler’s needs, which is why they excel in our therapy and service focus.

Why We Choose the DDR Line

At Shupp Paws Of Valor, we choose the DDR lineage because it mirrors the veteran spirit: strength, loyalty, and the specialized training to protect. Their legendary focus and stable nerves make them the ideal candidates for those seeking a partner who is both a steadfast guardian and a loving companion.

The Golden Retriever: Intuitive Gentleness

While the DDR Shepherd provides steadfast strength, our Golden Retrievers bring a unique brand of intuitive gentleness to the Shupp Paws Of Valor family. Renowned globally for their friendly nature and high intelligence, we specifically breed our Goldens to be the ultimate emotional anchors for their families.

The Shupp Golden Standard:

• Emotional Intuition: Our Goldens possess an uncanny ability to “read the room.” They are naturally sensitive to human emotions, making them exceptionally gifted at providing comfort before a word is even spoken.

• Eager to Please: With a legendary work ethic and a desire to bond, our Goldens are highly biddable. This makes them a joy to train for advanced therapy roles or as well-behaved family members.

• Gentle Disposition: We prioritize a “soft” mouth and a calm temperament. Whether they are working in a hospital setting or playing in the backyard, their patient and kind nature is the hallmark of our breeding program.

• Versatile Companionship: While they excel in therapy work, they are also the quintessential family dog—adaptable, playful, and fiercely loyal to those they love.

At Shupp Paws Of Valor, we believe that healing often comes through connection. We choose the Golden Retriever for their unparalleled ability to provide unconditional love and emotional support. They represent the “heart” of our mission, offering a soft place to land and a wagging tail that reminds us of the joy in service.