WILHENDORF:
Honoring the German Shepherd Dog
Through Generations of Excellence
#1 USA Breeder 32x | #3 Breeder in the World 2023
Wilhendorf, a family owned and operated business, has been breeding and showing champion German Shepherd Dogs for 60+ years.
 Wilhendorf was founded by John M. and Susanne Henkel in New Milford, Connecticut in 1959; John E. Henkel currently directs the breeding, training, and showing of the Kennel's Shepherds. John's wife and daughters, and his sister Karen and her family work as integral parts of the Wilhendorf team. Wilhendorf shows its Shepherds extensively in the U.S. and Europe. The Kennel's track record in competition is unmatched.
Wilhendorf has earned #1 Breeder in the USA at over 32 national competitions, with a record breaking placement of #3 Kennel in the World at the 2023 SV Bundessiegerzuchtschau (BSZS). Wilhendorf is the all-time highest placing non-European kennel at the German World Sieger Show. Wilhendorf is the USA's all-time Breeder's Cup leader and winner of the award for the past 5 consecutive years. Wilhendorf has more VA titles than all other USA breeders.
Wilhendorf bred dogs are the 5 all-time highest-placing American-bred Working Males at the German World Sieger Show. Wilhendorf has bred more German Shepherds placing in the Top 25 in Germany than all other USA breeders combined.
 Wilhendorf
Through the Years
A selection of the exceptional Wilhendorf kennel groups whose consistency and success over the decades have contributed to our international reputation.
Wilhendorf was founded in 1959 by my father, whose passion for the German Shepherd Dog established the foundation of the program we proudly continue today. My own passion began at an early age when I whelped my first litter at just 10 years old. One of those puppies, Hussan, sparked my deep interest in breeding and training. I trained and handled Hussan myself, earning a CDX title together, along with six Highest Scoring Junior Handler awards and two High in Trial wins with a high score of 197.5.
Hussan: The Beginning of a Lifelong Dedication
Wilhendorf in the Media
Throughout the years, Wilhendorf German Shepherds have appeared in television, movie sets, national publications including People and Details Magazines, and on the covers of various German Shepherd breed magazines.
