Top Breeders In The Philadelphia Area
Vicky Stillman
Oxford, PA 19363
(610) 932-2634
www.countrymeadowlabradors.com
The Labrador retriever is an ideal hunting and family dog and the top dog breed in Philadelphia as well as in the United States as a whole. Country Meadow Labradors, located 40 miles outside of the city, produces only the best family, sporting companion and show quality English-style Labradors. The pups are AKC and champion sired, and both sire and dam have OFA and CERF clearances. Family raised and loved, all of the labs complete comprehensive health screenings, including elbow, hip, eye and heart. As added bonuses, a health guarantee, AKC registration and microchip are issued before the dogs leave for their new homes.
Melissa Haas
Morgantown, PA
(610) 913-8124
www.heavenlyhaasgermanshepherds.com
Big dogs rule in Philadelphia, so it's no wonder that German shepherds take second place in popularity. Heavenly Hass kennels breeds these highly intelligent canine companions. Owner Melissa Haas raises AKC-registered pups as part of her family. Hip and elbow x-rays are performed prior to breeding, and to ensure the perfect matchup of master and furry friend, all prospective owners must be willing to take obedience classes with their dogs before taking them home.
Christi Yonavick
Birdsboro, PA 19508
(610) 378-1899
www.ridgewoodshilohs.com
German shepherd admirers looking for a rarer dog breed in the same family should check out long-coated shiloh shepherds. Ridgewood Shiloh Shepherds, roughly one hour outside of Philly, has been breeding two or three litters of these gentle giants every year since 1998. Bred for brains, beauty and brawn, the dogs have champion bloodlines and are DNA tested for bloodlines. Additionally, pups are registered with the Shiloh Shepherd Registry (TSSR) and are family raised by mother and daughter breeders Chris Yonovick and Trish Beltz. Hip, elbow, thyroid, TLF and eye certifications are released before dogs are handed over to new owners, and a canine cardiologist issues OFA heart certifications.
Related: Common Breed Specific Ailments
Thomas A. Becker
Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 868-3038
www.tomsyorkies.com
Known as small dogs with big personalities, Yorkshire terriers rank third on the top dog list for Philadelphia. Tom Becker, vice president of the Watchung Mountains Yorkshire Terrier Club, has been breeding AKC sired Yorkies for more than 25 years and has 20 plus champions under his belt. Wingold Yorkies are well known for their silky coats, cobby bodies and pretty heads. Because Yorkies have relatively small litters compared to larger breeds, expect to pay top dollar.
Michael Rathje
Harrisonville, NJ 08039
(856) 693-411
www.admirabullbulldogs.com
The adorably wrinkled and gentle-dispositioned bulldog ranks fourth in popularity in the City of Brotherly Love, and there's no better place to find one of these dignified dogs than Admiralbull Bulldogs in Harrisonville, New Jersey. Members of the Bulldog Club of America Hall of Fame Breeders and American Kennel Club Breeders of Merit as well as AKC Silver Bred-by-Exhibitor winners, breeders Michael and Patti Rathje have finished 17 champions. The married couple is one of the few breeders in the nation that can boast having three generations of bred-by Best in Specialty Show recipients. Pups are sold solely on a spay/neuter contract, and they come with pedigree papers and health screening certifications.
