My name is Victoria, and Azurahaus Working German Shepherds is the result of a lifelong passion for dogs, training and the working German Shepherd.
Dogs have always been a huge part of my life, but over the years that passion has developed into a deep understanding of canine behaviour, training, genetics and what it takes to produce and raise stable, capable working dogs. I am a professional dog trainer and have extensive hands-on experience working with German Shepherds, particularly working-line dogs.
For me, breeding is about far more than producing puppies. It is about preserving and improving the qualities that make the German Shepherd such an incredible working breed, while ensuring that every puppy has the opportunity to become the very best version of itself.
At Azurahaus, I carefully consider temperament, health, structure, nerve, drives, working ability, stability and the all-important ability to switch off and live successfully within a family environment. I want dogs that are capable of working hard when asked, but equally capable of coming home and being calm, affectionate and balanced members of the family.
My own dogs are an important part of my life, and I believe you cannot truly understand what makes a working German Shepherd suitable for different homes without living with, training and working these dogs yourself.
I have a particular passion for dogs with strong working drives, excellent food and toy motivation, good nerves, confidence, biddability and a genuine desire to work. At the same time, stability is hugely important to me. A dog can have all the drive in the world, but without the right temperament, nerve and ability to settle, it may not be the right dog for everyday life.
That balance is something I strive for in my breeding programme.
Every litter is carefully planned with a purpose. I look at the individual dogs, their pedigrees, health, temperament, working ability and what they can contribute to the next generation.
I don’t believe in breeding simply because two dogs look good together. I want to understand why a particular combination is being made and what I hope it will produce.
I also believe that breeding doesn’t end when the puppy leaves my home.
Finding the right home is just as important as producing the right puppy. This is why I take the time to get to know prospective owners and understand their experience, lifestyle, ambitions and what they want from their dog.
Whether someone is looking for a serious sport prospect, a future working dog or an active family companion, my aim is to make the best possible match between puppy and owner.
My goal with Azurahaus is to build a community of owners who are proud of their dogs and who want to continue developing them throughout their lives.
I want Azurahaus dogs to be known for being healthy, capable, stable, driven and enjoyable to live with — dogs that can step onto a training field and work with purpose, but equally come home and settle beside their family.
Above all, I want to breed dogs that I would be proud to own myself.
That is the standard I hold Azurahaus to.