I'm in my 50's and have had German Shepherds for much of my life. After doing extensive research several years back to try and find an ideal GSD breeder in the Western U.S., I visited and was very impressed by Calico Junction's breeding philosophy and the dogs I met. We live several states away, but based on our research, we decided to go with Calico Junction, and the female we ended up getting has turned out to be the most exceptional GSD we've ever owned. The female we purchased from Calico about four years ago is amazing. She is so concerned about all other people and dogs ... she has exceptional traits for service/therapy. In the attached photo, the GSD on the right is our old, grouchy male. He only snarls and occasionally snaps at Bella, but she always tries to comfort him by kissing, lying next to him, etc. It's amazing how much she wants to care for him and people if we're sick or not feeling well. Out of all the shepherds I've had in my life, the female we got from Calico Junction has the best temperament and trainability by far. Nancy does an exceptional job of breeding. Not that we need one now, but the only breeder I'd get a Shepherd from again is Calico Junction. I live in Idaho, but if anyone wants to visit and meet our girl from Calico (Bella) and a couple of her pups, we're more than happy. We actually have decided to no longer breed GSD's because Calico Junction does such an amazing job ... we refer people to Calico who still inquire about puppies. read more

We are so in love with our new four legged son! I did a lot of research on many breeders and kept coming back to Calico Junction. I had lots of communication with Nancy from before we sent our deposit and now weeks after we picked up Knightro Segan. He is a healthy growing boy. We traveled over seven hours each way to get him and Nancy was very receptive to the fact that we wanted to come by to see him the afternoon that we go in town to meet our new boy and herself as well. We went over the contract and loved on our boy. We then went back to the nice little cabin that we rented for the night. The following morning first thing we went and signed the paperwork and hit the road with our new family member. From day one he was potty trained and I will say that is all because of the way Nancy and Jim have there kennels set up for the puppies. They have an indoor play and eating area and an outside area that is just for them and their litter mates. This is separated by a doggy door, so they can go outside to potty and no inside. Our Knightro will "knock" on the back door with his paw when he needs to go out. Knightro is so very smart and so much fun. We have started his basic training and will continue with training until he is ready to be a service dog for my husband who suffered SSHL and has vertigo. He will be trained to both alert and counter balance. We could not be happier that we chose Calico Junction and our boy Knightro! read more

I am pulling a copy and paste since they've deleted all of the good reviews and left this wonderful place with one star! Personally I can't believe yelp took away every 5 star review and left the horrible one that is falsely accusing them of being a puppy mill! Get on that yelp and fix your mess! TIP: Read the not recommended bc you will find all the good reviews! I love my puppy I received!! Definitely a 5 star place- NOT a puppy mill! To the lady with the poor review- Why on earth didn't you take the opportunity to get the free puppy health insurance they provide (free 30 days then only like 45 a month and it covers any mishaps) is beyond me! You could have saved yourself those medical expenses and protected your beloved family member simultaneously... With that out of the way, we have the most loving, kind, gentle sweet girl that is top quality with no birth defects or diseases! My children ADORE her! Maggie is the best dog I could have ever asked for... And Nancy and Jim made that happen. I spoke to Nancy over the phone and told her exactly what we wanted for our family giving great detail and we got a perfect match! I was sent multiple pictures and it felt as if I was there in person picking my sweet Maggie. Nancy is absolutely incredible! Thank you so much you guys! I will absolutely recommend you to everyone I know with confidence. read more

In 1971 I bought a long coat German Shepherd. She was so sweet and loving that I've always wanted another one. Several years ago I was blessed to move out in the country on our own mini farm/ranch. I started searching again for a sweet long haired GS. My internet search lead me to Nancy and her husband and their wonderful line of long haired German Shepherds. We have had Shava now for two and 1/2 years. I have just gotten her hip certification back and they are rated Excellent. But more importantly she has the exact disposition I was told she would have - loving and gentle. We have two other dogs, three horses, goats, chickens, eight cats and 10 Grandchildren. She loves them all!! I've also been able to meet one of Shava's brothers and he has the exact same disposition. His owner brought him over about a year ago and it was like he lived here too with all these animals. We have about 50 Guieneas and Shava gently, with a soft mouth carries their eggs to give me! Soon I will be making arrangements to take her back to her birth place and breed her to continue this exceptional line of loving companions! read more

My husband and I had been searching for some long haired german shepherd puppies for quite some time. After searching many websites and talking to many breeders, we decided to go with Nancy from Calico Junction's long haired german shepherds because of her knowledge and professionalism , and her dogs. After purchasing a female, picking her up, and meeting Nancy and seeing her dogs and kennels, we decided to purchase a Male puppy from her. Since then we have purchased another female puppy which we should be receiving on April 14th 2018. The 2 puppies that we have now which are 8 months and 9 months old have been very wonderful companions. They are good natured and everyone who sees them loves them. Our own vet has expressed several times how healthy, beautiful and good natured they are.we would highly recommend Nancy as she has been very helpful from the time before during and after the purchase. Keep up the good work Nancy! read more

I have purchased 2 dogs, one a puppy and one a 2 year old female, from Calico Junction. Nancy and Jim are very responsible breeders...that is why I chose them over several others. I have done rescue work for over 15 years, I can tell you that I have dealt with many a puppy mill facility and many non caring back yard breeder. Nancy and Jim are far from either of these. They are very through when they go over the contract and it takes almost an hour for them to cover all the details. Nancy puts all the puppies on special additives to help boost the immune systems of the puppies. I have NEVER dealt with such a professional breeder and would highly recommend them to anyone wanted a quality GSD, read more

Hello, We are Jim and Nancy (Lieb) Nothstein of Hohenwald, TN. We began our breeding program in 1982. Our dedication and continued efforts are to keep the long coat German Shepherds alive. We are preserving the rare long coat bloodlines. We strive to maintain the quality of the German Shepherd Dogs as we improve our puppies making them the best working, security, service or therapy dogs along with being a great family member. You will receive a quality, gentle German Shepherd that is great with family, friends and strangers but still protective when needed, protection is natural. Come visit us. read more

My sister and I purchased sister puppies last month. We are very pleased with our pups.. they are healthy, intelligent, and seem to be everything we were looking for when searching for a breeder. I was impressed by the personalities of the parent dogs, the condition of the kennel, and appreciated the time given to us for questions we had. Jim and Nancy's views on good nutrition for dogs were reassuring, as well, as we are both nurses, and know the importance of good diet for optimal health and development. Would recommend this kennel... read more

I have to say after 4 months of breeders being disappointments I finally found a great place! Ever since I picked my girl up from the airport she has been everything I could've asked for! She's one big happy fur ball. Took her to the vet and they were very happy with her health. Nancy will answer any of your messages very quickly with a true and caring response. Her passion to make sure her puppies go to a great home is what makes her stand out! Nothing but a quality happy dog comes from this quality breeder!! read more

My husband Jim & I drove to TN and visited the kennel and purchased a great puppy from Nancy. "Grizz" is one of our family, and has been very healthy and good natured. I too am a breeder and am extremely careful of bloodlines, health, and the conditions where my dogs come from. Nancy is very knowledgeable, helpful and honest. I would not hesitate to purchase another from her. Carla Eikelberg RN, RVT read more