Testimonials

I purchased a male puppy out of the K litter from Gutten Haus Kennels. I truly believe that this dog is a prime example of what a working dog is. He is very strong in nerve, he has high drive, and an exceptional drive to please. He is very confident when working and learns most things very quickly. His preliminary hip x-rays show that he should be OFA excellent. This is the result of careful planning and research by his breeder. Sue was there to answer all my questions on my new puppy when I first took him home. Sue's advice was very helpful in those first weeks.
-- Jason Wolfe

In April of 2003, I purchased my GSD from Guttenhaus Kennels. This is dog that will excel at achieving any goal with the proper training, including search & rescue and police work etc. He has excellent drives and is people friendly. He as been evaluated by professional trainers so this is not my own biased opnion. I received a quality pup at a reasonable price after looking for 2 years. My only complaint is that my dog has more energy than I do. I would not hesitate to recommend this kennel when you are ready to purchase a dog.
-- Dan & Carol Groesch, Springfield, Illinois

I own the 5 month old female featured on the testimonial page. Her name is Maya. Have you ever seen a more beautiful dog. She has all the drive and brains to go with those looks. She is being trained in search and rescue work and is excelling in general obedience. She works very hard to please. I have had the opportunity to visit other kennels and by far Sue has the cleanest facility and expects to raise nothing but the highest caliber dog. If she cant find the right pair, she wont breed. She is very concerned in preserving what the German Shepherd was bred for in the beginning. That should be important to us all.
-- Dawn Denison,Sandwich, Illinois

Gutten Haus Kennels breeds excellent Shepard’s. My wife and I bought a Sable Shepard over a year ago and We could not be happier. The Shepard’s are well bread, all the paperwork is there and you get what you paid for. I am particularly satisfied with her level of intelligence and drive. I have absolutely no doubt that My Kyra will Be there any time we would need her. Ultimately if you are looking for a German Shepard that will listen, protect And be of good company, then Gutten Haus Kennels is the way to go.
-- Kris and Veronica Boros, Naperville, Illinois

As the owner of Vom Haus Ro-Dave German Shepherd, someone who has been breeding, showing and working dogs for over 20 years, I can state that Sue Bidgood has lovely animals and runs an immaculate kennel. I purchased a black female, named Gabby from Sue to add to my breeding program and to work.
-- Rosemary Laudani – Vom Haus Ro-Dave

I have known the Guttenhaus Kennels Family (both humans and K-9s) for over 8 years and would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a dog or puppy. Sue is dedicated to the breed and what they were originally intended for - to work. In the past, I have purchased German Shepherd dogs thru other breeders, but none have stood behind their dogs or followed up on the pups like Guttenhaus Kennels does. Over the years I have purchased 5 of my shepherds thru Guttenhaus Kennels. Two of which I am currently working in search and rescue. Fritz, who is featured on the "About Us" page does tracking/trailing and my newest pup (see puppy pictures) is in training for cadaver. Guttenhaus Kennels dogs are intelligent, have excellent temperaments, drive and are beautiful to look at.
-- Donna Ziak, Leland Illinois

In the spring of 2004 we made the decision to bring a German Shepherd into our family. We got a list of breeders in our area, placed phone calls and began our search. Our first stop was at Guttenhaus kennels—we went no further. Sue’s (owner) kennels were spotless, and the devotion in placing these Shepherds into the proper home, was second to none. Sue has called several times to check on the progress of Nicholas, and has always been available when we have had questions.
Our Shepherd is now 5 ½ months old. He is a beautiful, all black dog that loves to work. He is excellent around people, small children, and other dogs. We would never look anywhere else to get another Shepherd, and have referred many of our friends. Thank you Sue for your caring and devotion to the breed.
-- Greg Merrill, Glenda Benoit, and of course Nicholas

I purchased a german shepherd dog from Sue Bidgood owner of Guttenhaus Kennels. and was very very pleased with the total experience. Sue has a very clean and great enviroment for all her dogs and pups. it has been 5 years now and if ever I am in search of some helpful advice I know I can count on her. my dogs temperment has been outstanding. everything you could ask for in a gsd. she loves kids, people that prove themselves worthy in time. I am never ever worried as long as my dog Trigger is near. I would definetely reccomend Guttenhaus Kennels to anybody that is looking for a gsd with a outstanding temperment. one that will need barely any training and will have brains to know how to be the ultimate GSD.
-- Sicerely:Leo Stachowski&of coarse Trigger.

I purchased my beautiful Onya from the "O' litter from Suzanne Bidgood at Guttenhus Kennels. I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the kennels and the beautiful German Shepherds that Sue raises. More than that, I was, and still am, very impressed with the dedication and care that Sue gives to all her animals. They are all truly members of her family. Even though we have not seen Sue since purchasing Onya in January, she still checks up on us and is very curious about what our family calls her "grandchild." We may never have a police dog or a search and rescue professional, but we are proud to say that we have the smartest dog in the world and that we are members of the Guttenhaus family.
-- Mary Graefen, Sandwich, IL

We purchased an all black male GSD from Sue in 2002. He was 4 months old and fit into our family right away. We have two children and at the time a 7 year old lab mix. Ike graduated from obedience classes with no problem and his favorite thing to do is play fetch with his tennis ball. We are very happy with him as a family pet. As it turned out so happy that we purchased a female GSD from Sue in the summer of 2003. Ike needed a younger playmate for all his energy. Gracie is a beautiful dog and so smart. She was housebroken in a matter of days. Ike and Gracie are best friends and play together every day. Sue still calls to check on them. We are very happy with our German Shepard dogs. They provide a sense of security around the house, are great companions to us and to each other and are very well behaved animals. I would recommend Sue's kennel as my first choice in looking for a German Shepard dog.
-- Brett Sturgeon, sturgeonbrett@earthlink.net

I purchased Dax in March of 2000 from Gutten Haus Kennels and began training him in search & rescue. Dax has proven to have the nerve and drive to meet the demands of the job and has been an excellent partner to work with. Dax has had successful finds while working crime scenes including a key piece of evidence in a homicide case. I have also had the pleasure of working and training with other handlers who are working Gutten Haus dogs. Some of those dogs are the best I have seen in tracking and cadaver. Sue has produced many excellent dogs in the past and will continue to produce quality working dogs in the future.
-- Michael D. Swindle

My name is Joetta Risner. I live in Noblesville IN. I would like to tell you what happened to me and my dogs. And what an AWESOME thing that Suzanne Bidgood did for me! I had two German Shephards, and had them for years. Max was 3 years old and Sebastion was 2. I had recently moved to a new home here in Noblesville. After we were here for 3 months, we recieved a letter in the mail stating the following: Due to new rules anyone that had a dog over 20 pounds needed to place the dog in a new home or move. And they were giving us very little time to do so. Since we had just bought the home, and were financially struggling as it was, there was no way we could just pack up and move again. I did sooo much research online trying to find the best homes for my boys. There was NO WAY I was going to leave them in a shelter!! Someone through all my corresponding online contacted me through an e-mail telling me about Suzanne and what she does and so forth, and gave me her e-mail. We talked for days online, and than had a four hour conversation on the phone. The next day we drove 6 hours (there and back) to get to her home. She took my boys even though she barely had any room with all her dogs, and she found both of them great homes!! Max lives with chickens and geese and lamas, and Sebastion has kids to play with and a great family. Don't get me wrong it hurts everyday not having those boys here with me. I miss them sooo bad!!!!! I am crying even writting this to you. But if it wasn't for Suzanne and her love for dogs.........I don't know where they would be today. I thank my father up above everyday for what Sue did for me and my family!! And the coolest thing is she takes time out of her busy schedule and e-mails me on how they are doing all the time. She is currently trying to get the info for me to be able to contact the families themselves, so I can go and see how my boys are doing where they are. And just let them know I still love them. I really just wanted you to know how greateful I am for Sue, and how much she has helped me personally. She's been very understanding! There is soooo much I could say about this situation. But I don't want to take much of your time. I just wish there was something I could do to say thank you to her in a way she would understand how much that ment to me! I LOVE THEM BOYS SOOO MUCH!!!!! And she helped this really bad situation become somewhat peaceful!! And I just wanted to say thank you!!!! If you would like to contact me: guesswho7772007@yahoo.com
-- Joetta Risner, Noblesville Indiana

Searching for a new dog to bring into our family was a long & disappointing process until we met Sue and Gutten Haus Kennels. Because Steve had been a Police Canine handler for over eight (8) years, we had definite ideas of the traits we wanted in a German Shepherd Dog. Our journey had brought us to some unhealthy, lethargic and unresponsive puppies. This was not the case with Gutten Haus Kennels. Upon our arrival, we were met by Sue and given a tour of the kennels. We were very impressed with how clean the kennels were kept. We then were shown the adult dogs in the kennels, who all seemed very healthy and alert. Sue then talked to us about our home, our experiences with dogs and our expectations of a dog, clearly this was Sue’s way to insure one of her dogs would be going to a home that would appreciate and care for the dog. It was after that when the puppies were brought out for us to look at. The puppies first ran over to see their Mom, then ran into the fields to play, then to Sue who would play with everyone of them, rubbing each dogs tummy which they just loved! It was clear Sue spent a lot of time with these dogs. Our choice, Copper is a female. She has been an unbelievable dog; she is intelligent and very alert. We have taken Copper to three training classes, in every class she has done exceptionally well. Copper has a great play drive, is social and absolutely loves her ball. Frequently we will hide the ball and Copper will find it wherever it is. Copper is great with our grand kids. We couldn’t have asked for a better pet. We are in the process of beginning Assisted Animal Therapy training with Copper and would love to advance her to Search and Rescue. She absolutely has the ability for it. Thank you, Sue. Copper is wonderful
-- Steve, Myra and Copper Herron Woodridge, IL

I purchased a young adult female named Cayla in Sept of 07. This is the first dog I’ve purchased as an adult. Not only is Cayla a beautiful dog but she has the best temperament of any shepherd I have owned. I purchased her for a pet and a companion so this was really important to me. I can tell that Sue worked with her as she already knew basic commands. She is so eager to please and such a sweetheart. She is full of personality and I believe this is because of the attention Sue pays to breeding and the time she spends with her dogs. Sue has been only a phone call away and has helped me every time I’ve ask questions.
-- Lynn A Hoffman Sandwich IL

As a trainer of police detection dogs I am extremely satisfied with the quality that Gutten Haus Kennels maintains. In my most recent search for two candidates to be trained as explosive detection dogs I found exactly the qualities I was looking for with Gutten Haus. The drives that the dogs displayed along with the intelligence that I require for this type of work have surpassed my expectations. I have found Gutten Haus dogs to be very trainable for whatever the task may be. The breeder has been great to work with and shows great dedication and passion for producing quality working dogs. Whenever I have had the opportunity to show off these newest members of our police department I have been pleased to tell everyone about Gutten Haus Kennels. The quality speaks for itself. These dogs are truly life savers in so many ways.
-- Officer J. Hodder Northern Illinois University Police Department Canine Handler and Trainer

I purchased a pup from the Gutten Haus Kennels S litter in 2007 (Shana). At the time I had recently learned that my other GSD (purchased elsewhere) has severe hip dysplasia, so I was very concerned about soundness issues. Sue was very understanding, and agreed that an older pup who had good X-rays done prior to my purchase would be the way to go. She arranged and covered having it done and I was delighted! Then when my pup arrived she was more beautiful than her pictures had led me to expect, so I was really pleased. This pup is the picture of health. She is also smart, willing, affectionate, attentive and “drivey”. I can’t say enough how happy I am with my girl! Not only would I highly recommend Sue to anyone looking for a reputable breeder of quality GSDs, but I know I will think of her first the next time I am looking for a GSD.
-- Inslee Baldwin Alachua, FL

After visiting a number of breeders and searching on-line for a quality GSD to join our family, we discovered Gutten Haus Shepherds. Sue, the owner, took the time to talk with us about what we were looking for in a dog. She then steered us right to the puppy that would be the best fit for our family. Maya, our GSD, has been everything we could hope for in a dog. She is extremely intelligent, a quick learner and is very even tempered. Kate, my 5 year old daughter immediately bonded with Maya. They are always playing together and we never have to worry about them. Kate can take her toys, food and even sleep with her head on Maya without ever hearing a growl, being nipped or any other sign of aggression. I am actually getting tired of being stopped on the street and hearing how beautiful my dog is (what about me? I am good looking too! haha). As for Sue, we have called her numerous times since we bought Maya with questions and seeking advice. She is always willing to take the time to talk with us and answer questions. She is truly committed to her dogs and is a great resource on the breed. Sue, you are the best!
-- Thanks Brock, Anja, Kate & Maya Williams Naperville, IL

We checked out many breeders in our search for a German Shepherd. Sue was recommended by several people we talked to and we couldn’t wait to drive out and see her puppy. We fell in love with the little ball of fur the moment we saw him. Panzer (that’s what we named him) has an excellent temperament and is very obedient. He has a good strong watch dog bark, but is always friendly to our guests. We enrolled him in an obedience class shortly after purchasing him and he was the “star pupil”. We’ve had him 8 months now and he’s like a member of the family. Everywhere we take Panzer, we get compliments on his coat (he’s a long haired GSD). We could not imagine life without him.
-- Craig and Angela Ashley

Last year my family bought a puppy from Gutten Haus Kennels. Jenta, Sue’s own dog was the Mother and the Father was Grizzly a personal protection dog. Before visiting Gutten Haus Kennels we visited 3-5 other kennels around the Chicago area. In addition, I talked to about 3-5 other breeders selling puppies, plus I talked to the kennel from which most police dogs in the Northern Chicago area are gotten. I even talked to and looked at a puppy from a Veterinarian who has bred the German Shepherd for over 50 years. Needless to say I really did my homework. Therefore, I can proudly say that after all my searching I found a breeder and kennel that was still breeding the German Shepherd for the original qualities developed by Capt. Max Von Stephanitz. Sue Bidgood, owner of Gutten Haus Kennels has been around and breeding the German Shepherd for over 25-30 years. It was nice to find a breeder that was breeding the German Shepherd for its best qualities, brain, a stable and good temperament, plus the original size and bone structure that was original intended for the breed. One of the problems that had developed with the bred over the years has been a high rate of hip dysplasia and mean temperament. However, that is not a problem with dogs and puppies from Gutten Haus Kennels. Sue Bidgood who has strived to preserve best qualities of the German Shepherd realized years ago that breeding for large structured and size was a big factor to German Shepherds eventually developing hips dysplasia. Hence, the reason she can guarantee the puppies she sells will not have any hip problems. In fact, I can personally testify that Sue Bidgood stands behind her puppies more than any breeder; I have heard of or known. When you buy a puppy from Gutten Haus Kennel, you become one of Sue Bidgood’s families. After you buy a puppy from Gutten Haus, Sue is there to assist if you and your puppy should have any problems. Sue was there for my family and puppy when he developed loose stools for a period of about 5 months. After seeing her Veterinarian several times and after my puppy undergoing several expensive tests, all at Sue’s expense, both Sue and I were convinced the major problem my Veterinarian thought was wrong with the puppy was totally false. We simply had to tweak his food and we were able to solve his / our problem. Over the year we have owned our Gutten Haus puppy, Radar, Sue and I have communicated on a regular basis. She has not only answering all my questions about raising the puppy but also my questions about training and where to go for specific types of training. I defy anyone to find any another breeder of German Shepherds, besides Gutten Haus Kennels, or for that matter any other dog breed, that stands that much behind their puppies. I defy anyone to find another breeder of German Shepherds, besides Gutten Haus Kennels, who cares so much for the puppies they sell and the families they sell their puppies too. My family has only known Sue Bidgood for about a year now but I can proudly say that over that time we have learned to not only respect her, but also to enjoy a deep and mutual friendship with her. Therefore, I strongly recommend if you are seeking to buy a German Shepherd puppy or dog the only place you will ever need to visit is Gutten Haus Kennels. Sincerely,
-- Mark Zorfas Buffalo Grove, Illinois