About Us

The German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater New Haven was established in 1960 as the first and only AKC approved German Shepherd Dog Club in the state of Connecticut. We are an educational group of passionate German Shepherd fans interested in enhancing our relationships with our K-9 friends.

Our Mission Is Simple

To encourage and promote the quality breeding of pure-bred German Shepherd Dogs and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.

To urge members and breeders to accept the Standard of the Breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only Standard of excellence by which German Shepherd Dogs shall be judged.

To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the Breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials and performance events.

To conduct sanctioned matches, licensed specialty shows, obedience trials, performance events and any other event for which the club is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club.

Our History

In 1950, the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater New Haven was formed and dedicated to the enhancement of the breed in our area. Led by our first President William Goldbecker, a Fire Chief in New Haven, he brought to the membership the knowledge he had acquired from his native Cologne, Germany, about the German Shepherd Dog.

It was not until 1960/1961, that our Club obtained official recognition from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the American Kennel Club. Our first show was held in 1961.

Since the first show in Wallingford, Connecticut, eminent American & Canadian specialists in the breed judged our specialties including Walter Martin of the Wienerau Kennels who came from Germany to Judge our fifteenth Annual Specialty Show on October 9th 1976.

The Greater New Haven Club is also committed to the total German Shepherd Dog and likewise offers annual obedience trials for fanciers throughout the country.

Led today by our President Lyn Chernak, we are a vigorous club, promoting activities for the novice as well as the seasoned exhibitor and breeder. Our club honors many of its members who have distinguished themselves in breed activities. Today our club claims some of the top breeders in the country and some of the most successful exhibitors in the United States.

Our Club in Action