Testimonials from new

Dog Parents

Xabie from House Barrett

Kerry Krumbeck from Houston send the following lines to us to share with everybody

July 17th 2008

I would like to say a few words about my experience with House Barrett and the puppy I recently received. First, my little female "Xabie" from Nora - Tyson is everything I was hoping for. She's smart, loves the tennis ball, and anything that has water in it. This is my 3rd week with her and she already knows Sit, Down, and Go to Bed thru food treats. We do ball play and she's doing great: Take it - Bring, and Here. Xabie is playful, smart, confident, alert, affectionate, and shows a lot of expression.
I knew before the puppy arrived what I was getting thru the litter pages. Many evenings were spent looking over each breeding combination and the offspring they produced. By describing to Dagmar my likes, dislikes, and dog experience level she selected the perfect female from the X litter.
I also like that Dagmar titles her dogs in Schutzhund. This shows her commitment to a sound breeding program that's about more than just breeding long coats as in the U.S.
Once I decided to import a female Shepherd from House Barrett the hardest part was waiting and seeing other females go to their new homes that had deposits ahead of mine.
My vet gave Xabie a clean bill of health and commented that she was the finest female GSD he has seen in structure and looks. I could not be happier.
Kerry Krumbeck
Houston, Texas


Yoko from House Barrett

The Santos Family from North Carolina send the following lines to us to share with everybody

July 23rd 2008
Well, what can I say? I fell in love with dear baby Yoko from the moment I met her! She has the most wonderful temperament, extraordinary pigmentation, and she is as graceful as can be. My family and I have owned quality German Shepherds our entire lives and we must admit that Baby Yoko is the smarted little girl we have ever had. At nine weeks old….. she knows her name, goes in and out of the doggy door and is extremely alert and very feisty! When I talk about her….my friends say it sounds like I am talking about my very own daughter and I tell them "I am." In such a short time, Yoko has become such an important part of our family….my husband and I, my father, my two children, my two other German Shepherds and my American Bulldog.
It was my pleasure to work with such an exceptional person and breeder like Dagmar. She is honest, experienced and most of all cares about the kind of puppy that will be the best fit for your family. I am so thankful to have found House-Barrett Kennels and can`t wait to have another House-Barrett baby join my family in the future!!!!!!

Sincerely and Graciously,

The Santos Family


Yago vom Haus Barrett

M.C. and Beverly Rhoads send the following lines to us to share with everybody:

CONGRATULATIONS The fact that you are reading these testimonials tells me that you have already accomplished a difficult task. You have found the House-Barrett website where long-haired GSD's (German Shepherd Dogs) of the highest quality are found.

My wife and I have had German Shepherds for over 25 years now. We lost our beloved Oskar in December of 2003. He was a long coat and the most perfect friend a person could have. I tear up just writing these lines about him.

As you read these testimonials you will see similar stories about people who have experienced the great joy of living with GSD's and the deep sorrow of losing them. The common thread is that they come back for more.

I was told of the House-Barrett website by a German friend who was for many years herself a breeder of the GSD. You can see what a beautiful website this is but read between the lines and feel the love that Dagmar Anderson and her family have for these magnificent animals. If you're an animal lover, I'll bet you have observed the way people handle their animals and thereby accurately assessed that person's character. Dagmar Anderson is like that. What you see on her website is what you get.

A German Shepherd is not for everybody. Read the information on this site about their history and temperament etc. If you want a dog to chain to a tree in the backyard please hit ( CTRL ALT DELETE ). If you are looking for a highly intelligent animal that sleeps in your master bedroom and gives your family tons of love, affection and protection consider a dog from House-Barrett.

If you can travel to Germany to see these animals firsthand do so by all means. I could not afford to make the trip. We exchanged many emails with Dagmar. She got acquainted with us and we formed a kinship with her. It is difficult to send a substantial sum of money (not to mention trusting in them to choose the right puppy for you) into the black hole of the internet but have faith, you will be enormously rewarded.

We had to wait for some time to get the parents we wanted and then hope for the right number of males and females. We decided on a little boy from Melody and Gustl. Yago (see him in the "Y" litter) was born in August of 2004 and we picked him up at the airport in October. All I can say is the internet photos don't do these dogs justice. They are awesome.

If you choose a puppy from House-Barrett, don't wait for a small, shy little dog to arrive. Dagmar's puppies are big, bold and beautiful. What you will find when you open the shipping crate has to be experienced to be believed. Yago had been in his crate for about 15 hours. He knew his name and he had made no mess. He bounded out of the crate and had kisses for us. He knew he was going home. He rode on my wife's lap and didn't cry or whine.

Dagmar Anderson is available by email or phone and will answer questions and is a great resource. Don't assume that your vet knows everything about your dog. Scientific knowledge is one thing but a good breeder has a lot of practical experience where "the rubber meets the road".

If you require an independent opinion, email me at (oskarvinnie6@aol.com) I will give you my phone number if you want. I love to talk about these most special animals.

The best recommendation I can give House-Barret is this--I would buy another dog from them in a heartbeat.
M.C. and Beverly (and YAGO of course) Rhoads
Washington State, December 2004

Quindy vom Haus Barrett

A wonderful letter we received from Sonja and family:

We would like to share our experience with everyone who is interested in getting puppy from the House-Barrett kennel. You will not only get a wonderful, beautiful, well socialized and healthy puppy, you will get a breeder who will be there for you 24/7 (this is not an exaggeration).

We decided to get a puppy in the summer of 2002. We were vacationing in Maine and one night, we found a beautiful German Shepherd in the middle of the dirt road, deep into the Maine woods. She was lost and clearly eager to be with people. We took her with us and the very next day found her owners. That night made us decide to get another dog. We have had a mix Shepherd for 10 years and after she died and we moved to New York City we didn't want to have another dog. However, one single night with that dog in Mane made us change our minds.

We have had very bad experience many years before with the breeder in New Jersey, so I decided to hit the internet and look for a dog in Germany. At that time I even didn't know that you can get a long coat GSD. Once I found out that such breeders exist, I found Dagmar's web page and after seeing her dogs, it was clear to us that we wanted to have one of them. It was love at first sight! Purchasing a puppy over the phone is a pretty scary experience. You cannot see puppies or parents and you have to rely on what you see on the web site. I talked many times with Dagmar and got a very good feeling. She put me in touch with a lady who already bought her dogs from Dagmar and I was sure that I will get a very good puppy.

We couldn't get a dog from the litter we were waiting for, because Indra produced only two puppies, so we went on the waiting list for the next litter. Little while later Cindy and Gustl had pups and we were getting one of them. I cannot describe what excitement filled our house. After 6 years without dog we were getting a puppy! It was almost like expecting a baby.

Quindy arrived in Boston one cold, December afternoon. Except for being a little smelly after such long flight, she was in excellent shape. She slept on my lap on the way home for five hours. She didn't cry, she felt very comfortable and was very sweet. When we came home, I gave her a short bath and she took it like a trooper. No fear, or tantrum or anything like it. Only two days after her arrival she "asked" to go out. We were all very impressed. She was the cutest and funniest little dog we have ever seen. Needless to say we loved her from the moment we saw her. She always had ideas what to do next. She was a little entertainer! We had such good laughs with her!
Then, it was time to return to New York. The trip was about 10 hours and she went through it with no problem. Since then, we have made many of these trips with Quindy and she always took it well.

Unfortunately, in New York she managed to find a glass and brake it and eat a piece of it. She had to have surgery and was unlucky enough to get complications from it which required another surgery. At that time Dagmar was talking to me on daily basis sometimes more than once. It was because of Dagmar that my dog survived. She told me what to feed her and how to care for her. Doctors here were absolutely useless. It took long time for Quindy to recover, but she did. I remember that one doctor suggested of putting her down. She would be surprised to see her today.

Quindy is a beautiful, self confident, outgoing dog. Her intelligence is incredible. I was very worried that after her ordeal with hospital she will become fearful and unstable. It didn't happen. She loves people and especially children. I can never take a short walk around the block with her, because so many people stop to ask where did I get her and what kind of dog she is. When she was still a puppy, she would never get scared of sirens (which are notorious for New York City) or other strange noises. She kept her cool in all situations. She loves other dogs, too. We bring her to the dog run every day and she plays with other dogs without any problems. When we go to Maine she accompanies us on our snowmobile rides or in summer she comes kayaking and swimming. Swimming is her favorite activity.

She has excellent sense of smell and without ever being trained to track she will let me know if somebody came home (she gets very excited in the elevator) or she would pull me through the park till she finds one of our kids or my husband. She knows all of us by name. One early Sunday morning (I was still in my night gown) I went to throw out some trash and locked myself out in the hallway. I knew that our doormen will be coming to pick up the garbage any moment, and I didn't know how to get back. My husband was on the phone in another room so I told to Quindy through the closed door 'go get Helmut". I heard her going away and barking, but of course my husband didn't react. Then she came back and barked and I told her again to 'go get Helmut'. She went again and barked at him and he finally realized that something was going on and opened the door. I was very proud of my little girl. She has to visit a place only once to know exactly how to get there. She knows for example, where my studio is or where my husband's office is. She will make the turn to the exact street where she has to go. I have tested her so many times and she never failed.

I cannot praise Dagmar's work with her dogs enough. She has unmatched dedication when it comes to caring for and training her dogs. She has become my friend and we still e-mail each other on regular basis. I must also mention her children who are very involved with raising the pups and are doing an excellent job. For that, we thank them all.

Sonja, Helmut, Meret and David Hofer,
Rangeley Plt., Maine, 2004

Wotai vom Haus Barrett


Theresa and family wrote another very nice letter for me to share after receiving their 2nd dog from us two weeks ago:


Dear Dagmar and family;

Our family, and yours, have become friends via the Internet for over a year now. At that time, you blessed us with an intelligent and loyal dog from the S Litter, who we call "Sina". She is one of the most intelligent and beautiful dogs we have ever owned. And…we like to believe that no one else around has one like her! We love her dearly and she's everything you promised she would be, and more. She gives us so much love!

Two weeks ago, you delivered to us another sweet dog we call "Wotai". It seems as if I had waited so long for his arrival, yet I feel now as if I've loved him a lifetime. You 'selected' this dog for me, and I can say without a doubt, you gave me one of the best puppies ever bred! I know…you have lots of wonderful dogs, but for me, he's simply the best!

I can not say enough about your dedication to producing an exceptional breed that meets and exceeds the German Shepherd standards. Your dogs have wonderful temperaments, in that they adore being around people, especially children, enjoy riding in cars, love playing and visiting with other dogs and EXCEL in training. There is nothing that I could say that your dogs would not do. They give of themselves unconditionally and love without end. Plus, they are simply gorgeous!

It is very obvious to me of the time and dedication that your entire family puts into breeding an exceptional dog, for any pleasure or work. Even my "not-so-fond-of-shepherd" friends have changed their opinion of the breed after being around my German Shepherds. You should be proud of your commitment to the betterment of this breed. I know your children also contribute lots of time in raising the pups, at a critical time in their lives, so that they will become superior family members! I thank them too, as both my pups came to me loving children and very well socialized.

Dagmar, please know that I cherish you as a friend as well as an expert in the breeding, caring and raising of the German Shepherd Dog. You have responded with the utmost of urgency to any questions I've raised and always taken the time to check up on my progress. You've exceeded all my expectations of buying a dog from the initial discussions, transferring of funds, transportation and follow up. Not to mention, from all the way across the other side of the world! I've never had one bad experience, and in the end, I've found a wonderful, honest, generous person and friend - and two lifelong companions!

Thank you again for the pleasure of owning not only one of your dogs, but two. I promise, I will love and care for them like my own children. I'll also tell anyone looking for a dog in the states to contact you. Your expertise and commitment to providing superior service to your clients, goes unmatched. I hear horror stories from people over here having had bad experiences with poor breeders. I KNOW anyone would be happy with a dog from you! I'm so blessed to have met you!

Take care, and know that we will always think of you and your wonderful family with loving thoughts.

Sina and Wotai's Family

Mai 2004


Sina vom Haus Barrett



Theresa and family wrote a wonderful letter for me to share:

As you know, my family and I live in on an acreage in the state of Iowa. We are great lovers of animals and nature, and especially, have a great love for the German Shepherd dog. We have been blessed to have owned a German female, over the past several years. Unfortunately, our relationship with her ended a year ago, at the age of 9, when she went on to fulfill yet another mission in her life-long journey with Her Keeper. Her name was Ina. She was a standard coat from Germany. We got her from a friend who found other interests other than raising a puppy. Their loss was our gain!

In our attempt to fill a tremendous void after Ina passed, we sought to find another companion who might provide the same level of love that our devoted friend once provided us. In our search, we came upon your website where we found some of the most beautiful dogs we've ever laid eyes upon. Gustl's picture was breathtaking, to say the least. Although we've never seen, in person, a true 'coated' German Shepherd, we definitely became infatuated by the beauty your dogs portrayed in pictures. We were convinced that your dogs could only be MORE beautiful in person. My husband and I became obsessed with looking at your website every evening, just to admire your dogs and their progeny. It became apparent to us that we needed to inquire about owning one of your dogs.

After viewing all of the pages on your website, it was obvious to us that you took much pride in raising and training your dogs to be top performers. It was apparent by the time you spent creating and presenting your champions on your website. It is one of the most professional, informative websites that I have visited. You've done a fantastic job in communicating the standards and temperaments of the breed. You've done this in such a way that people realize your passion for these dogs, your commitment to excellence and your personable standards.

After inquiring about available puppies and discussing the requirements of purchasing one, we became lucky enough to bring home a wonderful female from Haus Barrett! Coincidentally, to our previous dog Ina, her name was Sina! Her parents are the beautiful Zaskia and the breathtaking Gustl. What a wonderful combination! I'd say you've done a great job in the selection process of your parents, both in confirmation and ability!

We could not have been more pleased to bring Sina into our home to live in our 'pack'. After a very long, and most likely frightening journey to the states, Sina arrived in good condition. We drove three hours to pick her up. It was during a torrential rainstorm, and the plane arrived 3 hours later than the scheduled arrival time - in the middle of the night! We opened the crate only to find an outgoing, happy and bouncing puppy that was more than eager to jump right into my husband's lap. You would have never known that she just lost her parents, specifically her mama, flew thousands of miles across the world and spent many long and lonesome hours in a small crate. Her personality was just splendid, and I was overcome with joy to see such a happy, loving creature. And...how beautiful she was! Needless to say, she laid in my arms and rode the next three hours in the car to her final destination - without a peep! She seemed content and happy to be in the company of humans again. Hats off to you, Dagmar! A less socialized puppy, without human contact and the exposure of normal day-to-day noise and commotion would have showed very visible signs of trauma. To this day, Sina has adjusted to every change in her environment without hesitation!

Sina has been a blessing to our family. She is one of the most loving German Shepherds we have been around. She loves our children, the neighbors and our friends. She adores farm living, going on walks, accompanying with chores, chasing sticks, playing with her 'dog friends' and swimming in her pool. Sina attended puppy obedience classes at 4 mons. of age and excelled at each of her tasks. She graduated well above all other puppies and continues to show desire each and every day in her need to learn new activities. Everyone we meet asks where we got such a handsome and intelligent dog. HAUS BARRETT, I SAY!!

At such a very young age, Sina 'waits' at the bottom or top of the steps before proceeding, to ensure that she will not cause me to trip and fall. She 'waits' patiently at the door, before proceeding after me. She takes showers with me, sits for her nails to be clipped and picks her feet up at the door to be wiped before coming into the house. Yet, she is no less happy when she is just laying on the floor chewing on her stuffed monkey! And...kisses are her specialty! She is simply happy doing whatever is expected of her at the time. And, she only has to be shown a new task twice before she is successfully performing it on her own. Today, she is only 7 mons. old and there is no doubt in my mind that she will progress to be one of the greatest companions in dog history! If not only in OUR hearts and OUR home! :)

Lastly, not only have you provided us a wonderful and beautiful companion, I can not put into words how pleased I am with the service that you have provided throughout the selection, delivery and transition of our Sina. Your customer service skills are superior to many! You have answered each of my inquiries from the initial solicitation I made all the way to the day-to-day chit-chat I deliver regularly via email. It's very terrifying, in this day of technology, to send monies across the seas to someone whom you have never met. Then, to be secure in the fact that they will honor their promises. However, you have far exceeded my expectations! The family of Haus Barrett has not only provided us a wonderful puppy, but has gone above and beyond in giving ongoing advice and guidance in the raising of our dog. Especially, when you have numerous dogs and other clients that you must attend and train on a daily basis!

Dagmar, I thank you for your continued support and am blessed to know that you are a kind, giving and honest professional and human being. It goes without saying that your dogs are an absolute reflection of your time and effort in developing and maintaining the quality of the German Shepherd breed. I'm confident that should there be more caring individuals like yourself, this world would be a more genuine place to live and the breed will only get better as time goes on. Thank you for your honesty, commitment to integrity and superior customer service. And, of course, our beloved Sina. You can guarantee that I will testify to anyone inquiring that your complete kennel, and its family members, are top-of-the-line!

I can't wait for my next two pups from your Haus to ours, (very soon)!

Much success and good wishes, always,

Theresa, Rick and Sina

November 2003


 

Ajax vom Haus Jack

Scott wrote these nice words


Hello, Dagmar:

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the hard work, preparation, and care that went into breeding and shipping "Ajax" here to me overseas. With your guidance and support, the process of importing was made a pleasant and positive experience. I am also very pleased with the puppy that you recommended for me. Living overseas I could not, myself, see or interact with the puppies. Yet ,relying on your experience as a breeder and your system of evaluation you were able to successfully find the right puppy for my needs. "Ajax" is a wonderful puppy and a real testament to your kennel's philosophy. "Ajax" is a very confident puppy. He is outgoing, smart, and has a wonderful disposition. He has inherited such a magnificent, noble head and already he exhibits colours which are deep and rich. I am very happy with your evaluation process and your subsequent recommendation and would be pleased to recommend Haus-Barrett to anyone looking for an exceptional puppy from an exceptional breeder. Thank you again for all of the time, work, and care that went into finding me a puppy.

Sincerely, Scott Mertz Massachusetts, USA

April 2003