Kolenda Kennels Review
Kolenda's backyard
Kolenda Kennels breed attractive German Shepherd dogs from West German lines. Suitably, Kolenda Kennels are also located the western Michigan city of Dorr, just half an hour south of Grand Rapids. All of Kolenda’s males have been imported from Germany, with high marks from German shows and are Schutzhund trained.
My girlfriend and I were interested in getting a German Shepherd, and so looked online at various Michigan breeders. After browsing Kolenda’s website, we were impressed by their beautiful German Shepherds. We thought their males were the best looking we had seen in Michigan, with show-quality features.
Because of our interest, we visited Kolenda in April 2009. The kennels appeared very clean, with staff onsite that would regularly monitor and take care of the dogs. Both John and Susan Kolenda seemed very well informed about German Shepherds, and the two staff people on site were nice.
The German Shepherd’s on site were also very impressive. We were interested in a litter between Rooney vom Salzgitter Milleau and Frizi vom Kolenda, while Frizi was not imported from Germany but bred on site, both of her parents were imports with impressive records. Frizi was well tempered, and despite being with her litter allowed us to approach and pet her. Rooney also showed no aggressive or dangerous tendencies, and was quite playful. This contradicted our experience with another breeder who was scared to let us near her German Shepherds because they could harm us (?!).
Kolenda Puppy at 5 Weeks
We also were allowed to spend some time with the puppies at 5 weeks. They seemed wonderful for puppies, no whining or barking for attention, but very calm yet playful. Both the puppies and breeding stock appeared to be taken care of quite well. My girlfriend was very pleased with how cute all the puppies were. The great German Shepherd looks and wonderful temperament made us sure we wanted a Kolenda puppy.
After we got home, we looked online for critiques and more extensive information regarding Kolenda. On the Kolenda website, there are extensive testimonials from satisfied customers. Outside the website though, we did not find much information. Suprisingly, the little bit we did find was mostly negative, but all half-rumors that made us more suspicious about the poster than it did Kolenda. These claims included “bad temperment” and “I heard from so and so whom talked to so and so that the dog was bad” with no proof backing it up, and people willing to share their stories only through private messages. Were they really too scared to share their stories in public, or was it simply that the stories were unfounded? We suspect the later. The stories contradicted the well-behaved and attractive dogs and puppies we met at Kolenda.
The final sticking point was the price. There were many posts saying “too expensive.” We agreed to some extent, a well-bred and attractive German Shepherd is quite expensive! We found most of the other breeders we looked at with dogs we found not meeting what we desired. Kolenda appears to have the best looking dogs we’ve seen in Michigan, from West Germany, which we prefered. When looking for comparably attractive dogs with good lineages out of state, most breeders were asking for more than $2,500. Some breeders in Michigan with dogs we found less attractive and from American lines were asking “only” $1,500, but we settled with paying more for what we desired from Kolenda ($2,500), as we were very happy with both the dogs their close proximity to us.
I have a Kelenda Kennel bitch. She is very pretty , everyone comment on her, however we have brought her to various trainers to try to get rid of her aggression. She has bitten me once ( when she was younger, my aunt ( a dog lover) and tries to go after anyone who comes to our house. We have to have her muzzeled for walks, vet, grooming ect. We tried to have her OFA and her elbows did however her hips showed mild so could not be ofa. We purchased her to compeat in french ring however with her aggressive tend. we are not able to work her.
I have a close friend who purchased one a few months before me who also did not ofa but does have a good temperment.
I do have to say on their behalf I purchased her from someone else at 14 weeks ( so I guess the aggression could have started there but as for the OFA that is breeding and if anyone questions this I could send a copy of the ofa report- we had the x-rays taken at Mi State University so that wasn’t the problem either.
Thanks for the comment Tammy. Would you mind sharing who the puppy’s parents were, or any pictures?
Zues Vom Godinghofer Weg and Gina Vom Fleischerheim 111 I am not sure how to attach a photo. She is the black and red.
We just recently bought our second German Shepherd from Kolenda Kennels and couldn’t be happier. Our first dog from Kolenda is now five years old and he is just a wonderful family pet without any hip or joint problems at all. (He’s from Esko vom Frankengold and Quana von Edelgarten.) Not only did Kolenda Kennels meet all of our personal needs in finding the perfect pup years ago, but they did it again just a couple weeks ago. We are always made to feel welcome at the kennels and we’ve never been there without being invited right in to be with the dogs who are the parents of the litters we’re considering. The kennels are always clean and tidy, and we’ve even been there unannounced in the past. The dogs are healthy and happy, and they are well cared for, and their temperaments are just wonderful, so eager to please and full of energy. John and Susan rotate the pets into their home because they care about each of them so much!
Kolenda dogs are prime examples of their breed. They are full-blooded work dogs who demand proper training and attention. The Kolendas made sure that we knew how to train and provide for their needs. They even helped us prepare our dog for showing in the Sieger shows. Our new puppy is now ten weeks old and she is just gorgeous and so perfectly puppy-like! The fondness we feel for the second Kolenda dog we’ve purchased will only grow with time. These dogs are perfect family pets and their sense of loyalty and purpose is a reassuring reason to feel comfortable with working with the Koldendas. We are proud owners who so enjoy the many compliments we get on our dogs. They are so well known now in our area that when we go to the vet, other people recognize these perfect animals as Kolenda dogs. It’s a treat!
I heartily recommend that anyone wanting a GSD check out this kennel. You’ll find complete reassurance that they are, indeed, the best in the business.
We have two dogs from Kolenda Kennels and they are perfect!
When we decided that we wanted to get a German Shepherd we did a lot of research into different breeders. We talked to several and decided to drive from Chicago to Michigan to visit Kolenda Kennels. We had no intention of purchasing a dog that day but after talking to John and Susan we just couldn’t resist. We ended up putting a deposit down on a male puppy from an upcoming litter between Karly and Saskia. After the puppies were born John and Susan sent us weekly updates with pictures. We were also invited to go visit the puppies when they were about four weeks old and we did. Once Blitz had reached eight weeks old we went and picked him up and our lives have never been the same! He is now 3 yrs old and he is the best dog. Almost every time I am out with him people stop and talk to us about him and comment that they have never seen such a beautiful shepherd.
After a little more than a year with Blitz we decided to get another puppy and we didn’t even consider going anywhere but Kolenda Kennels. This time we put a deposit on the first pick female from a Cay and Lesca litter. We had relocated to Kansas by that time so we were not able to go and see the puppies. Again, John and Susan sent us weekly updates. When it was time for us to bring Riesling home we had to fly her since we lived so far away. John and Susan made all of the arrangements and took her to the airport. Susan was a nervous wreck putting her on the plane because she had gotten so attached! When we introduced Blitz and Riesling they loved each other instantly. She is now 2 years old and they are perfect companions for each other and us!
My husband had never had dogs before and now he can’t imagine life without German Shepherds. These dogs are the most loving lap dogs (yes I said lap dogs) but are also great guard dogs because they are so large and intimidating. They are fine lying around the house and lounging with us yet they are ready to go do anything at a moments notice. We have had no major health problems or aggression problems with either of them. I can’t say enough good things about John and Susan at Kolenda Kennels!
I met the Kolendas five years ago when my fiancé, Ryan, (then boyfriend) was shopping around for a German Shepherd puppy. Ryan visited Kolenda Kennels and knew right away that they were different from other breeders and purchased a puppy from an upcoming litter. When the puppies were born I went with him when he visited the litter. That is when I fell in love.
I was playing with all the puppies and I found a little female that was absolutely perfect! I couldn’t resist taking her home with me and it has been the best decision of my life. I named her Rizzo and she has been the perfect companion and friend.
The puppies, Ivan and Rizzo, have grown up and are both 5 years old now. Ivan (Armani and Una) and Rizzo (Armani and Arkona) are half siblings and are still the best dogs we could imagine having. They are both extremely intelligent and were very easy to train. When family and friends come to visit they always remark on how well behaved the dogs are and wish their dogs were the same. Both of them are perfect security alarms and let us know when someone is coming up the driveway or at the door. We have never had an incident of aggression with either dog and short of someone breaking into our house I know we never will. Each of the dogs has their own personality and they fill our house with energy (them) and laughter (us)!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how absolutely beautiful both dogs are. Ivan has large masculine features and Rizzo is more feminine in face and stature. Every time we take the dogs out in public we have people coming up to us and asking about the dogs and telling us how beautiful they are. We have literally had people pull their cars over and park just to watch the dogs play and to comment on their appearance.
I will forever be thankful to the Kolendas for caring enough about breeding quality German Shepherds to produce such wonderful creatures. Both Ryan and I are involved in Police K9 work and we see a lot of dogs from all over the world. We see dogs from hundreds of different breeders and kennels in the USA and we are absolutely positive that when the time comes we will return to Kolenda Kennels for another puppy.
I have just started investigating bringing a German Sheppard into our home. Temperment is very important to me. I live in Michigan and found a number or breeder websites, but it is very hard to determine what is true and what isn’t. The next step will be to start visting to see for myself. One breeder actually interviews you to determine if your are suitable (I don’t have a problem with that) and they pick the puppy our for you. Is that standard?
I have to say that the Kolenda website is impressive especially the customer references. I’m am very impressed with the comments and good temperment seemed to be a common theme. These are also the most beautiful dogs I have seen.
I am very interested in chatting with anyone that wants to share their experience with Kolenda and their GSD. How’s everything going now? How’s the health of your GSD? Any information, good and bad, would really be appreciated. My e-mail is dennymac99@comcast.net.
Thank You.
Hi Denny,
We are the proud owners of a German Shepherd from Kolenda Kennels! We live in California and had him shipped to us last Aug. He is now 7 months old and the joy of our lives. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t have a comment from someone as to how beautiful he is or what an amazing temperament he has for a puppy. My husband grew up with German Shepherds and said his were never this mellow and good looking. We can personally attest to the fine dogs that are being bred at Kolenda. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our experience in purchasing a dog from them.
I would love to post a picture, but I don’t know how to do it!!
I have put a deposit on a puppy by Cay and Beaury at Kolenda kennels. They have been paired twice before and I would like to hear from someone who may have one of their offspring.
I would also like to know if anyone has a dog from kolenda kennels sired by Irsus and Biggi.
It’s an important decision and I am very excited but looking for reassurance.
I live in Chicago so if anyone from here has got a Puppy from kolenda I would like to hear from them.
Saleem.
I too would like to hear any reply supplied to Saleem. This is a very hard decision.
Thanks.
Denny
Just brought home a Kolenda puppy on Feb 10. We are thrilled with this little guy. We drove from Wisconsin to pick him up and got to see the facility and meet the parents. Very nice set up and very impressive dogs. John and Susan were friendly, informative and really made my daughter and I feel at home. We had no trouble picking out our dog from the litter because Susan sent lots of pictures.
I thought I would update My Kolenda dog post.. we had put her down due to aggression , HOWEVER, I purchased a Female with the two that were our old one’s parents- our new dog Maya has the same but as her grandparents-Zues Vom Godinghofer Weg and Gina Vom Fleischerheim 111, though we have not brought her in to get OFA we have started working her in Sch. and French Ring and she is awsome!!She worked the tug twice , went to puppy sleeve twice, and onto intermediate. She is a great member of our family. I was worried due to our last exsperience, though I am pleasently surprised and thought I should post this also. Thanks for a wonderful member of the family.
We have a wonderful male German Shepard from Kolenda Kennels.He is 10 months old ….His dad is Cay…I believe his mother was Jenny…..He is the joy of our life. His temperment is sweet, but occassionally (not often) I see his protective side come out! But now days that is one of the things that pleases me.
He is fast to learn, easy to control and loves people and dogs. We visit the Dog park at least 3 times a week and He has never been aggressive with the other dogs.
If you would like to meet my dog …..He has his own facebook page.
Search for Jax……and you will see him.
I don’t think I have ever taken him for a walk that someone doesn’t stop me and say…..”what a beautiful dog.”
Thanks Kolenda for breeding such wonderful animals…..
I have a wonderful girl from Kolanda Kennels and could not be happier. I had her flown from michigan to Oregon because I was so impressed with the kennel and the owners.
I am now ready to breed her when she is 2 years old and has her hips certified. I will of curse use one or the studs from kolanda. i can’t find the temperment and quality I want in any other kennel. Gabby is well on her way to becoming an agility queen she loves it. I have a large farm with horses and she is best buds with my mare.
she loves kids and other animals. I had other Sheperds and ended up putting one down due to aggression problems. so I looked long and hard before I choose my next shepaerd.
My dog was sired by Cay and Becka and she is the joy of my life. I got her right after I lost my husband in a tragic accident. Susan was terrific and sent me pictures till it was time to send my girl to me.
I can’t say enough good about Kolanda.
Ann
My family purchased our German Sheperd, Sophie, from you back in 2002
for protection. It was 3 years ago that someone tried to break into our
home and shot her, but she survived! Sophie risked her life protecting
our family! She is a truly amazing dog, and we are so thankful for her.
We also have a home security system installed now. I just wanted to
thank you for breeding such strong, smart dogs. Attached is a photo of
her at our home.
Sincerely,
Stacy Leyder
I bought a male from the Irsus and Biggi Breeding. I have to tell you that I am happier than I expected. This dog is not just a pet but a member of our family. He is perfectly behaved in the house and goes everywhere with us. I liked him so much in fact that we ordered another puppy from Kolenda. This one a female.
I would also like to say something on a personal note. I have never met the Kolenda’s in person but have really enjoyed the helpful way I have been treated by them. I have no complaints at all. I would also like to add that although I realize their puppies are pretty expensive, take in consideration what you are really buying. If you are just wanting a pet to put in a little fence out in the back yard go adopt one from the pound, but if you are truly wanting a dog that is part of the family and a part of your life then the money is not the thing to look at. Ive bought two from them so far and will probably buy a third. I am Happy.
We bought a male from Irsus, and Odetta (I hope I spelled her name correctly)… He is about to turn five months old this Sunday. He is sweet as apple pie, yes, he is a lap dog just like the article said. I couldn’t have asked for a better family member. He is easy to train, and so smart. To those of you who are worried because they are not sure if these reviews are correct I can say 100% that no one forced me to write this, and if I didn’t like my puppy I wouldn’t write it. I take him everywhere I go, and he is happy, and healthy. The kennel facility is beyond awesome, and though the prices are high, I can’t imagine them being lower, do-to the care and what goes into these dogs/litters. When you’re talking about adding a new addition to your family I think it’s best to invest time into research, and what other people have to say, just visiting the kennels themselves is pretty impressive, before making the final decision. A new family member is long term, so research away. For me, I did my research and I’m thrilled I made my choice, and I feel it was worth the extra price. I think you get what you pay for personally and I did over 6 months of research before I settled on this kennel. When I have a question, or just want to call and say hey, all is well, they don’t rush me off the phone, they are interested in the puppy and his progress so you really get the full package, a great puppy and an awesome breeder who cares about your family. We plan to get a female when our male is about 18 months or so, not for breeding because I’d have to keep all the puppies lol. The point is, our female will come from the same kennels, as our experience has been positive and wow, you couldn’t ask for a better looking shepherd, with a better temperament. When people on here are saying that not a day goes by without a compliment, I have to say, the same thing happens to me. I can’t take this puppy anywhere without him turning heads.
I’m happy with my choice and I love my puppy. I’ll check back at about a year and see if this site is still running, to update my post. In the mean time, back to the puppy and the joy he brings to my children and myself… Good luck to everyone else, remember, what you put into your puppy you get back, so have fun…
Hello, We just have had the pleasure to adopt a dog that I believe is from Kolenda Kennels. We have only had him for a day now but can tell he is a great dog and very smart. His name is Von Sieger Vom Kolenda and his parents are Karly Vom Magisterdamm and Cindy Vom Naumburger. Von Sieger is now 4 years old. Does anybody else have a dog from these parents? if so I would love to hear about them!! Thank you!!! Sasha
We purchased a German Shepherd from Kolenda Kennels May of 2009. Cyrus has the most wonderful temperament you can imagine. He is not aggressive nor is he timid. He is rock solid with very loud noises. When he was just a puppy we accidently set off our alarm system and Cyrus was remarkable! He didn’t run and hide. He is one of Rooney and Jenny’s pups. When I met the parents I knew I wanted one of their pups. Rooney was sweet tempered and Jenny carried herself like a queen. Remarkable animals! Cyrus is also one of the most beautiful GSD I have ever seen. Yes, I’m a proud mom!
I cannot help but to inform you of the good news that ILac is VA1 Sieger -in the Philippines for the year 2010 ( sieger show in Manila ) held nov 27/28’2010, he has develop very well and still deep black and red color. You can see photos at facebook vomhausaxel@yahoo.com.
Many are congratulating me but i think,, more than anyone else you have to be congratulated
For breeding such extraordinary dog
Many thanks,
Alex
My husband and I back in 2003 we were looking for breeders of German Shepherd to get one for our son Jake.
It was very important to investigate all breeders and backgrounds of health, temper, blood lines.
We were in contact with Kolenda and had decided through our conversations with them to put a deposit down and just waited for when a litter would be born and looking for a Male.
We went to visit Kolenda in November of 2003 once the litter was born and the puppies were 5 weeks and we were able to visit with the puppies and they were so cute and we were very impressed with the acommodations for the dogs as well.
We brought my son in December just before Christmas he was told we were going to look at the puppies and see if it was a breeder we would want to purchse from but little did he know we were surprising him with a puppy for Christmas and we were taking him home that day.
John and Susan when we got there acted like they never met us before they really played it off, so my son had no clue.
After going and meeting the puppies there was a particular one that just was taken with Jake and like Susan says it is not that you pick the puppy, but the puppy picks you. And that is so true.
Thor “The Hammer” Hermanson he is black/tan and his father is Zeus he is now 7 years old and is the most Loving, Gentle, Loyal companian we could have ever ask for. And we can’t forget our #1 Protector, we always know when someone is around are house.
Thor has made is own running track in our backyard, but also when he visits in the front yard he only runs to where are grass stops he never goes beyond the drive way of our neighbor or never goes beyond the sidewalk. Our neighbors are just fascinated by that.
Also, when I was pregnant I was home and I passed out in our kitchen and I dropped the phone while I was on the phone with my husband and all my husband could hear was Thor barking a very unusual bark and when I woke up Thor was standing over me barking. He is truly an angel.
He loves Jake to death, he follows him all over the house even now. They definitely are Best Friends.
I would recommend Kolenda and their German Shepherds, absolutely the BEST!
To whom it may concern,
I have been involved with German Shepherds for over 35 years and have been to
Sieger Shows in the United States many times and have even been to the German Sieger Show also known as the World Championship on two occasions.
There are rules for giving out a VA Title. It has to be at the annual Sieger Show in that Country. The Quality of the dogs would have to be at such a level that the German SV Judge would give out VA’s or there would be NO VA’s. The number of VA’s given are done on a percentage of entries in the Class. The total Class would have to be at a level of excellence to even consider a VA. The Sieger Show in the Philippines draws dogs from the southern Pacific area such as China, Japan, Australia, and Germany. A VA1 is the highest award that a dog and Kennel can be awarded from the German SV.
The Germans understand that when a dog is given VA1 it will influence the breed in that area for years to come, therefore they are very careful when giving them out. So for Kolenda Kennels and VA1 Ilac vom Kolenda to reach this level it would make Kolenda Kennels and Ilac vom Kolenda instrumental in the improvement and development of the breed.
So, Congratulations VA1 Ilac vom Kolenda and Kolenda Kennels!!
Blair- Colorado