So, where is the best place to get a German Shepherd? A farm that raises even-tempered, health-screened German Shepherds? That's where my German Shepherd puppyfrom about 12 years ago came from.
Personally I use the same basic criteria for finding a GSD as I do for finding any breed. I first look for the style I like (most breeds come in "show" lines and "working" lines, which can be vastly different in looks, attitude, intelligence and instinct). Then I look for a breeder that produces what I like. I want a breeder who proves their dogs by showing/working in the venues I prefer (when it comes to the GSD, I want to know that the parents of my dog have the instinct, intelligence and athletic ability to be working dogs). I want a breeder who health tests their dogs. I want a breeder who does limited breeding, not kicking out multitudes of puppies for whatever lousy reason they choose. I want a breeder who is NOT in it primarily for the money (these last two completely disqualify leerburg kennels, of course). I want a breeder whose dogs whelp in the home and the puppies are raised within the home, being exposed to the hustle and bustle of a household - including children and various noises. I want a breeder who starts socialization at a young age and who knows the value of good socialization (also disqualifies leerburg).
It's difficult here in Alaska to get my kind of shepherd because nearly all the breeders are breeding for AKC conformation shows. I don't like those lines. While I value proper angulation, over-angulation is a huge fault to me. And shepherds aren't supposed to have long necks and soft teddy-bear coats and thick tails. Not all American lines are like that, of course- my Trick is half German, half American (working) lines and she's been the most fantastic dog.
People tend to think of hip dysplasia with the German shepherds, but much of what is assumed to be hip dysplasia is degenerative myelopathy or other problems. My Mom's dog has cauda equina, but to look at him (he's 11 1/2) you would assume he has hip dysplasia. His hips looked great under x-ray, however. My first full shepherd (born 1988) had degenerative myelopathy and I had him put down at 11 1/2 when he could no longer control his bowel movements. But Trick turned ten last May and - while showing some age - is still active and runs and jumps like crazy.
Anyway .. as far as finding a breeder .. you research and research and ask for references and check out information given you by breeders and then you make your decision. It doesn't matter what breed. You never buy online without really delving deeply into what you're getting and who you're buying from. On the surface so many can look good .. I got a beautiful German/Belgian lines GSD whose grandfather was 15X a Schutzhund III .. and she was a neurotic mess, most likely from lack of early socialization. Trick was purchased from a breeder in NJ (I'm in Alaska) and has been the perfect GSD for me. Two of my chows came from out of state - the last one from Ontario, Canada. Both are great dogs.
It looks like I have a puppy coming in January .. another GSD ..
She's German lines, all schutzhund background, going to be a handful but I have a pack of girls here who need a challenge! *LOL*
Melanie and the gang in Alaska