Photo: Gavin Ah Now, Kennel: van de Herdersfarm Home

www.vonderkrieger-platz.co.za
Sven van Straaten: +27 82 7729751
sven@vonderkrieger-platz.co.za

Last updated: May 2012

Olf and His Progeny

Our History

We are a small kennel, situated in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Our aim is to have one or two quality litters a year, with our own females. However, our males are at stud to other kennels.

We are registered members (#F6148) of the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa, which is affiliated to the German Federation (SV) in Germany.

This membership means that our dogs have to meet the criteria specified by the breed's managing bodies. For more information about the German Shepherd breed go to the SA Federation website, or that of the SV.

My affinity with German Shepherd dogs started in 1981, when I was fortunate enough to be given a beautiful male called Klaus. Klaus was huge by today's standards, and stood at probably 70cm, weighing about 45kg. A real man's dog, who never left my side. It was this loyalty that led to my understanding the traits of the breed. Because I was living on a smallholding, protection was very important. Klaus provided the security, and more, that one would expect from a German Shepherd. He was gentle with children and grown-ups, yet he had high drive when on guard.

Since then, I've had some wonderful Shepherds, who have left an indelible mark in my life. Our German Shepherds have influenced many of our friends in their choice of breed, to the extent that I am known for my saying: "Once you own a Shepherd, you won't own another breed."