Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — Attraction in Area C (Long Beach)

My wife and I began our search for a new GSD following the passing of ours several months back. The loss of this last shepherd (it was our second) was especially painful as the dog was a true family member to us.

In the course of our extensive research to find that special dog, we spent literally weeks on the internet studying dog bloodlines and titles, calling many breeders nationwide, and even driving significant distances in our state (Texas) to visit numerous kennels where we viewed many litters and pups for sale. Backyard breeders were excluded from our consideration. While there were definitely some good kennels out there, they often felt like dog-manufacturing plants and not the unique quality we were looking for. Our search finally ended when we came across Vom Ragnar kennels.

The experience we had with Von Ragnar was much different than the other breeders we had talked to or met. The best way to describe them is as a high-end boutique breeder, very specialized, and the bloodlines were not the same ten dogs that seemed to permeate the dogs of all the other breeders. There’s a saying that one pays for a good breeder not just a good dog, and indeed here this was the case.

Vom Ragnar is owned and run by Natalya Babenko and her husband Jey. From the start, Natalya proved to have substantial expertise in breeding and a passion for working with and showing her dogs (both nationally and internationally). It would not be an exaggeration to call her a perfectionist—and was evident from both discussions with her, and seeing her new state-of-the-art kennel. Her breeding dogs are of the finest quality; once you meet Natalya it’s apparent that there is no way she would settle for less. In dealing with her/Vom Ragnar, everything from start to finish was done honestly and with integrity. Yes, Vom Ragnar is more expensive than the typical “good” kennel (not over-the-top more), and to us, the extra expense for acquiring a dog of the quality they were offering was well worth it.

The dog we chose was a red-sable male; they had two available, made videos of both, and Natalya helped us make a final choice within a week. After purchasing the pup (you must do so when locking in your choice), Jey made a second video to show the pup playing and update his looks and progress. We set a date for pick-up right after the puppy turned 8 weeks, flew from Houston to Chicago, and drove up to the kennel to pick up the dog. Everything in the final pick-up and transaction was very friendly and all went smoothly. The dog was up-to-date on the necessary shots and was microchipped prior to our departure.

As of this writing, we have owned the puppy for 5 days. We had it checked with our vet who found the dog fully healthy. The puppy was all “go” from the time we got him home, displays significant confidence, and while calm to loud noises (like thunder), has a very high energy level and is very outgoing. He is not timid or shy in any respect. The puppy shows us a ton of affection, displays high intelligence, and has a real interest in learning. To be clear, he’s not an “angel” and will definitely take some real effort to train properly, but that is exactly how good GSDs are. Our overall feeling is this dog is of exceptional quality, and going through the effort to fly 1,000 miles to buy one from Vom Ragnar was well worth the time and money. If we were going to buy another (and we may get a female in a few years) we would absolutely buy another from them again without hesitation or reservation. Getting an extra-special pet to fill the paws of our last GSD meant so much to us, and Vom Ragnar really came through. We are very grateful to have chosen them as the breeder of our new dog!

Drs. Irwin & Sujin...

Update two years later. 5 star on the day of purchase to 1 now.

First, let me say I love my dog and despite all the troubles wouldn’t change a thing. But I spent top dollar to get the best generics and it simply hasn’t been the case.

I’m writing this at 2 am because I just woke up to her diarrhea poop on the floor. She gets sick so easily and often that this is like a monthly thing.

It doesn’t happen as often now but we’ve had to go to the vet so many times throughout the last two years. Her immune system is really weak or something. I’ve never had a dog become sick as often as she does. And it was way more frequent and worse when she was a puppy.

Also there’s some behavioral issues we’re working on. As she got older, she became more anxious about everything. Especially other dogs. She’s gotten a lot better but the smallest thing used to set her off.

Not only that, one of her ears didn’t go up so people ask all the time what breed she is.

Again, I love my dog and wouldn’t change it for the world. But it’s frustrating knowing I paid top dollar for what I thought was the best genetics and instead facing so many problems.

Honestly reading the owners reply to the person who lost their 2 year old dog from here is sickening. So cold and zero sympathy in the response. I pray to God that my Chance, also a two year old GSD from here lives a long time despite these issues. I would be so heart broken if she died from cancer at two years old. To blame the owner for cancer in a two year old dog is ridiculous!

Update: just look at the cold reply by the owner. Blame blame blame. I have experiences with dogs and she’s living a great life. Multiple walks a day, training and acre of fenced in land. She’s a great dog. One of the smartest dogs Ive raised. To say I ruined my dog. lol. How is it that she’s the only dog that gets sick so frequently when the other dogs don’t? She’s fully vaccinated. And just to repeat, I have a great dog. And I also have many pictures of her as a puppy going on great adventures and a lot of socialization. I have proof of her attending puppy socialization classes, play dates, and her monthly grooming session since a puppy. The issues are genetic. Honestly pathetic. What would reaching out to this women with absolutely no heart do compared to working with my local vet? She’s an “expert” that knows it all despite having barely known the puppy for 8 weeks out the many litters she was part of. Buyer beware. Zero sympathy. All of her dogs are 100% perfect. And if the dog gets cancer at 2 years old, remember it’ll be your fault! Hahaha

Please note, I don’t want anything from this breeder. No compensation, slander or anything like that. I just want to give buyers a warning. Spending almost $5000 doesn’t guarantee strong genes even if they adhere to good breeding standards. Life happens. Just like how healthy human adults can give birth to a baby with genetic defects. I do find it despicable how heartless these people are however. A...

My wife and I were raised with dogs growing up and owned our own dogs together for the 15+ years we've been married. About 1.5 years ago we had to put our two lab mixes down due to old age/health. Recently we felt compelled to add another K9 companion back into our family. At the same time, we have two young kids so for us a puppy was not something we were considering and we were actively seeking a purebred adolescent german shepherd dog. We found Vom Ragnar and were immediately impressed by the fact that the owners were veterinarians, how much time and effort they invested into properly breeding, socializing, and showing their dogs. I contacted Natalya and explained that we were looking for an adolescent female german shepherd that would be a good family companion dog, and that we had 2 young kids at home. She immediately recommended Aisha (pronounced "I-sha") based on her calm, positive, and affectionate demeanor. We took the trip to meet Aisha and were immediately impressed with not only her physical beauty and conformance to breed standard, but more importantly her sound mind and temperament. She immediately connected with our soon-to-be 4 year old, and we decided to add Aisha to our family that same day. Since then (about 2 months ago), Aisha has been a wonderful addition to our family. She is very intelligent, but more importantly she is amazingly clear in the head and has an amazingly sound temperament. She continues to be great with kids and everyone we invite to our home. Our vet even complimented her when we brought her in for her first wellness check stating that most dogs that come to them are very nervous and skiddish, but Aisha simply followed her in and everywhere they walked in the clinic with a calm confidence (due to COVID we had to hand her over in the parking lot, so she was without us the entire time too). Given our experience I would absolutely recommend Vom Ragnar if you're looking for quality bred and raised german shepherd dogs. You need to explain what you're looking for in a dog, and I'm confident they will match you up with what you're looking for. I will not hesitate to go to Vom Ragnar in the future when we decide to add another german shepherd...