---
title: Boarding a German Shepherd | Happy Paws Kennels
url: https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/german-shepherd/
business: Happy Paws Kennels
address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620
phone: 707-678-6600
hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM
type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971
rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night)
---

- [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/)
- [Breed guides](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/)
- German Shepherd

# Boarding a German Shepherd

A German Shepherd usually fits a Business Class kennel, 5 x 6 ft inside, at $59 a night on the 2026 rates.

[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600)

[Usually fits a Business Class kennel $59 a night · 5 x 6 ft inside](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/business-class-kennel/)

- **Weight (AKC):** 50 to 90 lb

- **Kennel:** Business Class, 5 x 6 ft

- **Per night:** $59

- **Bath (2024 chart):** $50 to $55

A German Shepherd is a large dog, 50 to 90 pounds by the AKC breed page, with a medium-length double coat, so one fits a Business Class kennel (5x6 ft, $59 a night on the 2026 rates). The 2024 bath chart lists Shepherd as its example for the Medium column: $50 at 51 to 75 pounds, $55 at 76 to 100.

Shepherds are workers first. A stay goes best when the dog has space to move, a calm routine, and staff who respect that it may take a day to settle.

## Males, females and the right run

AKC gives males 24 to 26 inches and 65 to 90 pounds, females 22 to 24 inches and 50 to 70 pounds. One Shepherd of either sex is comfortable in Business Class. A big male who likes elbow room, or two Shepherds from one home, belong in First Class at $72 for the first and $61 for the second.

## The bath chart

The chart's own how-to names the Shepherd as its Medium coat example. A female at 51 to 75 pounds is $50 on the 2024 chart; a male over 75 is $55. AKC rates shedding at 4 of 5, so the staff will not be surprised when a brush-out sends fur flying. Please ask to confirm the price.

## Energy and attention

AKC gives the Shepherd the top energy score, 5 of 5, and describes high intelligence and a steady, loyal character. In a kennel that means a dog who watches everything. The doggie door lets yours move between a quiet inside and an outside area with a view of the neighbors. Walks and play time are part of the day.

## Heat and joints

Summers near Dixon bring about 100 days of 90 degrees or more by NOAA normals. A double coat does not mean a Shepherd wants to be in the sun at 3 PM; the air-conditioned side is there for that. If your dog takes a joint supplement or medication, the staff give medications at no extra charge. Write the dose and times on the form.

## First day and the intro tour

A Shepherd that has never boarded does best if you walk the property first. Tours run every day, 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM, with no appointment, and a staff member walks with you past the runs and play areas. Seeing the doggie doors, the Kuranda beds and the grass field takes the guesswork out of picking Business Class or First Class.

## Food, medication and records

House food is a free grain-free kibble with wet food, and your own food is welcome in its original bag with the cups written down. Medications are given at no extra charge. Records for rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella must stay good through the last day, and flea prevention is recommended. Shepherds are often arriving from a working or training routine, so write down any commands or cues your dog responds to; staff can use the same words.

### Sources (checked October 19, 2026)

- [American Kennel Club - German Shepherd breed page](https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd/)
- [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf)
- [Happy Paws Kennels bathing rates effective January 1, 2024](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/)
- [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/)

### 2026 nightly rates

- First Class kennel $72
- Business Class kennel $59
- Economy Class kennel $52
- Cat condo $35

All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026.

[All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/)

### Visit or call

6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620

[707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600)

| Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM |
| --- | --- |
| Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM |

[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)

### Related

- [Boarding large dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/large-dogs/)
- [Business Class kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/business-class-kennel/)
- [First Class kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/first-class-kennel/)
- [Boarding double-coated dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/double-coated-dogs/)
- [Boarding working & sporting dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/working-and-sporting-dogs/)

## Which kennel class fits?

How many dogs?

Biggest dog

They will share one kennel Pick how many dogs and the biggest one's size.

A guide from the sizes on our facility page. The staff confirm the right kennel when you book.

## Bath price finder

Your dog's weight

Coat

Pick a weight and coat.

From the bath chart effective January 1, 2024. The 2026 sheet prices baths on request, so please ask to confirm. Baths are for overnight boarders.

## Read next

- [Poodle](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/poodle/)
- [Dachshund](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/dachshund/)
- [Bulldog](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/bulldog/)
- [Beagle](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/beagle/)
- [Rottweiler](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/rottweiler/)
- [German Shorthaired Pointer](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/)
- [Yorkshire Terrier](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/yorkshire-terrier/)
- [Pembroke Welsh Corgi](https://happypawskennels.com/breeds/pembroke-welsh-corgi/)

Answers

## Questions people ask

Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/).

### Will my Shepherd bark at other dogs?

Dogs see neighbors through the fence but have their own space. Most settle after the first day.

### Does a Shepherd need First Class?

Not for one dog. Business Class fits most; a very large male or two dogs fit First Class.

### Do you take intact Shepherds?

Yes, all breeds, neutered or intact.