About Us
Madeo Built is a purpose-driven working dog operation specialising in the breeding of elite working-line German Shepherds as well as the development/training of both German Shepherds and Malinois dogs. Based near Geelong on a picturesque 200-acre property, our dogs are raised and developed in an environment that supports strong nerves, athleticism, and real-world capability.
Our focus is on producing dogs suited to the demands of the modern working climate. Through careful genetic selection, international imports, and proven working bloodlines, we breed dogs with the drive, stability, and clarity required for today’s police, military, and corrections roles—while also meeting the expectations of discerning working dog enthusiasts.
In addition to breeding, Madeo Built provides trained adult dogs prepared for operational deployment. Each dog is selected and developed with purpose, ensuring suitability for service work where reliability, resilience, and performance are non-negotiable.
At Madeo Built, we are committed to preserving and advancing true working ability. Every decision we make from bloodline selection to development is driven by our goal of producing dogs that are built to work.
Kennel Philosophy
We carefully select each breeding pair through a comprehensive assessment of both pedigrees, individual health data, temperament, working ability, and the complementary strengths and characteristics of the sire and dam. Our goal is to produce puppies with the genetic foundation, stable temperament, and working ability required to excel in demanding service, sport, and working roles. We place strong emphasis on maintaining genetic diversity while also recognising the value of carefully planned line-breeding when it supports our long-term breeding objectives.
Our litters are raised using Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) protocols during critical developmental periods. As the puppies mature, they are progressively exposed to a broad range of environmental stimuli and experiences, including gunfire, elevated surfaces, unstable footing, machinery, novel objects, and varied environments. These carefully structured exposures are designed to develop confidence, resilience, adaptability, and environmental stability.
Once developmentally appropriate, puppies begin earning their daily food through age-appropriate problem-solving exercises and environmental challenges. At the same time, they are introduced to marker training using a clicker, establishing the foundations for clear communication and future training. Puppies are also introduced to individual crating and regular vehicle travel throughout their first eight weeks, helping them develop confidence with confinement, transportation, and the transitions they will experience in their future homes.
Prior to leaving us, all puppies are registered with Dogs Victoria, DNA tested, vaccinated, microchipped, appropriately wormed, and undergo a comprehensive veterinary health examination. Each puppy leaves with a Veterinary Health Check Certificate, an Agreement of Sale, and, where required, a fit-to-fly certificate.
We utilise contemporary health-testing protocols to make informed breeding decisions and reduce the risk of inherited disease. Through genetic screening with Orivet and Embark, our breeding dogs are tested for a range of hereditary conditions, including Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and other relevant breed-specific disorders. Breeding dogs are also assessed through established hip and elbow scoring programs, with shoulder and spinal radiographs increasingly incorporated into our broader health assessment protocols.
Our breeding program is founded on a commitment to health, temperament, genetic responsibility, and working ability. By combining thoughtful breeding decisions with structured early development and comprehensive health screening, we aim to produce German Shepherds capable of excelling in government service, professional working roles and competitive sport.