Breeding the Best Quality German Shepherds in Ghana

Remo is a Long Coat German Shepherd Puppy bred by Lion Kennel. Adjudged winner of the Best German Shepherd Long Coat Puppy Class at ACDS 2024, his journey as a top dog has just begun. Let’s walk into the journey of Remo Vom Lion Kennel’s rise into stardom and dominance.

August 31st, 2024, saw the finest of Ghana and West African dogs descend on Accra. The event was the August Classic Dog Show 2024, a competitive event for dogs bred in Ghana, with other categories open to West Africa. As anticipated, a massive turnout of our favourite breeds converged. However, while all the dogs were terrific in physique and functionality based on assessments, only one could win in each category of the competition. And Remo Vom Lion Kennel stood out.

About Remo Vom Lion Kennel

At the time of the August Classic Dog Show in 2024, Remo Vom Lion Kennel entered the show at 8-months-old. He entered the competition with Lion Kennel as the breeder and Nabil Khaddouj as the owner. This relationship stems from an agreement at the point of adoption.

According to Lion Kennel’s owner, Samir Msaileb, Remo was a personal favourite from a litter of five, three males and two females. Remo’s father is Logan, a Ghana Champion, and Dorsi, a Champion GSD from Poland.

Due to the exceptional qualities of Remo Vom Lion Kennel as a puppy, Samir had to strike a deal with him to safeguard the other intentions he had for Remo. The two GSD aficionados agreed to a rigorous training regime, entry into dog shows, and the use of him as a stud for one of the super females at Lion Kennel. Hands shook, and the journey to a show dog started for this amazing young German Shepherd Dog.

Remo Vom Lion Kennel attended Liebe K9 Training School when he was four months old. He learned to stack and gait for future shows. A very adaptive puppy, Remo excelled in all his training disciplines.

Preparing Remo Vom Lion Kennel for the ACDS 2024

Remo has already been integrated for assertiveness through socialization with strangers, kids, and dogs. His obedience and personal guard instincts were also factored into the training regime. However, he needed a little more remedial training to participate in ACDS 2024, as expected from the show.

The demands of dog shows include the various inputs factored into the assessment to determine a top dog at a show.

In 2020, Lion Kennel’s youngest handler, Kamar Katerji, won the Best Handler award from the Kennel Union of Ghana (KUG). Lion Kennel usually organizes several training sessions to prepare handlers for a Dog Show. However, with Remo, his trainers were allowed to bring to the fore their exceptional skills in handling at shows. The results culminated in Remo topping his group and class: Best German Shepherd Long Coat Puppy Class.

Remo Vom Lion Kennel was also adjudged the Best Locally Born and Bred Puppy amongst the several entries. With several congratulatory messages from other breeders and Kennels, Remo Vom Lion Kennel is poised to contend for future titles and, eventually, a Grand Champion. Remo is currently on a path to entering Kennel’s future breeding plan; he will be prepared to mate with Ebony and Aszera’s daughter.

“I was on the showground watching his movements with joy, and I was sure he is a winner; Remo will be a Grand Champion One day,” said Samir Msaileb (Owner of Lion Kennel).

The triumph of Remo Vom Lion Kennel is a testament to the quality of German shepherds bred at Lion Kennel right here in Ghana.

Venturing into Breeding in Ghana – the Samir Msaileb story

Lion Kennel is owned by Samir Msaileb, an electrical engineer and contractor of Lebanese extraction resident in Ghana. He moved to Ghana in 2012. Starting as a dog lover, Samir’s decision to consider breeding for functionality came from acquiring a self-compound house in Ghana, unlike an apartment back in Lebanon.

Between 2012 and 2016, he kept several dog breeds in his home. However, when the thought of a business emerged, he registered his business name as Lion Kennel. Eventually, he joined the German SHephered Club of Ghana (GSDCG), RCG, and KUG to learn more and interact with other expert breeders.

In 2018, Mazen Katerji joined Lion Kennel as a partner; the two dog enthusiasts set out on a path to improve and offer quality dogs to the general public. Mazen is currently the president of GSDCG.

The Choice of Breed to Prioritise at Lion Kennel

Even though Samir had Shih Tzu, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, his love for the GSD was easy to note. Thus, he planned to prioritize the improvement of German Shepherd Dogs. The decision was beyond love; it included a desire to breed worldwide acceptable traits such as the most multi-functional and intelligent dog, good with family and kids. Thus, it’s a perfect fit that can be trained to meet the different demands of owners.  

The Kennel officially took off in 2016 with imported dogs from different countries in Europe. The purchases were to ensure Lion Kennel had the best quality to start with. At the time, many people assumed every dog with pointed ears could be called a German Shepherd; he thus wanted to bring the quality known and accepted as GSD to the public.

With a 100% pure breed stock, the journey of Lion Kennel to becoming a leading Kennel in Ghana commenced. Also, he didn’t just get pure breeds; he acquired dogs with desirable behavioral traits.

Through the Years, Lion Kennel has won many titles and awards.

Brimming in confidence, Mr Samir said,

“From 2016 up to 2024, we are still the best of breed (German Shepherd Long Coat) in every show. All our dogs have been assessed by many international judges, with excellent rates for most of them. We have Grand Champions, Champions, and Junior Champions as well.”

Buying a Puppy from Lion Kennel

Many desire a top-notch quality dog. However, the rise of puppy mills continues to affect the efforts of breeders who prioritize quality. However, there is a surge in knowledge on what constitutes quality, and dog lovers are beginning to see the need to get it right from the start.

If you are looking for a quality German Shepherd Dog in Ghana, Lion Kennel is the place to go. You are assured top-notch quality that can be moulded into the dog you desire. Despite the desire to offer more puppies to the public, Lion Kennel prioritizes the well-being of all purchased dogs. Thus, all potential dog owners who come to Lion Kennel are assessed and taught the needs of the puppy. They are taken through the basics of caring for dogs, including daily walks and exercise, as well as vet visits.

Lion Kennel is a phone call and WhatsApp away via +233547242424. They are located at Dworwulu in Accra, Ghana. You can also find them on social media by searching Lion Kennel.

In a conversation with Samir, he made three profound statements about breeding and participating in dog shows.

“Showing dogs is a sport and a mirror for the breeder workout. Breed for yourself first, not to sell puppies only.”

“Breeding dogs shouldn’t be a pure business as what we are facing now. Breed to improve and produce better quality; show your work through shows and exhibitions.”

“Breeding and showing dogs is our favorite sport at Lion Kennel. We meet all our friends, we meet more dogs from different breeds, and we discuss dogs, health, and breeding standards.”

Remo Vom Lion Kennel’s journey is just starting. He met his brother and father at ACDS 2024, and the reunion was heart-warming and telling of the true nature of well-bred dogs.

Samir Msaileb is currently the Kennel Union of Ghana (KUG) and German Shepherd Club of Ghana (GSDCG) stud bookkeeper, as well as the Rottweiler Club of Ghana (RCG) financial secretary.