Meet the Breeder

Hello, everyone! My name is Hannah Condray, and I am the breeder behind Backwoods Kennels.

Dogs and breeding have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was raised in a family that bred and worked with dogs long before I came along. My dad raised Beagles, while my grandparents raised Labradors and Coonhounds. Growing up surrounded by dogs and puppies, breeding always felt like such a natural and meaningful part of my life. I loved spending time with the puppies my family raised, learning from the adults, and, as I got older, even had the opportunity to trial alongside my dad.

Then, in 2013, my own journey with German Shepherds began when I brought home my very first Shepherd, Niko.

Niko came into my life during one of the most difficult times I had ever experienced. At just 17 years old, I was diagnosed with cancer, and during a time when I felt like so much of my world had been turned upside down, Niko brought something back into my life that I desperately needed—joy. He was more than just my first German Shepherd; he was my companion, my source of comfort, and a constant reminder that there could still be good days ahead when I felt like all hope was gone.

Sadly, at only eight years old, Niko lost his battle with cancer, and losing him completely shattered my heart. His time with me was far too short, but the impact he had on my life was something I could never lose.

Although Niko and my story eventually came to an end, my love for the German Shepherd breed only continued to grow. The bond I shared with him was what ultimately inspired me to begin my own breeding program. I wanted to continue the qualities I had come to love so deeply in the breed while dedicating myself to producing healthy, stable, capable, and well-rounded German Shepherds.

In 2018, I produced my very first litter of German Shepherd puppies, and I have continued raising approximately one litter per year since then. What started with one special dog has grown into a passion, a program, and a community of incredible families who have trusted me with adding one of my puppies to their lives.

Now, in 2026, I am incredibly excited to begin a new chapter for Backwoods Kennels as we introduce a second breed to our program—the Dalmatian!

Expanding into a new breed is something I have put a great deal of thought into, and I am excited to bring the same dedication, passion, and commitment to responsible breeding into developing our Dalmatian program. At the same time, we are also working toward building a new kennel, making this an especially exciting time for Backwoods Kennels.

I truly cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. There is so much to look forward to as we continue growing, learning, and building something that I hope will make both my family and the dogs behind it proud.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has supported me and Backwoods Kennels throughout the years. To all of my amazing puppy families, thank you for trusting me, supporting my program, and allowing me to continue being a part of your dogs' lives even after they leave my home. It has been an absolute honor getting to know each and every one of you.

None of this would be possible without the incredible people and dogs who have been part of this journey. I am so grateful for where we have been, excited for where we are going, and incredibly thankful that I get to continue doing what I love.

Here's to the next chapter of Backwoods Kennels! 🖤🐾