“A farmer’s helper, a loyal companion, a child’s shadow: The English Shepherd.”

Adorable, fuzzy, loving pups are on their way!

…The English Shepherd…

Fifteen years ago, I didn’t even know English Shepherds existed. Sure, I’d heard of the crazy-active, never-sit-still border collie, and the sometimes temperamental australian shepherds, but English Shepherd’s? Nope.

My husband offered some insight as he had grown up with several English Shepherds. When we were on the hunt for our first puppy 13 years ago, he assured me of a, “devoted, family loving, energetic yet sit at your feet type of dog.”

So along came Pepper. A black and white bundle of fur. And you know what? He was right.

We enjoyed years of fun with her. She was our constant companion and fearless protector. She was by our side in the yard or at the foot of our bed. She’d look soulfully into our eyes, seemingly always to understand our words. Fast forward four years and our first child arrived. We were hesitant on Pepper’s reaction as we had been solo with her for so long. She was amazing and my love for the breed grew.

I was sold on English Shepherds.

Fast-forward in warp speed 5 years and other child and move later,  Honey B came along.

She’s more cautious in nature. Loves to feel the breeze in her fur and keep a watchful eye on the pasture and sky. She’s wary of strangers, but calms immediately from a reassuring voice. She’s tall and sleek. Her daddy was the largest English Shepherd my husband had ever seen. A beautiful black and white, with speckles across his feet and nose. He carried an air of dignity, fearlessness and devotion- all traits his daughter, Honey now processes .

And then came Tug.

His namesake perhaps gives him away.  It became apparent after a week of namelessness  and tugging a heavy blanket halfway into his crate, that he would be- Tug.

Oh, but he tugs at our heartstrings as well. I have never known a more loving dog. He would give up shade, food, running wild, to sit at your feet (or perhaps ON your feet!) Tongue lolling out, lips curled into a smile, contentedly gazing up at your face, he could have easily been named Happy. He’s the most joyful dog I’ve known.

Shorter and squarer in stature, longer haircoat, and a tail that never stops wagging.

If you’d like more information on a puppy or available puppies, please contact us here

Want to learn MORE about the English Shepherd? Read on below…. (excerpted from http://www.englishshepherd.org)

English Shepherds are working dogs, valued for their versatility, loyalty, and intelligence. They make wonderful companions and working partners in homes where their intelligence, spirit, and devotion are understood and appreciated.

English Shepherds are descendants of the Shepherds’ dogs of England and southern Scotland. This group also gave rise to modern “show” Collies and Border Collies. English Shepherds differ from their cousins in having been bred primarily for an upright, loose-eyed herding style, and by the continuous selection for all-around ability. These abilities include not only herding but also guarding and hunting. The surge in popularity of dog shows and sheepdog trials in the 20th century resulted in increased demand for the Collie types which these venues were designed to showcase. English Shepherds have never been primarily show dogs or trial dogs, but rather practical versatile workers for farmers who were interested in function rather than flash.

“There are several other types of Collie quite distinct from the Border Collie in that they are “loose-eyed” workers… They were easy-going, level-headed dogs, useful but not flashy workers … For all around farm work they were often far more use than the classically bred (trials type) dog.”                -John Holmes, in The Farmer’s Dog

The English Shepherd is a dog of medium size, presenting a picture of sturdy balance and harmonious proportions. He is alert and his face shows a high degree of intelligence. Since working and tending livestock are the primary functions of the English Shepherd, his physical make-up should be such as will enable him to fulfill those duties with maximum efficiency. Evaluation of type must be subordinated to evaluation of soundness, character, and ability when determining the value of an English shepherd.

The seamless combination of independent working ability and a desire to work in partnership with his master is a hallmark of the English shepherd. His natural instincts enable him to carry out his work with a minimum of direction; his confidence, purposefulness, and a deep commitment to rules compels him to maintain order in his environment even in his master’s absence. At the same time, he is intensely loyal to and ever aware of his master and possesses a willingness to obey.

The English shepherd is not obsessive about herding and is capable of resting quietly at his master’s feet when there is no work required. He can be trusted to not bother livestock and does not require kenneling when chores are done. Indeed, the English shepherd frequently develops a bond with, and displays a nurturing attitude toward, his owner’s livestock and will keep them in their place while guarding against unwanted predators and pests.

The English shepherd is agile and quick, sturdy and muscular, with the stamina and grit to cover many miles over all types of terrain. He has keen senses, and can trail lost or injured animals. Calm in disposition, the English shepherd will withstand the pressure of long hours of demanding work.

Physical Characteristics:
HEAD – Medium length with moderately defined stop. Broad and slightly rounded between the ears. Distance from tip of nose to stop roughly equal to the distance between stop and occiput and to width across top of skull between bases of ears.

Teeth full dentition with scissor bite. Note: no penalty for teeth broken or missing due to trauma.

Muzzle moderately broad, neither pugged nor pointy. Flews straight with no sloppy droop.

Nose fully-pigmented, generally solid black; “clear” sable dogs may have brown nose.

Eyes brown and moderately round with a slightly oblique set. Eyes should express character with a strong, intelligent look.

Ears typically wide apart, stand slightly outward at the base with a sharp bend and lie close to the head when relaxed, raised up slightly when alert. Variation in ear set is common and of trivial significance.

NECK – Strong and arched.

BODY – Back strong and level, loins strong and deep with slight muscular arch. Shoulders well laid back. Ribs well sprung and chest extending down in depth approximately to elbows. Body slightly longer than tall. Chest moderately broad.

LEGS – Forelegs straight when viewed from front. Pasterns are short, thick and strong, but still flexible, showing a slight angle when viewed from the side. Back legs well boned and muscled, placed well apart, with moderate angulation. Feet oval and compact, toes together and well arched, well padded and tough. Rear dewclaws common but may be removed.

TAIL – Moderately long with sweep toward end. Carriage may vary, but preferably held low when standing relaxed. Natural bobtails are acceptable. Bobtails may be up to eight inches long. .

GAIT – Viewed from the front at a fast trot, the front feet track close together but do not cross over. The gait should give the impression of ability to change direction instantaneously. The dog moves ahead in a straight line with effortless motion and without a rolling gait. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs are straight and converge as pace increases so as to take the weight under the center of gravity. The gait is smooth without choppiness.

COAT – Medium length and texture, straight, wavy or curly, weather and dirt-resistant, with an undercoat that sheds seasonally. Hair is short and smooth on the head, outside of ears, front of forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of forelegs are moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full; tail is plume-like. Excessively heavy manes and heavy frills on underside of neck and on breast are not desirable. A correct English Shepherd coat should require minimal grooming.

COLOR – The four predominant color patterns are: black and tan, tricolor (black, tan, and white), black and white, and sable and white.
A sable dog may have black-tipped hairs, or may have a solid black saddle pattern, or may be “clear” — without black pigment in the coat. Sable may appear as shades of brown from a pale honey-gold color through a deep mahogany.

White markings are typically distributed in an “Irish” pattern, with or without a white collar.
A black mask is acceptable in any of the color patterns.
In none of the color patterns is white permitted to be unbalanced to a degree of being splotchy-looking or of covering more than 30% of the body. Solid white coats or piebald markings are not desirable. Merles do not appear in the English shepherd.

SIZE – Range:
height: 18 – 24″, preference for 19 – 22″;
weight: 35 – 65#, lean and fit condition
males larger than females
Sturdy balance and harmonious proportions are more critical than absolute size.