English Shepherds are descendants of the original Shepherds'
dogs of Scotland and North England. 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. Responsible breeders and associations
focus on health, temperament and working ability and not just a pretty
face, although these are beautiful animals.
English Shepherds are...
English Shepherds have been bred for generations as all-purpose, working farm
dogs. Their responsibilities have ranged from herding and protecting stock, to
dispatching vermin, guarding the home, and watching over children. The unique
ability to handle all types of livestock and a variety of tasks is the defining
feature of this breed. They can also excel in agility, fly-ball, trial, Search
and Rescue, therapy and as family companions.
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 English Shepherd typically works stock in an upright, loose-eyed manner
rather than crouching and showing strong eye. He is generally a natural low
heeler and will gather or drive as is needed. He will be forceful if necessary,
but not be too rough, discerning the amount of force needed and handling stock
accordingly.
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. There are some
things particular to their characteristics to consider before deciding to bring
an English Shepherd into your home.
* Intelligent ~ "Intelligence can lead to trouble. Your dog will quickly learn
exactly when and where rules apply in your home. In
addition, your ES will diligently test precisely what the boundaries are to
these so-called "rules.”You must be willing
to respond quickly and clearly. Even better, be proactive. Intelligence can be
dangerous when combined with boredom, but it is an important part of the design
in this all-around working farm dog."
* Territorial ~ "You may find meter readers, delivery persons, and
unexpected guests trapped in their vehicles in your driveway. Early
socialization of your English Shepherd puppy is critical for developing his
ability to judge who and what poses a real threat and learning how to respond
appropriately. English Shepherd owners, particularly those in urban areas, must
be willing to provide that socialization."
* Devoted ~ "As far as your English Shepherd is concerned, you are the
center of the universe. A desire to be with you is fundamental to his character.
Not everyone wants a dog that needs to be your partner and companion. Some
people may find it irritating. These people should consider another breed!"
* Bossy ~ "Bossy English Shepherds care about the status quo (social
order). A typical English Shepherd has a strong internal sense of How Things
Should Be, and will work very hard to create and maintain that order wherever
they go. They can become furry control freaks, insisting that everyone -- and particularly other dogs -- obey the Rules. This can be
distressing to owners whose ideal is the stereotypical glad-handing Golden
Retriever: a dog that plays well with others and gets along with everyone.
English Shepherds are not usually canine extroverts, nor are they perennial
puppies. Their demeanor is characterized by seriousness of purpose and regard
for order."
Text above referenced from English Shepherd Club
Twin Springs Farm is not a "kennel" but a working farm on which our English
Shepherds are our cherished companions and working partners. The occasional
litter is raised to promote the continuation of the right English Shepherd type
and to share them with appropriate homes. You are encouraged to investigate the
provided links for more information.
We invite your questions and you are welcome to contact us and discuss this wonderful dog.
English Shepherd Links:
English Shepherd Club
National English Shepherd Rescue
American
Working Farm Collie Association
Collies:
Back to the Future
http://www.englishshepherdhome.com/links.htm
Do a search on English Shepherd at
www.groups.yahoo.com
Before you buy an English Shepherd, please read the information at this link:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/englishshepherds.html
http://www.englishshepherds.net/SFJjet.htm
ES Farmdog Motivation
Visit the Blog at:
http://blog.englishshepherdcentral.com/
Our English Shepherds
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Jack is an intact male that is a model of
English Shepherd temperament, build and ability. He shows a strong
herding ability. He tends to prefer to gather but will drive.
He
demonstrates both heading and heeling ability. He learns well from
following the routine and watching for what is expected. He learns a
balance of pressure and restraint.
He can hunt squirrel or bring back an errant chicken
from a thicket unharmed. At about a year and a half he dispatched at
least 6 raccoons, a groundhog, various rats, mice and moles and faced
off a coyote, all without a scratch. He guards the farm but is friendly
to guests.
Jack is quite friendly but as is common with English
Shepherds, as he has come to two years of age has grown more serious and
loves to have a job, taking pride in his work. He wants things in order
and is on the lookout for anything out of place or amiss.
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Corley’s Diamond Lily aka Lily
PennHIP 50th percentile .62/.48
MDR1 Mutant/Normal
Born 07/26/2005
View Pedigree
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Lily is
a beautiful, sweet girl with a quick, inquisitive mind. She shows intelligence, resilience and a bit of a gritty personality. She has a gentile mouth, a charmer and is a favorite with guests. She is developing nicely and we expect her to be a good and appropriate guard dog and to have some strong herding and hunting instincts.
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Sloan's Rip Tara aka Rip
07/25/99 - 8/18/11
OFA Good, AWFA PRGN
MDR1 Normal/Normal
View Pedigree
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Sloan's Rip Tara, an English Shepherd that wanted to be the
right-hand-man on the farm passed away on 8/18/2011. She was a very strong alpha female and 'she' wanted to be the one helping out the master. She has never been asked to help, she
just does. She would help move horses from one pasture to another with the attitude of "Mom said to MOVE!". If the horses get out she would put
them back in. Rip had strong heading instincts but would go to the heel if needed. She gave a dominant glare to get the stock to move. Rip
was
good with the chickens and our farm cats but we watch her not to be too aggressive when we ask her to move something. Rip loved the foals and would
lie with them. She was wary of new horses and other livestock but warmed up to them when she saw that
her master accepted them.
She was one heck of a gopher dog! She
would sit at their holes and wait them out like a cat. She also kept coyotes and foxes at bay and is a good squirrel dog.
Rip was an independent-minded dog with good judgment.
She was an affectionate dog and very loyal. She would alert the farm to
new comers but quiets when asked. Rip was overly friendly with most strangers but will bark at those her master does not like.
Lily x Jack September 2011 litter
This is Lily and Jack's fourth litter born September 4th, 2011 and they are healthy, beautiful tricolors. All
have been vigorous from the start. These will be good farm dogs and wonderful companions. Litter is made up of 5 males
and 3 females! They will be ready for their forever homes at eight weeks of age. If
you are interested in a pup, please be informed as to the nature and uses of
these wonderful dogs. So that we may best help you, we have a
questionnaire you
may fill out and snail mail or email to us. Pups are $450.00. A non-refundable
deposit of $75.00 holds a pup. We'd be happy to talk with you and you can
follow the links we’ve given above for more information.
Owner's Questionnaire
We reserve the right to make the choice as to what pup goes to what home.
Pups will not only be placed as to a preferred color or gender alone.
We feel that temperament is a more important factor in matching a pup to a
family.
