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.

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:

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Photo by Kathy Didier

Corley’s Jack O’ Hearts aka Jack Jack's ESC Working Trait Evaluation PennHIP 90th percentile .25/.33 Born 01/01/2004   View Pedigree   AWFA PRGN “Registered ESC and UKC” Stud Dog         AI available

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.  

Corley’s Diamond Lily aka Lily PennHIP 50th percentile .62/.48 Born 07/26/2005 View Pedigree

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 Born 07/25/1999 OFA Good, AWFA PRGN View Pedigree

Sloan's Rip Tara is an English Shepherd that wants to be the right-hand-man on the farm.  She is a very strong alpha female and 'she' wants to be the one helping out the master.  She has never been asked to help, she just does.  She will help move horses from one pasture to another with the attitude of "Mom said to MOVE!".  If the horses get out she will put them back in.  Rip has strong heading instincts but will go to the heel if needed.  She will give a dominant glare to get the stock to move.  Rip is 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 loves the foals and will lie with them.  She is wary of new horses and other livestock but warms up to them when she sees that master accepts them.  

She is one heck of a gopher dog!  She'll sit at their holes and wait them out like a cat.  She also keeps coyotes and foxes at bay and is a good squirrel dog.  

Rip is an independent-minded dog with good judgment.  She is an affectionate dog and very loyal.  She alerts the farm to new comers but quiets when asked.  Rip is overly friendly with most strangers but will bark at those her master does not like.
  

Rip and Jack have had a litter of 12 puppies!  

View Puppies

The puppies are all Tricolor and doing fine. With their bloodlines, these should be some good working dogs. There are 9 males and 3 females. They were born February 2, 2008 and 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.