Guardian, Herder, Hunter, Companion; English Shepherd
In the Fall of 2004 we decided to try our hand at raising Pygmy goats along with the myriad of chickens we had running around our yard in south central Virginia. After a few escape acts, it didn't take us long to decide we needed to add some type of herd dog to this equation, thus beginning our search for "Isabella". After a few months of what we initially thought would be quick and easy research, we came across a breed we had never heard of, yet fell in love with instantly. The English Shepherd had qualities that astounded us; qualities that we knew would make this breed a perfect fit for our family and small farm. We were not disappointed. Isabella came into our lives and made quite an impact, demonstrating all the wonderful qualities of her breed. We have since moved twice due to job transfers and no longer have our farm. Bella, however, has adapted wonderfully as she still has the children to love and guard and the cats to maintain.
In 2008 we decided to begin breeding Bella and started our search for a stud. At the time, we were living near Dallas, TX. We eventually settled on McCall's Ringo and bred Bella in July, 2008. That first litter of seven puppies was quite an experience. We placed five of the puppies as working dogs on ranches and farms, and two as family pets. They were wonderful examples of the English Shepherd breed, showing a great mixture of Bella's and Ringo's qualities. Because that breeding went so well and we were so pleased with the puppies that were produced, we decided to breed Bella again July of 2010 and, again, chose Ringo as the sire. This litter consisted of five beautiful puppies; again, great examples of their breed, and each going to good homes where they will have the ability to develop their distinct functions as ES companions. Though, we were so impressed with Isabella's mothering abilities with her first litter, we found her to exceed our expectations with this group. She has been diligent and attentive in her care and training of the pups from the very beginning, working with them through each stage of development. Knowing us and what we accept and don't accept, or judging from our responses, she will discipline the pups accordingly. A few examples:
1) Though, not always successful, she will try to keep the puppies from jumping up on us.
2) Once, while we were trying (unsuccessfully) to divert the puppies' attention so that we could see something in the yard, Bella took over. She grabbed one of their ropes and drawing their attention, ran them over to the other side of the yard.
3)When a new owner came to pick up his puppy from our first litter, he brought a collar and leash for his new companion. All was well until the leash was hooked to the collar. Suddenly this little pup became a miniature bucking stallion, unable to be consoled. All at once, Bella came out of nowhere. Running up to her out of control pup, she placed her mouth on the back of his neck and pushed him, gently but firmly, down to the ground and held him there as if to say, "Ok, now that's enough." She held him until he settled down and then let him up. When his new owner started to walk with him, again, he started bucking, and again, Bella had him on the ground. He apparently got the message that time, because he walked right out to the truck, on the leash, with his owner. (They named this guy "Buck")
Having had Bella for five years now we couldn't imagine being without her. We have fallen in love with the English Shepherd and believe we could not have chosen better. We encourage you to find out as much as you can about this amazing breed. Feel free to browse our website and contact us if you are interested in a puppy or just want to talk and find out more about English Shepherds.
In 2008 we decided to begin breeding Bella and started our search for a stud. At the time, we were living near Dallas, TX. We eventually settled on McCall's Ringo and bred Bella in July, 2008. That first litter of seven puppies was quite an experience. We placed five of the puppies as working dogs on ranches and farms, and two as family pets. They were wonderful examples of the English Shepherd breed, showing a great mixture of Bella's and Ringo's qualities. Because that breeding went so well and we were so pleased with the puppies that were produced, we decided to breed Bella again July of 2010 and, again, chose Ringo as the sire. This litter consisted of five beautiful puppies; again, great examples of their breed, and each going to good homes where they will have the ability to develop their distinct functions as ES companions. Though, we were so impressed with Isabella's mothering abilities with her first litter, we found her to exceed our expectations with this group. She has been diligent and attentive in her care and training of the pups from the very beginning, working with them through each stage of development. Knowing us and what we accept and don't accept, or judging from our responses, she will discipline the pups accordingly. A few examples:
1) Though, not always successful, she will try to keep the puppies from jumping up on us.
2) Once, while we were trying (unsuccessfully) to divert the puppies' attention so that we could see something in the yard, Bella took over. She grabbed one of their ropes and drawing their attention, ran them over to the other side of the yard.
3)When a new owner came to pick up his puppy from our first litter, he brought a collar and leash for his new companion. All was well until the leash was hooked to the collar. Suddenly this little pup became a miniature bucking stallion, unable to be consoled. All at once, Bella came out of nowhere. Running up to her out of control pup, she placed her mouth on the back of his neck and pushed him, gently but firmly, down to the ground and held him there as if to say, "Ok, now that's enough." She held him until he settled down and then let him up. When his new owner started to walk with him, again, he started bucking, and again, Bella had him on the ground. He apparently got the message that time, because he walked right out to the truck, on the leash, with his owner. (They named this guy "Buck")
Having had Bella for five years now we couldn't imagine being without her. We have fallen in love with the English Shepherd and believe we could not have chosen better. We encourage you to find out as much as you can about this amazing breed. Feel free to browse our website and contact us if you are interested in a puppy or just want to talk and find out more about English Shepherds.
