“He was a great dog of the old style, calm, eager to work but happy to lie on the front step between times.”
Welcome to Shepherd’s Way!
English Shepherds are old style dogs in the tradition of the working farm shepherds that were once a familiar part of the American landscape. As Leon Whitney observed in 1937, “known variously as the farm shepherd, the barnyard collie, the old fashioned shepherd, the cow dog, the English Shepherd and by other colloquial names… I doubt there is a more alert, trustworthy, or American dog.”
My goal with this website is to provide an introduction to the English Shepherd breed, to share information on dogs from Shepherd’s Way, and to provide resources for people who share my interest in these dogs. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments, or your own English Shepherd stories to share!
About Us
Shepherd’s Way is located in NW Oregon, 20 miles south of Portland
Meet Our Dogs
Shepherd’s Way grew out of my love for our first English Shepherd, Dover
Breeding Program
My breeding program is grounded in science and respect for tradition
About English Shepherds
English Shepherds are medium sized, hardy, athletic and highly trainable dogs. They thrive on being part of your life whether that entails farm work, supervising a busy household, or accompanying you on errands. There is some diversity within the breed so some dogs will be more suitable for certain lifestyles than others. Researching the health and accomplishments of dogs in a puppy’s pedigree will help guide you to the pup that is the best fit for you. Feel free to contact me if you would like assistance or referrals to help you with your search.
Health & Genetics
Health and genetic screening helps prevent future problems
Herding & Other Jobs
English Shepherds are versatile dogs capable of working in a variety of contexts
Stories & Photos
Articles, photos and stories documenting breed history and character
Is an English Shepherd right for you?
English Shepherds typically do well in homes that provide:
- Companionship ~ being a part of your daily activities
- Exercise ~ an hour to move freely outdoors, run, explore each day
- Rules ~ consistent expectations for behavior
- Responsibility ~ “work” can encompass many different tasks
When these essential needs are met, English Shepherds can thrive in many different settings. Dogs from Shepherd’s Way have excelled as farm & ranch dogs, family companions, SAR dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs and in competitive sports.
Is an English Shepherd right for you?
English Shepherds typically do well in homes that provide:
- Companionship ~ being a part of your daily activities
- Exercise ~ an hour to move freely outdoors, run, explore each day
- Rules ~ consistent expectations for behavior
- Responsibility ~ “work” can encompass many different tasks
When these essential needs are met, English Shepherds can thrive in many different settings. Dogs from Shepherd’s Way have excelled as farm & ranch dogs, family companions, SAR dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs and in competitive sports.