About Us

Our Background

Shepherd’s Way is located in the Willamette Valley of NW Oregon.  English Shepherds joined our family almost 30 years ago, when we had 4 children under the age of 7.  Training was casual at best and yet the dogs managed to fit seamlessly into our life.  They were companions, playmates, running partners, reading buddies, truck dogs, and kitchen crew.  Their intelligence, sociability, discernment, and resilience enabled them to adapt to our needs.  I am now breeding from the 5th generation of my line as I strive to maintain the legacy of those dogs.

The qualities I value in these dogs are shaped by their heritage as farmers’ dogs, the “old Shep” of legend.   Part of respecting that heritage is providing opportunities for the dogs to engage in the work for which they were developed – herding and tending livestock.  Over the years, I have earned 5 herding trial championships and dozens of advanced titles with my dogs.  I have had wonderful mentors along the way and hope I can offer the same assistance to others.

Mission

  • Contribute to the conservation of English Shepherds through a breeding program emphasizing sound structure, stable temperament, and working ability.
  • Promote the welfare of English Shepherds through careful screening and placement of puppies, assisting in breed rescue, and support for English Shepherd owners and breeders.

Breeding Program

  • All breeding dogs must be sound and healthy both in mind and body.
  • PennHIP, OFA and genetic evaluations used for screening.
  • Pedigree analysis used to optimize the health of puppies and to conserve the genetic diversity of the breed.
  • Temperament and performance testing used to objectively evaluate strengths and weaknesses of dogs prior to breeding.
  • Working ability and character assessed through participation in herding, farm work, agility, and the many activities of a busy family.

Puppies

  • Raised in an active household with daily handling and socialization.
  • Routine preventive care and vet exam prior to placement.
  • Evaluation of temperament and structure used to guide placements.
  • Puppies sold under contract, follow up support provided by breeder.
  • Last but not least… raising and placing puppies is a demanding but rewarding process. I put a great deal of time and energy into my pups, and into finding homes where they will thrive.

All my dogs, both those I keep and puppies I place with others, are part of my family and I am committed to their well-being throughout life.

About Mary

 

  • Founder and Director of the English Shepherd Breed Conservancy
  • Five term member of English Shepherd Club Board; President from 2004-2007
  • Director at Large for the American Herding Breed Association (AHBA), 2015-2018
  • Herding Trial Judge licensed by AHBA, 2008 – present
  • Professional certifications from American Association of Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CPT)
  • Pet dog trainer at Oregon Humane Society and other facilities

My professional training apart from dogs is in preventive medicine and population health (MD, MPH).  My training in science deepens my commitment to a breeding program guided by principles of population health.