Our English Shepherds
(American Working Farm Collies)
The English Shepherd has been there to help us carve out our history in this country. Along side as the Farm collie, Farm Shepherd, Scotch Collie, Old time Collie-whatever name you want to call them-they were the most popular breed(s) of dog in the United States during the 1800 and early 1900's. Practically every family, whether farm, country or city had a relationship with these beloved dogs. We raise the Heritage Breed English Shepherd that were abundant and popular back in my Great Grandfathers day. The breed almost disappeared along with the small family farms that used to be an intricate part of every family's everyday life.
As I was growing up, our Farm Shepherds were constant companions, guardians of the Farm and always aware and watchful babysitters of children. My favorite sitter was "Ole Mike" who I loved dearly. Grandpa said he was the best dog there ever was and I am sure Grandpa had known many dogs during his lifetime.
Ole Mike and I would travel hill and dale together discovering wild strawberries to savor, wild grape vines to swing across the creek, a fox den in the bank or a Momma Possum on the move. I was always under his watchful eye and I am sure he saved my hide many times. Our favorite rest spot was under the huge Floribunda Rose, in the far corner of the farm yard. It was truly an impenetrable fortress of thorns that provided shade and protection on hot summer days. It was Ole Mike's hangout spot but he let me visit with him under the sweetly scented canopy.
As the smaller, diversified, family farms dwindled in numbers, the English Shepherd faded from the land. And as the new "show" collie and "specialized" herding breeds gained popularity these dogs became rare indeed. They also became a "Lost Love" of mine which I vowed to reclaim!.
At Sycamore Spring Farm we are passionate about preserving what we consider a national treasure-the hunting, herding, guarding, babysitting - English Shepherd-a true American Working Farm Collie.
As I was growing up, our Farm Shepherds were constant companions, guardians of the Farm and always aware and watchful babysitters of children. My favorite sitter was "Ole Mike" who I loved dearly. Grandpa said he was the best dog there ever was and I am sure Grandpa had known many dogs during his lifetime.
Ole Mike and I would travel hill and dale together discovering wild strawberries to savor, wild grape vines to swing across the creek, a fox den in the bank or a Momma Possum on the move. I was always under his watchful eye and I am sure he saved my hide many times. Our favorite rest spot was under the huge Floribunda Rose, in the far corner of the farm yard. It was truly an impenetrable fortress of thorns that provided shade and protection on hot summer days. It was Ole Mike's hangout spot but he let me visit with him under the sweetly scented canopy.
As the smaller, diversified, family farms dwindled in numbers, the English Shepherd faded from the land. And as the new "show" collie and "specialized" herding breeds gained popularity these dogs became rare indeed. They also became a "Lost Love" of mine which I vowed to reclaim!.
At Sycamore Spring Farm we are passionate about preserving what we consider a national treasure-the hunting, herding, guarding, babysitting - English Shepherd-a true American Working Farm Collie.
Our dogs are bred for excellent health, superior intelligence and a deeply ingrained desire to please their master.
Got Goats?!?...no problem
English Shepherds are intelligent, alert, responsive working dogs. They are exceptionally devoted, and sensitive and have a strong desire to work in partnership with their owner, whatever the task.
English Shepherds have a strong herding instinct with exceptional agility, stamina, and stout-hearted perseverance. The breed has been long valued for their tracking, hunting and treeing abilities in addition to Herding and Guarding.
Their unique blend of intelligence, athleticism, and train-ability, allows them to excel at many of the newer dog sports at the highest levels of obedience and agility. They also make outstanding partners in Search and Rescue, and many English Shepherds are certified Therapy Dogs.
English Shepherds are truly all-purpose dogs, eager to work for their owners in a variety of settings
English Shepherds have a strong herding instinct with exceptional agility, stamina, and stout-hearted perseverance. The breed has been long valued for their tracking, hunting and treeing abilities in addition to Herding and Guarding.
Their unique blend of intelligence, athleticism, and train-ability, allows them to excel at many of the newer dog sports at the highest levels of obedience and agility. They also make outstanding partners in Search and Rescue, and many English Shepherds are certified Therapy Dogs.
English Shepherds are truly all-purpose dogs, eager to work for their owners in a variety of settings
Thinking about a heritage breed collie? Learn about the English Shepherd!
Moms & barnyards make great teachers.
As responsible, professional breeders we can assist you in determining if the breed is right for you, your family and your situation. Call and find out when our next litter is due. Let us introduce you to and educate you about these amazing, diverse dogs. 301-788-6980
All our pups are farm born and raised. We have a socialization plan that will expose the pups to barnyard stock & poultry interactions. We are also fortunate to have lots of visitors to our farm and all our puppy litters are involved in lots of different people situations. A well bred and socialized pup is very people friendly and a joy to be around. They bond and respond quickly when treated respectfully and trained with fairness, firmness and fun. All of this early positive imprinting will prove POSITIVELY BENEFICIAL in your adult dog.
We will explain the evaluation processes of pedigree and genetics as well as aptitude testing for character and temperament when considering and discussing a future with one of our Pups/Dogs. All our puppies are Vet checked for excellent health and soundness before leaving the farm. They will have received 2 booster shots of 6-way puppy immunizations, at least 2 wormings as well as their Volhard puppy temperament evaluation. You will receive these reports as well as pedigree and registration documents on any puppy purchased from Sycamore Spring Farm.
A healthy, happy, well bred English Shepherd is very "tuned in" and empathetic with their master, family and extended "pack" members. WE produce and deliver exceptional puppies...full of HUGE possibilities. The new FOREVER, Owner/Master, MUST be willing to invest in; the necessary one-on-one time, appropriate training, proper health care as well as abundant LOVE and DEVOTION to develop the full potential of these AMAZING dogs. - FarmerCarol
All our pups are farm born and raised. We have a socialization plan that will expose the pups to barnyard stock & poultry interactions. We are also fortunate to have lots of visitors to our farm and all our puppy litters are involved in lots of different people situations. A well bred and socialized pup is very people friendly and a joy to be around. They bond and respond quickly when treated respectfully and trained with fairness, firmness and fun. All of this early positive imprinting will prove POSITIVELY BENEFICIAL in your adult dog.
We will explain the evaluation processes of pedigree and genetics as well as aptitude testing for character and temperament when considering and discussing a future with one of our Pups/Dogs. All our puppies are Vet checked for excellent health and soundness before leaving the farm. They will have received 2 booster shots of 6-way puppy immunizations, at least 2 wormings as well as their Volhard puppy temperament evaluation. You will receive these reports as well as pedigree and registration documents on any puppy purchased from Sycamore Spring Farm.
A healthy, happy, well bred English Shepherd is very "tuned in" and empathetic with their master, family and extended "pack" members. WE produce and deliver exceptional puppies...full of HUGE possibilities. The new FOREVER, Owner/Master, MUST be willing to invest in; the necessary one-on-one time, appropriate training, proper health care as well as abundant LOVE and DEVOTION to develop the full potential of these AMAZING dogs. - FarmerCarol