Pete is my three-year-old English Shepherd. He's my almost-constant companion. I originally got him to help me with the goats, but just a few months after getting him, we lost the goats in the barn fire, and then he had nothing to do.
I do have a few goats again now. Pete helped me raise them from bottle kids. He keeps an eye on them and loves the kids those now-grown-up kids have had.
Mostly he watches out for me. He saved me twice from the steer we raised for the freezer; once the steer was sure I had feed and trapped me in a corner. Pete distracted him, barking and leading him off so that I could move out of danger.
He also loves and protects our grandchildren when they visit.
Unlike our border collie Sissy, English shepherds do not work from a prey drive. Instead, their motivation is to please and help their owner. They are thinking dogs, and have a well-developed sense of order. If things are supposed to be done in a certain way, the dog will enforce that. In fact, if you change a rule, you'd better be able to explain why to your dog.
Last week Granddaughter and I went to a friend's house to pick up our second English shepherd. Scooter is Pete's full brother. I didn't know Pete as a puppy - I got him as a teenager - so it's been a different experience having a little pup this time. Scooter's certainly easier to work with than the stubborn border collie was as a puppy!
So far all the dogs and cats are accepting Scooter and we've had few problems. Other than housebreaking, life's been peachy.
But the housebreaking is going pretty well - so much better than it did with the border collie!
This post has been shared at some of my favorite blog hops.
~~~~~
My hope is to inspire you, and to encourage your homesteading plans and your dreams of a
simple, self-reliant, God-dependent life. You can follow me at:
Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Subscribe via email
I had an English shepherd when I was growing up. He was the sweetest dog. I enjoy reading your blog. Enjoyed seeing your herbs too as I am growing some in pots myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joan, they are wonderful dogs, aren't they? I haven't met many people who are familiar with the breed.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're not battling grasshoppers in your herb containers! What herbs are you growing?
We have an Australian Cattle dog and at times she drives me right up the wall. I like how the English Shepherd sounds and may have to try one next time around.
ReplyDeleteI also like the change you made to the post format, I like being able to read the whole thing from the home page.
Another English Shepherd! Wonderful for you!! A beautiful dog, and yes they are the best farm dogs. I have one, Sophie. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHe's adorable! We've been talking about getting another dog since Bob's passing, and I wonder if we should look into English shepherds?
ReplyDeleteKelly, your Australian Cattle dog sounds like my husband's border collie! She's very hyper and very prey-driven. My English shepherd is much calmer (he's 3 years old) and very eager to please me. It's a very different attitude.
ReplyDeleteAs to the post format, I forgot to put the "jump" in! I wonder what readers would prefer? I should take a poll on Facebook...
Marilyn, these dogs are a blessing, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteMary, they are very family-friendly too. If you do look for one, be sure to talk with the breeder about your expectations and needs so you'll get a good match for your situation.
ReplyDeleteYou had a barn fire! I'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteYour little buddy is adorable. It must be "post about our dogs" week in the blogosphere. I just posted a photo gallery of my loveable Labrador Retrievers. Dogs are good for us :)
They sure are, Sally.
ReplyDeleteI think I am part English Shepherd after reading the description. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteSherry, you made me laugh! Yes, they are a bit OCD. It's kind of nice to have an OCD dog when I'm rather OCD myself. Maybe that's why we suit each other so well. :-)
ReplyDeleteOH both are wonderful but puppies are so adorable and just steal your heart. What cute photos :)
ReplyDeleteGlad Scooter is fitting in. I just picked up a foster dog last night that is probably an ES mix. Sam in heaven with a 10 month old pup to play with.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deb, I think Pete is about as gorgeous as a dog can be, and expect Scooter will be too.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I'm sure Sam is happy to have a playmate!
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with English Shepherds, so it was interesting reading this post. He looks like an outstanding dog and it sounds like he's a great companion. Enjoy your new puppy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful puppy, so cute. I have never had this breed but they sound so sweet and dedicated.
ReplyDeleteBev
Thank you, Bev, he is a cute little guy. He's settling in well.
ReplyDeleteKathi, Love the pics of Pete and Scooter. They are such beautiful dogs and sound like a delight to own. This is my first visit to your blog, and it almost makes me want to find some land to homestead. Notice I said "almost." :-)
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Dee Dee. I'm glad you stopped by.
ReplyDeleteI thought Scooter was Pete's puppy pictures - strong family resemblance! Just too darn cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shel. I think Pete is a very handsome dog, and Scooter is just too cute.
ReplyDeleteAwwww...........There so cute! <3 We don't have a dog at our house, but my brother has a 6 month old black lab named sherlock (he's very nosy!) And we LOVE him! Thanks for a great post!<3
ReplyDeleteThank you! Sherlock is a great name. :-)
ReplyDeleteAw, what sweet dogs you have, Kathi:). And adorable names too! Love, Kelly
ReplyDeleteI found your blog via the Homestead Barn Hop. I was so excited to finally hear from another proud owner of English Shepherds! Our English Shepherd is now 5 years old and is everything you mentioned about yours and more. He is actually a show dog too. Our daughter shows him as a 4H project. Would recommend the breed to anyone!
ReplyDeleteVery cute dogs! Sounds like an interesting breed. My "working dog" is a Great Pyrenees. I put working in quotes because it's such a lazy breed, ha. But they are really good dogs.
ReplyDelete(Found you on Oklahoma Women Bloggers' link up)
A. States - I've been a fan of the breed ever since I met Pete and Scooter's sire. He's an amazing dog! When I found out this would be his last litter, I talked hubby into another pup.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I've had quite a few GP's too. They are also wonderful dogs, they just perform a different function. Mine would sleep all day but they were working at night, barking and keeping my livestock safe. My current outside dog Cracker is 1/2 GP.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kelly. :-)
ReplyDeleteThey are both so sweet-looking. What a blessing dogs are. Thank you for sharing on The Maple Hill Hop this week!
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of the English Shepherd. I like the idea of a dog having an ordered way of doing things.
ReplyDeleteErica, these dogs are quite different in the way they think and act. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteOh my goodness me what absolutely gorgeous dogs and thank you so much for adding them to #AimalTales. Their colouring and faces are adororable.
ReplyDelete