The English Shepherd Club provides both a breeder directory and online listings of litters planned and available (in the links that follow) but before jumping to those, please take a few minutes to consider the following questions:

• Are you able to commit to caring for a dog for the next 12 – 14 years?
  While no one can predict the future, it is important to realize that a dog is a long term commitment. All too many puppies are bought with great enthusiasm only to be given up a year or two later when their owner moves to an apartment, or the baby arrives. Consider your plans for the future, and whether a dog is likely to be a welcome companion for the next decade or more.
• Do you have the time and resources to adequately train and care for a dog?

  Dogs cost money. The money you spend purchasing a puppy is just the first of many expenditures… food, regular veterinary care, basic dog equipment, license fees, fencing if you don’t already have it, obedience classes, not to mention the cost of replacing various household items your darling puppy destroys. Dogs also require an investment in time. Dogs are social animals, and once removed from their “pack” to become part of your family, they require daily interaction and companionship. All of this effort and expense will be more than re-paid in the years of devotion your dog will provide. Make a realistic assessment of your budget and interest, however, before investing in a dog.

  photo © Barbara Brown

Deciding if an English Shepherd is right for you:

• Do you need your dog to work livestock?
  English Shepherds are capable of working most types of livestock, however particular dogs are likely to be more suited for some jobs than for others. The English Shepherd Club maintains a breeder list, and may be able to help you find an English Shepherd breeder whose dogs work in the manner you require.
• Are you primarily seeking a companion / pet?
  Identify your needs. In general, English Shepherds are active and athletic dogs, gentle and devoted with their owner, but bold and determined guardians of the home or farm. They are very alert watchdogs and will exercise their judgment about who and what is acceptable. English Shepherds thrive in an environment with clear, consistent rules and a confident leader. Lacking those, an English Shepherd just might decide to take over and run things himself.
• Meet some dogs!
  There are English Shepherd owners and breeders around the country who would be willing to introduce you to their dogs and discuss their experience with the breed. Here is a list of regional contacts.