I'm Mary P., the breeder behind Shepherd's Way located in West Linn, OR. We have been involved with English Shepherds since 1991, raising litters on occasion. We do not operate a kennel. Our dogs are part of our family, accompanying us throughout the day and keeping watch over us at night.
Q. & A. with Mary
Why did you start breeding?
English Shepherds were few and far between when I became involved in the breed. My first dog was neutered as I did not aspire to breed dogs; he was such a wonderful dog that when I later was able to get a dog from the same breeding, I opted to leave her intact to evaluate as a potential breeding dog. My goal was to ensure the breed, which was rapidly dwindling, did not disappear.
What makes your program special?
I have been breeding from the same line for 25 years. I am committed to careful selection for balanced working abilities, stable temperament, and health. I look at health as an attribute of the breed population as a whole as well as my particular dogs, so my breeding choices are made with an eye towards the long term health of both individuals and breed.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Mary
Mary has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include between $500 - $900 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price is only one factor considered in puppy placements; other factors include the fit between puppy and owner, opportunity for the pup to develop and use its natural abilities, and commitment of the owner. I prioritize evaluating puppies thoroughly before making placement decisions or asking for commitments. Prospective owners receive regular updates, photos, and videos to assist in the selection process.”
Contract & health guarantee
Mary may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Mary offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Mary directly.
Shepherd's Way meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Tali, mom
English Shepherd
About Tali
Tali is affectionate, intelligent, resilient, and enthusiastic in her approach to life. She is happy working livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, ducks), hunting for mice in the barn, lounging on the couch watching Netflix, or accompanying me on road trips. Sweet natured and curious, she gets along well with other dogs. Our agility teacher describes her as “very patient” – which is perfect for me! Tali has advanced level herding titles (HRD IIIs & HTAD IIIs), currently one point away from her championship with AHBA, and earned several “high in class” awards in her first barn hunt trial this summer – she is self taught! She keeps an eye on our property, dispatching mice & voles and running off coyotes and hawks.
Tali will be 5 years old in January 2025, medium size (21″ and 37#) & very athletic, with a feminine build and features. Her hips are OFA good, eyes normal (2023 exam) and she is clear for all the genetic disorders included on the Embark panel (196) as well as for PRA6 (tested by Cambridge University). Tali is loosely line-bred on my foundation female, Peaslee’s Brighton, with a genetic COI of 5%. She is registered with United Kennel Club.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Shepherd's Way reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for English Shepherds.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Full Embark Panel, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).