The picture below was taken in 1853 and shows two farm shepherds in the background. Farm Shepherds crossed the plains with the pioneers, protecting family and flocks. Note: these are not small dogs, but are more likely 60lbs. This color was not as common as the "buff" or golden with a darker face mask. Old Jim was a famous old time farm shepherd in the northwest in the late 1800's. Notice the type and style of the dog, and compare with Chevy, a dog we bred from old stock from the Klamath River area. "Old Jim" "Scout" is now living at Copeland Family Farms as a companion and livestock protection dog. We love his temperament and for 9 years old he is amazing! Still keeps up with the feed truck! These dogs may be related to the Farm Collie, but there is a great difference in size. The Farm colllies and English Shepherd is much smaller. Both breed stud books are still open because of the small number of breedable dogs. If you are interested in these breeds, please make sure the parents are x-rayed and eyes cleared before buying a pup. Look at the sire and dam, temperment should be uppermost in all breeding programs. | "I thought you might be interested in seeing a picture of our dog, Gillie, who is out of Belle (Petunia/Rebel) by Scout (Niedrauer's Jacob/Ellen). Gillie is not quite two years old in this picture, and is turning into an absolutely fabulous farm dog. We live south of Eugene Oregon, and got Gillie from Kathleen Sanderson who now lives near Klamath Falls . There is a website for the American Working Farm Collie group on Yahoo. "Thank you so much for your work in preserving intelligent, easy going, multi-use farm dogs." 
Gillie 
Chevy Chevy is a modern old time farm shepherd, showing great courage and livestock ability. She is a daughter of "Petunia" from KY., originally from our Klamath River stock. "Pet" is very famous in Farm Collie and Farm Shepherd pedigrees. Chevy is a daughter of Pet and by "Rebel"; another famous Farm Collie. Chewy and her charge looking out the window. Chewy is not related to Chevy, above, but look at the similarities. Chewy weighs 115lbs, is gentle and quiet; yet exceedingly protective. She is now in traiing as a service dog. |