Orchard Hill Ranch
English shepherds
ORCHARD HILL ENGLISH SHEPHERDS is located in North Central Idaho. Craig's great-grandparents homesteaded this farm/ranch in 1901. We had a herd of Murray Grey/Angus cattle that varied in size from 90 to 10. We also raise wheat, barley, oats, canola, and hay. Our personal start in farming began on a four-acre corner of the ranch, on a hill in the old family orchard, and that small beginning is the source of our farm name.
For a good description of English shepherd character, see the English Shepherd Club website page on character, or this page.
Our first dog, Mace, came to help us work our cattle. We liked the breed so well that we currently have five English shepherds: Shepherd's Way Mace, Orchard Hill Ember, Ember's daughter Orchard Hill Steel Magnolia, Ember's son Orchard Hill Loki, and Mace's granddaughter, Orchard Hill's Fae.
As of the fall of 2014, we no longer have livestock, being retired or semi-retired from farming. I may get a flock of sheep for the summer, just to train the dogs. I miss stock work too, and I would love to do some American Herding Breed Association trials, like I have done with Mace in the past.
news
May 25, 2017: Mags was successfully bred to Mary Peaslee's Howie, with pups due June 30. I expect these pups to be healthy and sound, have good working instincts, be outgoing and friendly, be biddable and empathetic, and be athletic and active, yet calm. I'm getting so excited about this litter!! If you are interested in a pup from Mags and Peaslee's Howell the Good, get in touch, fill out a questionnaire, and get on The List.
AND - Ginger Busta and I are putting together an English Shepherd Gathering to be held at her place on Harris Ridge, Kooskia, Idaho the weekend of July 14, 15, and 16, 2017. Relaxed, informal get-together on Friday evening, events on Saturday, and optional hiking and more visiting on Sunday if you want. Saturday events include Barnyard Agility, Intro to Barn Hunt, demo (possibly intro work too) to Search and Rescue, and more; potluck lunch; Silent Auction to benefit ESCR. Hiking trails are available nearby, camping (no hookups) in Ginger's pasture. We will have tables and some chairs - bring lawn chairs and shade if you want. We will also have plates and plastic ware for eating, cold bottled water and lemonade to drink. RSVP to me (contact info below) or to Ginger at shadcat111@gmail.com or 208-926-7911.