What makes a Briarwood English Shepherd
My foundation dogs are Willow (Cimarron Shelby/Cedar Creek Heidtman's Boss) and Grif (Red Bank Flidais/Wright's Angus Barclay) The lines that I've chosen go back to some of the foundation lines for this great breed. Willow has some Wyss and Schoeman, Grif is Schoeman and Red Bank .
Here at the Briarwood we take the health of our dogs and their potential puppies seriously. We Penn Hipp all of the dogs that are used in our breeding program and perform basic genetic testing too looking for common abnormalities that can show up, specific tests were for CE (Collie Eye Anomaly) DE (Degenerative Myelopathy), MDR1(Multidrug Sensitivity), and PRA-PRCD (Progressive Rod and Cone Degeneration). Willow is clear or negative on all of the tests... Grif is clear or negative on all of the tests except the PRA-PECD he is a carrier of the gene, but is clear.
Temperament is another big deal here. We strive to breed puppies that are true to the traits of the Engligh Shepherd.
English shepherds are the original all-purpose farm dog. Not only do they help with livestock chores, they also hunt vermin, guard livestock from predators, and become part of the family. With the decline of small family farms, English shepherds, and the traits that made them good farm dogs, have found homes in a wide variety of venues. In addition to traditional farm and ranch dogs, many English shepherds have become Search and Rescue dogs and therapy dogs. Others take part in activities such as agility, obedience, flyball, nosework, trialing, and tracking.
These are the traits are found in Briarwood pups. These are the most versatile dogs I've ever owned
Willow
Willow (Cimarron Shelby/Cedar Creek Heidtman's Boss) is the foundation of the Briarwood ideal. She goes back to some of the early foundational lines for this great breed. Willow has some Wyss and Schoeman lines and is clear or negative on all of the tests basic genetic testing of common abnormalities that can show up in the breed. She's been trialed on sheep and has been known to have her head in the brush pile to rid the yard of any vermin. Willow is patient and gentle. She loves to hang out at home on the couch waiting for the next adventure.
Grif
Grif (Red Bank Flidais/Wright's Angus Barclay) is Willow's best buddy and the sire of most of the Briarwood litters. His lines can be traced back to Schoeman, Red Bank and Cimarron. Girf has had basic genetic testing as well to check for the most common abnormalities that can show up, Grif is clear or negative on all of the tests except the PRA-PECD he is a carrier of the gene, but is clear. Grif has a Farm Manager temperament and likes to be in charge of things. He too can be found on patrol of the wood pile in pursuit of critters he feels don't belong.
Raven
Raven is the new kid on the block. She was purchased to replace Willow when she retires from breeding in 2023. Raven has big paws to fill, but she'll be up to it as she has Willow for her teacher. Raven is proving to be a delight as she is a happy puppy who is eager to please and has been quick to learn the ropes around here. Her lines are very similar to Willows, in fact Willow and Raven share a portion of the same pedigree, so she should be a natural