Copper Valley Farms

Rhoda Hurst

I occasionally breed my English Shepherds for the love of the breed. I did not discover the breed until ten years ago, when I needed a dog to chase deer from the yard. (My wonderful Labrador was too amenable). When I read English Shepherds are biddable, loyal protectors of family and farm, I knew I'd finally found a breed that incorporates the traits of my childhood dog, Cuddles. She was a Shepherd Collie mix from a farm near Roanoke, VA. (See picture below). She claimed no titles or pedigree other than "The dog who raised me.

I now have four English Shepherds who make up my family. I work as a therapist by day. But my vocation is to provide a few more people the opportunity to know and love an English Shepherd.