Dover is the
reason we breed English Shepherds; he is a dog with heart, intelligence,
and incredible patience. He joined our family when our children were ages
6, 4, and 1; when Dover was a year old, we had our 4th child. Needless
to say, those were busy years and training the dog was not top of our
list of priorities. And yet, he behaved. Sure he liked to run and nip
at heels as a pup -- and, he had a puppy chewing stage that threatend
the siding of our house. Not once in his 14 years here has Dover ever
treated a child with anything less than complete tolerance and good humor,
however. His patience is remarkable. Over the years, we have added 3 female
English Shepherds to the pack -- and he tolerates the moods and mischief
they dish out with unfailing good nature as well.
Dover is one of the most sociable and outgoing English Shepherds you will
meet... never met a stranger. He is a definite "foodie", and
his one vice is a willingness to "help himself" to food left
within reach. Given all the hand-outs the kids were giving in those formative
years, he can hardly be blamed for feeling entitled!
Dover has normal hips by xray. He is a sturdy, athletic dog, on the large side for an English shepherd. He has only worked with livestock on a few occasions, on which he showed level headedness and good instincts.
