Our Story
A small, family-run program rooted in the hills of Tennessee, dedicated to raising English Shepherds the right way.
Where We Come From
We started Hickory Hill English Shepherd in 2018 out of a genuine love for this remarkable heritage breed. Nestled in the hills of Tennessee, our property is the kind of place an English Shepherd was born to call home — open land, hard work, and a family that believes dogs deserve to live alongside the people who love them.
From the very beginning, our focus has been on raising dogs that are as comfortable keeping watch over a country property as they are curled up with a family at the end of the day. That balance — capability paired with a gentle, loyal temperament — is what drew us to the English Shepherd, and it's what we work to preserve in every litter we raise.
We are a small operation by design. We believe fewer litters done well is far better than many litters done quickly. Every puppy we produce is handled from birth, raised underfoot, and sent home only when we are confident in the match.
Buddy meeting a baby chick — the calm, trustworthy temperament we breed for.
What We Stand For
Every decision we make — from which dogs we breed to how we place puppies — is guided by a clear set of goals we've held since day one.
We breed for the whole dog. Our puppies are capable on a farm, competitive in dog sports, and equally wonderful as devoted family companions.
A dog must be stable, confident, and trustworthy. We prioritize steady, reliable temperaments above everything else — including looks, color, and markings.
We raise our dogs as naturally as possible — good food, plenty of exercise and rest, and thoughtful health practices that set every dog up for a long, healthy life.
From day three, puppies receive daily hands-on handling. We use Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), expose pups to varied environments, and begin building drive and recall early.
We don't let buyers simply pick their favorite color. We evaluate each puppy's personality and instincts, then match them to the home where they'll thrive.
The English Shepherd is an American working breed with deep roots. We are committed to maintaining the true type, purpose, and character of the breed for future generations.
The Dogs of Hickory Hill
Our breeding program is built around two exceptional dogs. They are the foundation of everything we do here.
Buddy is the kind of dog that makes you fall in love with the English Shepherd breed all over again. Confident without being pushy, attentive without being anxious — he has the balanced temperament that this breed is known for at its best.
Named after the Tennessee redbud, Buddy is as much a part of this land as the trees around him. He bonds deeply with his family and produces offspring that reflect his best qualities.
Maggie is the heart and soul of Hickory Hill English Shepherd. She is sharp, nurturing, and completely devoted to our family. As a mother she is attentive and patient, and the steady temperament she passes to her puppies is something we are incredibly proud of.
Named for the Southern magnolia — strong, graceful, and deeply rooted in Tennessee soil, Maggie embodies everything we hope our dogs will be.
We're happy to answer any questions about our dogs, our program, or the English Shepherd breed. Don't hesitate to reach out.
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