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The English Shepherd |
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The English Shepherd is descended from the same stock as the collies and shepherds of the UK. When settlers came to the US they brought their farm dogs with them and this type of dog was commonly called an "English Shepherd". It was (and is) also sometimes called the farm collie or the farm shepherd and as the English Shepherd has been recognized as a distinct breed, registered with the UKC, since the 1930's. Photographic evidence of this type of dog is very common. The turn of the century postcard above could have been taken with any modern English Shepherd at an "Olde Tyme Photo Booth".
The English Shepherd is a practical, "loose-eyed", working dog, with instincts to heel and drive livestock. They will adapt to the work at hand and will herd cattle, sheep, hogs, or poultry. Some have been trained for hunting. Stories of courage and problem solving are common. The English Shepherd is energetic and athletic, yet very gentle. They are noted for their calm good judgement and are content to curl up at the owner's feet at the end of a busy day. Read Abby's Tale for an example of the English Shepherd working attitude. Abby may be exceptionally dedicated but she's very typical of the English Shepherd breed. Or there's the story of Shep who isn't any specific breed but in his time and place would probably have been called an English Shepherd.
While very happy on a farm with chores to do, the English Shepherd makes
an excellent family companion. Because of its working background and
devotion to
family the English Shepherd makes a great companion for an active family
committed to involving their dog in their daily life.
They want to be part of the family and remain a working dog. The English
Shephed is happiest when he has a job to do; watching the kids, escorting
the family to the park, and guarding the property from the wily UPS driver
are all tasks the suburban English Shepherd excels at. An
English
Shepherd without a job will create one for himself, so families without
the time to train or involve their dog in daily routines should steer away
from this breed.
Check out Shep for a glimpse of a typical busy
English Shepherd. Or read about Mingo , a Search and Rescue English Shepherd in Idaho.
Brief Description:
Height: 18 to 24 inches at the withers.
Weight: 35 to 90 pounds. Males are usually larger than females and dogs
over 60 pounds are less common and defintly not preferred. The breed
developed locally so different sizes, types or lines are common. The
breed is generally considered a medium sized dog.
The English Shepherd head and neck are carried slightly raised. Ears are usually a low semi-prick, close to the head, and raised when alert. The skull is wide with only a very slight dome. The muzzle is moderately broad with a scissor bite. The nose is black and eyes are brown; their chest is deep and wide. The gaze will express intelligence and alertness. The English Shepherd coat is glossy, straight or wavy, and about 2 inches long. The topline is straight, the bushy tail is carried in a downward sweep, with the tip of bone reaching the hock. The hocks are straight, turning neither in or out. The tail is elevated when alert. An occasional natural bob-tail English Shepherd may occur in some lines.
For more information about the English Shepherd check out:
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| black & tan | black & white | black & tan with white | tricolor | sable & white |
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| dark sable | clear sable | saddle backed sable (also called sable faced tri) (registered as a tri-color) |
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| typical ears | prick ears | ears to the side | low set ears |
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| heavier build | leaner build |
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English Shepherds can also be born with a natural bob tail |
| standard tail | "sabre" tail | "gay" tail |
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| dark and light liver color | excessive white | grey tri-colour another pic of the grey ES |
 
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