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The English Shepherd is an American breed of dog. In 1900 the most common dog on small farms in the US was the English Shepherd. The English Shepherd is an all around farm dog, being used as a herding dog, watch dog, hunting dog, and child's companion.
English Shepherds are similar in appearance to Border Collies
and Australian Shepherds. English Shepherds usually have tails
and have a flatter head than Aussies. English Shepherds are
never merle and Aussies frequently are. They are generally not
square in body like an Aussie. English Shepherds tend to be
larger than Border Collies but are most readily distinguished
by their very different herding style.
Appearance: The English Shepherd is a medium sized
dog, usually somewhat longer than it is tall. It generally
weighs between 40 and 70 pounds (20 to 30 kg) and is balanced
in proportions. As a small farm dog, English Shepherds have
evolved to fulfill a variety of needs. This has resulted in a
wide range of regional variations.
The coat is medium length and can be straight, wavy, or
curly. There is frequently feathering on the legs and tail. As
a working dog, the coat should be easy to keep, requiring no
grooming. Dirt and burrs tend to just fall away. There are
four coat colors: sable (clear and shaded), tricolor, black
and white, and black and tan. There are no merle English
Shepherds.
Temperament: The English Shepherd temperament is the
defining characteristic of the breed, with great intelligence
and often a unique type of kindness for those in his home,
both animals and people. The English Shepherd is often an
independent worker. English Shepherds are adaptable but learn
routines quickly. Some can be standoffish with strangers and
more one-person dogs. However, once he accepts people or
children or stock as his own, there are few better caretakers
than an English Shepherd.
The English shepherd frequently exhibits a bossy or
"enforcer" streak in his temperament. If the dog's
desire to enforce order is not channeled and directed to a
suitable end by an owner who is a strong, confident leader, he
may exhibit many undesirable behaviors. English shepherds can
thrive as companion dogs in many environments, but do not make
"good pets" for the average person.
Health: English Shepherds are generally healthy
dogs, however hip dysplasia is not uncommon. Anyone
contemplating getting an English Shepherd would be well
advised to research the hip ratings (OFA or PennHIP) of the
breeder's stock.
History: The historical English Shepherd is known in
some areas as the Scotch Collie or "Farm Collie",
but in other areas was always considered a distinct breed.
There was no breed club or registry at the time so there is
some dispute over exactly which name applies to which dogs.
All of these names were applied to the common farm dogs of the
era.
The Australian Shepherd is likely a derivative of these
farm dogs and appeared primarily in the Western United States.
The English Shepherd was more common in the Midwest and East.
The English Shepherd is a descendant of the working farm dogs
of the British Isles, however the name is believed to derive
from the Amish use of the word "English" to refer to
anything not Amish.
Working Life: They are very quick to learn the farm
routine and will work independently with little training, but
will benefit from some training and guidance. The modern
English Shepherd is still best suited for farm work, but they
are also used as search and rescue dogs, as therapy dogs, and
as competitors in dog agility, obedience, tracking, and
flyball.
English Shepherds are frequently larger than Border
Collies, but the quickest way to tell the two apart is to put
them on stock. Border Collies tend to herd with distinctive
strong eye and a crouching stance, while English Shepherds
have an upright, loose-eyed herding style. English Shepherds
can work all types of stock, be it cattle, sheep, goats, or
ducks.
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