ENGLISH SHEPHERD

COUNTRY: USA

WEIGHT: 40-60 pounds

HEIGHT: 18-23 inches

COAT: Long, moderately coarse, dense; short on face, skull and legs

COLOR: Black/tan, tricolor, sable and white, black and white

Group:Herding




Current owners believe the modern English Shepherd is still very similar to the Roman sheep and cattle dog which accompanied Caesar and his army to the British Isles in 55 BC. The forebears of this breed trotted off an English gangway to American soil, brought by early settlers to the shores of the United States. The English Shepherd was much admired and evolved to its modern type. American farmers found them agile, good workers and an answer to a farmer's prayers. They crossbred the varieties of old Scotch Collie, Border Collie and other working types to produce today's dog. At first known as the "good ol' farm collie" or farm shepherd, the current name differentiates the breed from other collies. He is not exhibited, or even promoted, but is a simple working dog whose reputation has spread by word of mouth.

Like their cohort, the Australian Shepherd, they are active and good watchdogs. Weather-resistant and hardy, they may greet their owners in the morning from beneath a mound of snow, shaking off the flakes, ready to help with the chores.

They are natural drivers and heelers, good with cattle, sheep, hogs or even poultry. Bred to drive by nipping at heels, they are versatile, but should be started on the poultry or sheep, so they do not become too tough from learning on cattle or hogs. They differentiate between the young stock and adults and act accordingly. English Shepherds are "loose-eyed," in herding, as opposed to the "strong-eyed" Border Collie. The breed works well independently or under direction of a master.

The English Shepherd is a calm and steady all-purpose dog with keen senses. According to owner Diana L. Karr, they are particularly attuned to their family and some swear "by the time he is five or six, you can carry on a decent conversation with him." Owners find them able and eager hunters. They are good with children, pulling carts, helping them learn to walk and acting as referees in their squabbles. Although their tails are usually long, an occasional bobtail is whelped.