English ShepherdCharacteristics, history, training and care
English Shepherd. · Lana K. Pennington, Lakape Photography / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The English Shepherd is a medium-sized American herding dog with a long, straight or wavy coat. Wikipedia says its ancestors were various collies brought to America by settlers from Britain and Ireland, and that it was used on farms in the eastern United States with sheep and cattle, but also as a guardian, ratter and companion. It is not recognised by the FCI or the AKC; the UKC has registered it since 1927.
Quick facts
| Common name | English Shepherd |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Official recognition | Not recognised by the FCI or the AKC; registered by the UKC since 1927 |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 12–14 years |
| Size (males) | 46–58 cm at the withers; 18–29 kg |
| Size (females) | slightly smaller |
| Coat type | Double, long, straight, wavy or curly, with feathering |
| Common colours | Black and white, black and tan, sable and white, tricolour |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Hard-working, watchful, devoted to its family |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Good with farm animals |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
Wikipedia says the breed's ancestors were collies of various types, brought to the New World by early settlers from Britain and Ireland, so it shares common ancestors with the Border Collie, the Rough Collie and the Australian Shepherd.
Its ancestors were widely used on farms in the eastern states, especially with sheep and cattle, but also as guardians, ratters and companions. The United Kennel Club has registered it since 1927, at first under the name “American Farm Shepherd”, changed in 2003 to “English Shepherd”.
How the breed developed
- Colonial period – Settlers bring collies to America.
- 1927 – The UKC begins registering it.
- 2003 – The name becomes English Shepherd.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★★ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★★☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good herding dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed is not recognised by the FCI or the AKC, so the rating is based on its description on Wikipedia.
Physical characteristics
Wikipedia describes it as a medium-sized dog, 46–58 cm and 18–29 kg, with males usually larger.
General appearance
The coat is double, long, straight or wavy, with feathering on the legs and tail. According to the standard it may also be curly, but on the face, head and front of the legs it is short and smooth.
| Feature | English Shepherd |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 46–58 cm |
| Weight | 18–29 kg |
| Coat | Long, double |
| Colour | Four combinations |
| Type | Farm dog |
Wikipedia says it traditionally comes in four combinations: black and white, black and tan, sable and white, and tricolour (black, white and tan); shades from fawn and red to white also occur.
Training and socialisation
As an all-round farm dog, it is hard-working, watchful and very attached to its family. It needs consistent, reward-based training and a job to do.
Early socialisation helps it stay balanced with strangers and other animals.
Tips for effective training
- Give it a job. It is a farm dog.
- Use rewards. It learns easily.
- Socialise it early. It is a watchful guardian.
- Keep it close. It is attached to its family.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It needs daily exercise and work, ideally on a farm or in herding sports.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks | daily | Energy |
| Herding | weekly | Instinct |
| Training | several times a week | Keeps the mind busy |
Tips for a balanced life
- Suited to country life.
- Brush it weekly.
- Give it a daily task.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The long coat should be brushed once or twice a week, more often during shedding and on the feathering.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed. As with any active medium-sized dog, the following are worth watching:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Work injuries | Common risks for farm dogs | Cuts, limping |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' health tests.
- Check for ticks after outings.
- Go for yearly check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
An active farm dog needs good-quality food suited to its workload.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 23 kg | 1,180 kcal | 1,320 kcal | 300–380 g |
| 29 kg | 1,400 kcal | 1,570 kcal | 350–450 g |
- Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
- Do not let it run right after a meal.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Formerly the “American Farm Shepherd”. The name changed in 2003.
- Related to the Border Collie. They share common ancestors.
- An all-rounder. Herding, guarding, ratting, companionship.
- Not recognised by the AKC. Only the UKC registers it.
- Sometimes a curly coat. The standard also accepts a curly coat.
Frequently asked questions
Is it English?
No; it is an American breed, descended from collies brought from Britain.
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No; only the UKC registers it.
What colours does it come in?
Black and white, black and tan, sable and white, tricolour.
Is it suited to flat life?
No; it is an active farm dog.
