English Shepherd

The English Shepherd is a breed of dog that was bred for herding in England. One of the distinctive physical characteristics of the breed is its dense and hardy double coat, with different coloration patterns including black, sable, white or tan. In addition, these dogs are known to be loyal and intelligent.

General details

Dogs of the breed are of medium size and robust structure. Males can weigh between 20 and 27 kilograms, while females range between 18 and 23 kilograms. Height varies between 48 and 58 centimeters in males, and between 46 and 56 centimeters in females. On average, they can live between 10 and 14 years, and are not currently recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

The English Shepherd is believed to have arisen from the crossbreeding of dogs native to the British Isles and the Roman Shepherd Dog and Cattle Dog brought to the British Isles in 55 BC. Dogs of the breed were developed as multi-purpose farm dogs, capable of performing different tasks such as herding livestock, protecting the farm and even hunting small vermin. The breed continued its development in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, where they were employed by farmers and ranchers. The United Kennel Club (UKC) was the first to recognize the breed in 1927. Today, English Shepherds make excellent pets for families with an active lifestyle, and are still used on farms and ranches, although they are not the most famous herding dogs.

Breed characteristics

The English Shepherd is a well-proportioned breed, with a strong and muscular neck. The head is proportional to the rest of the body and slightly rounded between the ears. Its eyes are expressive, rounded and brown or amber in color, while its tail is carried over the back and slightly curved. The ears are broad at the base and are folded down. The coat is dense, glossy and soft, and can be straight, curly or wavy. The areas of the body with short, smooth hair are the face, the front of the limbs and the skull, while the back of the forelimbs are fringed. The coat is double-layered, with a soft, dense undercoat that protects them from inclement weather. There are different coloration patterns: black and white; sable and white, white and tan; black and tan; and tricolor (black, white and tan). The coat requires regular care to avoid tangles. The temperament of the English Shepherd is noted for its great energy, intelligence and agility. They are very active and courageous, able to adapt quickly to work orders and respond promptly to their master's voice. In addition, they are fearless and obedient, and their strong protective instinct makes them excellent guardians of the home. English Shepherds are also known for their affection for their owners and their unparalleled loyalty.

Common health problems

Information on common diseases in the English Shepherd breed is very limited. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the most common disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, hypothyroidism and Collie eye anomaly.