The English Shepherd is the breed of dog I remember from childhood. I was 6 when we moved off the farm to California and brought one dog with us. She was really sweet and protective of me and my brothers. I know my love for dogs was because of her!
A popular title for the English Shepherd is “Old-Fashioned Farm Collie”…hmm. I guess that’s what she was. Nothing special according to my parents, they got her for free. But now you see puppies selling for $700…wow. Most farmers couldn’t afford an English Shepherd today!
Our History
The family English Shepherd loved to play, she barked when necessary and slept by our beds. All a kid could want! My parents enjoyed her easy to keep coat, quickness to train, the nice medium size and beautiful sable color. Although they do come in many other color variations.
Our childhood English Shepherd was pretty mellow unless you pointed a stick or finger at her…she would go crazy. My Mom told me why she was that way…an old man who used to annoy her through our chain link fence with his cane. I also recall she would snap at you if she was scared, like fireworks or thunderstorms. Normal dog stuff.
Look
The English Shepherd was developed in the United States from farm dogs brought over by English and Scottish settlers. They are a medium-sized dog, usually somewhat longer than taller and generally weighing between 44 to 66 lb.
Personality
I get a laugh out of the description given by some English Shepherd breeders. They say they’re like a Border Collie, but with an off-switch. I always wanted a Border Collie but chose an Australian Shepherd because they were supposed to be that way too…not. I can’t imagine any activity level higher than my Rudy!
English Shepherds were bred to do many tasks on small farms during the 17th through early 20th centuries. They worked various types of livestock including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and fowl. Considered by many as the most common breed in America during the 19th and early 20th century.
Resources
- www.englishshepherd.org/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Shepherd
- English Shepherd Pedigree Project
- MDR1- Multi-Drug Sensitivity in Dogs
Please share any memories you may have of the wonderful English Shepherd breed!