Origins
Originating in northern England and Scotland, these dogs came with the first settlers to reach the American colonies. American farmers appreciated this versatile breed and used dogs to protect their farms and livestock. The English Shepherd is an extremely versatile breed of working dog of the collie lineage, developed in the United States from farm dogs brought by English and Scottish settlers in the 17th through 19th centuries before pedigrees became fashionable around the end of the 19th century. Subsistence farmers appreciated the breed for their versatility and not for their flash or strict conformation to a standard of appearance. The English Shepherd is a highly intelligent, all-around farm dog, being used as a herding dog, livestock guardian, farm watch dog, hunting dog, vermin eradicator and a child's companion. English Shepherds were not bred to be specialised to work one type of livestock as some recent herding dogs have been. English Shepherds were bred to do many tasks on the small diversified farms of the 17th through early 20th centuries that had various types of livestock including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and fowl. It may have been the most common breed in America during the 19th and early 20th century.
Lifestyle
The English Shepherd temperament is the defining characteristic of the breed, with high 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 and learn routines quickly. Some can be watchful of strangers and are 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 an independent, bossy or "enforcer of the rules" streak in his temperament. If the dog's desire to enforce order is not channeled and directed to a suitable end by a strong, confident leader, he may exhibit many undesirable behaviors. Nevertheless, English shepherds can thrive as companion dogs in environments that provide sufficient mental and physical stimulation. English Shepherds require a lot of exercise (at least 40 minutes of walking per day) and may become destructive if not provided enough. They have a natural instinct to chase and enjoy playing a game of fetch. They tend to become calm and relaxed at the end of the day, likely to curl up at their owner's feet. This breed was selected on diverse small family farms in the past and has been selected to work in a partnership arrangement with his master. English Shepherds can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. English Shepherds exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.[6] English Shepherds also possess a strong hunting instinct from their past use as an all purpose farm dog. They are known to tree prey and can be trained to flush birds by taking advantage of the innate herding instinct. English Shepherd's can also adapt well to life in the City.
Notable
Bobbie The Wonder Dog "On August 15, 1923, Frank and Elizabeth Brazier of Silverton, experienced a pet owner's worst nightmare; they lost their dog nearly 3000 miles away from home. At a service station in Wolcott, Indiana, USA Bobbie, their 2 year old English Shepherd cross, was attacked by a gang of dogs and disappeared. After an agonizing and fruitless search, the disheartened Braziers returned to Oregon, convinced they would never see their beloved Bobbie again. Bobbie returned home six months to the day after being separated from his family. Mr. Brazier's daughter, Nova, spotted Bobbie wandering the streets of Silverton and cradled the exhausted but contented dog in her arms. An elated reunion with the rest of the family followed. As news of his journey spread, Bobbie, "The Wonder Dog," became a bonafide Oregon Legend... During his trip he forded icy rivers, traveled through blizzards, and crossed almost impenetrable mountain ranges. A frayed rope around his neck suggested that he had escaped at least one person who wanted to keep him against his will. Although many people helped the determined canine, he never stayed long... "He was determined to keep going... He did everything to find his owner."
Lifespan
The average lifespan of an English Shepherd is approximately 14 years
Health
MDR1 gene mutation:
Recent research at Washington State University indicates that, in addition to many other herding breeds, approximately 15% of the English Shepherd population is subject to the MDR1 gene mutation. Dogs that are tested positive have increased sensitivity and adverse reactions to a number of common canine drugs. A simple cheek swab is all that is needed to test if the dog has this potentially life-threatening condition.
Ideal Weight
Female: 18-23kg
Male: 21-28kg