English Shepherd

The English Shepherd is an American farm dog descended from British herding stock — a general-purpose homestead dog rather than a specialist like the Border Collie.

History

It came with British settlers and became the standard farm dog across the eastern and midwestern United States, herding stock, killing vermin, watching the yard and minding children. It declined with the family farm in the mid-twentieth century and is kept today largely by people still doing that kind of work.

Temperament

The breed is known for being responsible, biddable and strongly attached to its household, more independent than a Border Collie and inclined to take charge of whatever needs managing.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and real occupation; without a job it invents one. It trains readily. The medium coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing.

Health

Generally robust; some lines carry the drug sensitivity found across collie-type breeds and it is testable. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts are in the panel.