What Are English Shepherds?
An English Shepherd is the shadow who moves faithfully at their person’s side, both in life and long after they have gone.
English Shepherds have deep roots in American agriculture as a versatile farm dog. The breed was formed in America by dogs brought over from Britain in the 18th / 19th centuries and bred to be practical helpers. While the breed was common on farming homesteads and operations a century ago, their presence has waned along with the small farmer.
Prized for their high biddability, sense of order and loose eyed herding abilities, they are often described as ‘jack of all trades’ dogs. Abilities to adapt range from cleaning newborn lambs, dispatching errant groundhogs, copiloting a family road trip or acting as lookout from the front porch. They can be bossy and routine oriented, but should not be an overly ‘busy’ dog who worries stock or annoys his people.
The trait that is probably most valued in this breed is their innate desire to bond deeply with their people or person. It can feel like an English Shepherd is always thinking of how to please their human next, whether through farm work or a roll on the back to get a laugh.
English Shepherds are not the right dog for everyone.
While our goal is to produce less environmentally sensitive, more pro-social temperaments this breed still has typical herding dog ‘flavor’. English Shepherds are usually bossy, controlling, routine seeking, mentally and physically active. Homes who enjoy prioritizing enrichment and a sense of purpose for their dogs are the best place for an English Shepherd to flourish. They generally will not do well in typical dog park settings, as they are prone to referee the rowdy play of other dogs, causing conflict.
If you know and love herding breeds, you’ll probably love English Shepherds. If you have limited experience with herding dogs, please reach out to us and we’d be more than happy to discuss more in-depth whether they would be a good fit for what you want in a dog!
For more information on English Shepherds;
NESR National English Shepherd Rescue
ESCR English Shepherd Club Registry a public pedigree database