|
English Shepherd Dog Breed Facts
|
Photo courtesy of Leon Bezaire
|
|
Breed: English Shepherd
|
|
Also Called: Farm Collie, Farm Shepherd
|
|
Height: The English Shepherd is about 18-24 inches tall measured at the withers.
|
|
Weight: The English Shepherd weighs between 35-90 lbs.
|
|
Colors: The English Shepherd can be black and tan, sable and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), or black and white. Dark and light liver, excessive white or a grey tricolor are very rare.
|
|
Physical Appearance: The English Shepherd is a dog of medium size, presenting a picture of sturdy balance and harmonious proportions, built for speed and maneuverability. He is alert and his face shows a high degree of intelligence. English Shepherds have a medium length, double coat, which affords all weather protection.
|
|
Temperament/Personality: The English Shepherd makes a wonderful companion in homes where their intelligence, spirit, and devotion are understood and appreciated. The English Shepherd is great with children and has looked after them for many centuries.
|
|
Care:
|
|
Health Concerns/Problems: Health concerns for English Shepherds include: hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, collie eye anomaly, allergies, hypothyroidism, heart disease, and epilepsy.
|
|
Training: The English Shepherd is easily trained in obedience by using fair firmness in your training.
|
|
Activity: The English Shepherd is a working dog, valued for their herding and guarding ability. They are an athletic dog.
|
|
Life Span: The English Shepherd lives an average life of 12-16 years.
|
|
Litter Size:
|
|
Country of Origin: The English Shepherd originated in America.
|
|
Brief History: According to legend, the English Shepherd is almost pure Roman sheep and cattle dog, originally brought to the British Isles by Caesar when he invaded in 55 BC He used these dogs to herd the livestock brought along to feed his troops. As the livestock was depleted, surplus dogs were left along the way, and were used by local natives and interbred with existing types of dogs with similar "herding" talents, to intensify those instincts. The English Shepherd was brought to the American colonies by some of the first settlers and followed the development of the United States from east to west. This multi-purpose breed was highly prized as it was used to herd valuable livestock and to protect the isolated homesteads.
|