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English shepherd

The English Shepherd is an American farm dog descended from British collie-type stock brought by settlers, and it was for a long time the default farm dog across the United States — herding, guarding, killing vermin and minding children, rather than specialising in any one of them.

It stands 46 to 58 centimetres, weighs 18 to 27 kilograms and lives twelve to fifteen years, with a medium double coat. It is bred for judgement rather than for the intense eye-and-stalk of a Border Collie: an English Shepherd is expected to work out what needs doing. That independence makes it a capable farm dog and a demanding pet, and its collie ancestry brings one crucial genetic test.

Origin
United States, from British collie stock; the classic farm dog
Size
46–58 cm; 18–27 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Medium double coat; moderate grooming
Temperament
Independent and judgement-based rather than biddable
Health
MDR1 drug sensitivity — DNA testable; hip dysplasia

Related: Border collie · Collie · American English coonhound · Anatolian shepherd dog · Australian shepherd

2 english shepherd photos, newest first

  • Mistral II, a english shepherd

    Mistral II

    Mistral II was promoted to pastry chef confronting a leaning cake; unfortunately, a heap of wooden spoons spills from a cupboard.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Mistral II, a english shepherd

    Mistral II

    Mistral II after approximately four seconds of exercise.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a english shepherd

Ask for the MDR1 DNA test. Collie-lineage breeds commonly carry a mutation that makes ordinary veterinary drugs — including some wormers, sedatives and anti-diarrhoeals — dangerous or lethal at normal doses. The test is cheap and the result should be on the dog's file at every vet.

They need a job and space. This is a farm dog, and in a suburban home without work it becomes bossy, barky and inclined to herd whatever is available.

They are territorial and reserved with strangers; socialise early.

Ask for hip scores and eye testing.

The double coat needs brushing twice a week and daily during the moult.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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