The American Farm Shepherd Breed Origin Story

The American Farm Shepherd breed originated in the United States, specifically in the Midwest, where farmers needed a reliable and hardworking dog to help with herding and guarding livestock.

These early farmers crossed German Shepherds with other breeds, such as the Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog, to create a dog that was intelligent, loyal, and agile.

The result was a dog that was well-suited to the demands of farm life, with a strong work ethic and a keen instinct for herding and protecting its flock.

The breed quickly gained popularity among farmers and ranchers, who valued its intelligence, loyalty, and hardworking nature.

The history of the American Farm Shepherd is deeply connected to the history of the Scottish Collies. The ancient Romans brought their herding dogs to Great Britain in 55 B.C., and these dogs were later crossbred with native shepherding breeds by British farmers.

These hard-working dogs were left behind by the Romans and were taken in by British farmers, who valued their intelligence and herding ability. Over time, local herding dogs developed and were used in British farms for over 2,000 years.

British farmers eventually brought their dogs to the new continent and settled in the Appalachian and Ozark regions of the United States. They crossed their dogs with American dogs, resulting in a versatile and intelligent herding dog known as the "American Farm Shepherd" and later renamed to the "English Shepherd."

The English Shepherd's history is deeply connected to the ancient Romans, who brought their herding dogs to Great Britain in 55 B.C.

The Roman dogs were left behind after their retreat, and British farmers took them in, crossbreeding them with native shepherding breeds. This marked the beginning of over 2,000 years of local herding dogs developing on British farms.

Some of the best herding breeds, like the Border Collie and Rough and Smooth Collie, were developed on these farms. The English Shepherd's ancestors worked tirelessly alongside their human counterparts, earning their reputation as intelligent and hardworking dogs.

British farmers eventually settled in the new continent, bringing their dogs with them. This is when the detailed history of the English Shepherd truly begins.

English Shepherds were bred by early settlers in the rural areas of the Appalachian and Ozark regions of the United States.

Their versatility was a key factor in their development, allowing them to perform a wide variety of tasks on the farm. They were used for herding livestock, guarding the property, and providing companionship.

English Shepherds were highly valued for their ability to adapt to different situations and tasks, making them an essential part of early American farm life.

The American Farm Shepherd is a versatile breed that has been bred for generations as an all-purpose farm dog. They are descended from the shepherd's dogs of the U.K.

Their responsibilities have ranged from herding and protecting livestock, to dispatching vermin, to guarding the home and watching over children. They are easy-going, level-headed dogs, useful but not flashy workers.

English Shepherds are often far more useful than the classically bred dog for all-around farm work. They are "loose-eyed" workers, meaning they don't require intense focus to do their job.

They were developed as a landrace breed in America, making them well-suited to the country's diverse environments and farm conditions.

The American Farm Shepherd is a versatile breed with a rich history. They originated from the Old World Shepherd, which was brought to the United States by European settlers.

The breeders of the American Farm Shepherd selectively bred the Old World Shepherd with other breeds to create a dog that excels in herding and guarding. This selective breeding resulted in a dog with a strong instinct to herd and protect.

The American Farm Shepherd comes in a variety of coat types, including short, medium, and long coats. They can also have a range of colors, including black, blue, and red merle.

In terms of size, the American Farm Shepherd typically weighs between 70-100 pounds and stands between 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder.