If you're considering bringing an English Shepherd into your family, you're probably eager to learn more about these amazing dogs.
English Shepherds are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds and standing between 18-22 inches tall.
They're an intelligent breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
English Shepherds are highly trainable, but they can be independent thinkers, so consistent training is key.
Temperament and Behavior
English Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation and regular exercise. They need a job to do, whether it's herding, agility, or simply running around in a big yard.
They're loyal and loving towards their family, but can be shy and reserved towards unfamiliar people. This means they make great companions for those who live in rural areas or have a big family, but may not be the best fit for city dwellers or those who value their alone time.
English Shepherds have a strong work drive and can become bored and destructive without regular mental stimulation. They're not suited to homes left empty during the working day, as they do not cope well with separation from their people.
They're naturally protective of their family and territory, but not aggressively so. With proper socialisation, they can be happy to mingle with people when properly introduced.
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Temperament & Intelligence
The English Shepherd is a breed that thrives on interaction and attention from their family. They bond extremely closely with their owners and are happiest when spending time with them.
Highly intelligent and generally easy to train, English Shepherds are dedicated to pleasing their humans. They have a strong work drive and may become bored and destructive without regular mental stimulation.
English Shepherds have endless energy, but maintain a calm temperament, making them a wonderful companion dog. They are loyal and loving towards their family but can be shy and reserved towards unfamiliar people.
As highly intelligent dogs, English Shepherds need constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They are not suited to homes left empty during the working day and may develop problematic behaviors due to a lack of understanding of their needs.
With proper socialization, English Shepherds are happy to mingle with people and are not aggressive, but rather wary and reserved with strangers until they are introduced. They will guard their family and territory, but not aggressively.
English Shepherds are known to be rather bossy dogs as they prefer things to be a certain way and will ensure that people and other dogs will fall into line when they think it’s necessary.
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What Are They Known For?
English Shepherds are best known for their herding skills. They use more body movement to herd livestock, unlike Border Collies who are "strong-eyed herders".
Their herding style is often described as "loose-eyed", which means they keep a loose eye on the flock rather than focusing intensely on a single animal.
English Shepherds are naturally inclined to herd and may even try to herd children or other pets if they're not provided with proper training and exercise.
They require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their intelligence and energy make them a great fit for active families or individuals who can provide them with the exercise and attention they need.
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Grooming and Health
Grooming is an essential part of owning an English Shepherd, as it helps prevent health issues and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Regular grooming sessions can detect early signs of problems that may require a trip to the veterinarian.
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Brushing is a must, especially during shedding season when English Shepherds shed heavily. You can expect to brush your dog every day during this time to keep the shedding under control. A weekly brushing is sufficient when they're not actively shedding.
English Shepherds have a thick, wavy double coat that requires regular care. You'll need to brush them at least twice a week, with more frequent brushing during spring and fall shedding seasons. Brushing their teeth two or three times a week and trimming their nails every 3-4 weeks will also keep them in good condition.
Here's a quick rundown of English Shepherd grooming needs:
- Brush at least twice a week, with daily brushing during shedding season
- Bathe only when necessary, not more than once a month
- Brush teeth two or three times a week
- Trim nails every 3-4 weeks
- Clean ears once a month or as needed
Regular grooming will not only keep your English Shepherd looking its best but also help prevent health issues like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Grooming
Grooming is essential for your English Shepherd's long-term health.
Regular grooming sessions can help detect early signs of issues that may require a trip to the veterinarian. Grooming also allows you to bond with your dog.
English Shepherds shed heavily on a seasonal schedule, requiring daily brushing during shedding season.
Brushing your English Shepherd every day during shedding season can help keep the shedding under control.
You should trim their nails about once a month and perform regular preventative dental care, such as brushing their teeth.
English Shepherds have a coarse coat that is very easy to care for, and heavy mud deposits will dry quickly and simply brush out.
Bathing is very rarely needed for English Shepherds, but brushing may be of benefit twice a week to remove dead hair.
Tooth brushing is a great idea to prevent tooth and gum disease, and should be introduced early in life.
English Shepherds have a medium-length outer coat that might be straight, curly, or wavy and a thick undercoat, so they tend to shed all year round.
You'll need to brush your English Shepherd a couple of times a week but more often during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Shedding is moderate throughout the year, but can become heavy during the spring and fall.
Brushing your English Shepherd's teeth two or three times a week can help prevent tooth and gum disease.
English Shepherds require at least a weekly brushing to avoid matts and tangles, and can pick up a lot of mud and debris during walks.
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Health and Conditions
English Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
Progressive retinal atrophy and Collie eye anomaly are two inherited conditions that can affect English Shepherds. Genetic screening can help determine if a dog is affected.
Hip dysplasia is another common issue that can occur in English Shepherds. This is a joint problem that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
Some English Shepherds may also be sensitive to certain medications due to the MDR-1 gene. This is something to be aware of if you're considering bringing a new English Shepherd into your family.
It's essential to find a reputable breeder who can provide a full health history and screening results for their dogs. This can help ensure you're getting a healthy pup.
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Training
English Shepherds are highly intelligent and thrive on mental and physical stimulation, making them a joy to train.
They are happiest when they have a task to perform, so regular training sessions are a must.
English Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques, and praise from their owners can be enough to encourage them without the need for treats.
They are active and alert learners, and will learn very quickly if you challenge them with new tasks and activities.
To prevent boredom and problem behaviors, you'll need to make training challenging enough to keep your English Shepherd engaged.
A well-exercised English Shepherd should be placid and laid back come the evening, willing to lie quietly with its owner.
However, getting to this point requires at least two hours of structured activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or working.
English Shepherds are perfect dogs if you're looking for a companion to do trick-training, agility, flyball, or other 'brain' activities with.
They are eager to please and learn things quickly, making them very easy to train.
Establishing daily routines is also vital to helping your English Shepherd puppy adjust to your family.
Intelligent and willing English Shepherds should thrive in puppy obedience classes, and it's never too early to start their training!
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Family and Pet Suitability
English Shepherds can make fantastic playmates and guardians for kids, but they do require a significant time commitment to training, socializing, and exercising.
They are energetic enough to play with older children all day, but not too big to overwhelm smaller kids. Supervise your children when interacting with the dog.
English Shepherds can get along with other dogs when properly socialized, but they can be bossy if their canine friends aren’t behaving properly. A conflict could erupt if the other dogs don’t welcome this peer-to-peer correction.
They do best with space to run safely, and a house with a fenced yard is preferred. Living in apartments or dense urban environments can be challenging for English Shepherds.
English Shepherds are known to be gentle and patient with children, and have a special affinity for them. They make great pets for active families.
However, they might try to keep your children in line if they believe the kids are acting unruly. Teach your children to respect your dog and not to play roughly or to pull on tails and ears.
The English Shepherd does get along with pets of all kinds, particularly when raised with them. They are also quite playful and energetic, and will enjoy romping around with both family cats and dogs.
English Shepherds are fantastic family pets, and make wonderful companions for the entire family. They are gentle and playful with children of all ages.
Owning and Caring
Owning an English Shepherd requires a significant amount of exercise, so if you live in an apartment, this breed might not be the best fit.
The English Shepherd needs plenty of physical activity, and a fenced backyard or acreage with room to roam is ideal. Without proper exercise, they can become restless and destructive.
Regular grooming is also essential, as their thick, soft, and glossy coat requires weekly brushing and the occasional bath.
Upkeep
The English Shepherd is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. He needs a home with a fenced backyard or acreage with plenty of room to roam.
He's not suited for apartment dwelling, so if you live in a small space, this breed might not be the best fit.
Regular grooming is a must for the English Shepherd, with a thick, soft, and glossy coat that sheds and requires weekly brushing.
A weekly brushing routine will help prevent matting and tangling, making bath time a breeze.
The English Shepherd is a smart breed that needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Without proper training and socialization, he can become stubborn and bossy.
Owning Essentials
Owning an English Shepherd requires preparation, so it's essential to know the vital characteristics of this breed.
Before bringing an English Shepherd home, you'll want to consider their high energy level. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
English Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be strong-willed and independent. This means you'll need to establish clear boundaries and consistency in your training approach.
They thrive on interaction and attention from their family, so be prepared for a loyal companion that will follow you everywhere.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering bringing an English Shepherd into your family, be patient - they can be rare to find in the US, and even when you do find a breeder, there may be a waiting list for puppies.
You can find breeders throughout North America, and some may even send puppies via air travel if you're not close by. Alternatively, you can reach out to breed-specific rescue groups like the National English Shepherd Rescue to adopt or foster an English Shepherd.
The English Shepherd is a unique and intelligent breed that requires some structure and training, but they'll be loyal and affectionate companions if you're willing to take charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do English Shepherds get?
English Shepherds typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and stand around 23 inches tall, with a medium-sized athletic build. They have a deep chest and a longer body than they are high, making them well-suited for active lifestyles.
What do English Shepherds look like?
English Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with distinctive features like floppy ears, feathered tails, and bright eyes. They have a thick, glossy coat that comes in various colors including black, brown, and white.
What is an English Shepherd a mix of?
The English Shepherd is a mix of various collie breeds, including Border Collie, Rough Collie, and Australian Shepherd. Its ancestry is rooted in early British and Irish settlers' imports to the New World.
Sources
- English Shepherd Dogs & Puppies - Petfinder (petfinder.com)
- “About English Shepherds” (nesr.info)
- “English Shepherd” (ukcdogs.com)
- “The English Shepherd Club” (englishshepherd.org)
- English Shepherd Breed Information, Characteristics & ... (dogzone.com)
- Whatsapp (wa.me)
- National English Shepherd Rescue (nesr.info)
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