English Shepherds

I grew up with a wonderful English Shepherd in central California years ago. He was the perfect family dog!  Although we lived in the suburbs, my dad always kept a few chickens, some rabbits, and an occasional pair of ducks.  Teddy Bear (Teddy) kept all the critters safe day and night, and if a rabbit happened to get out of his pen, Teddy would gently round it up and hold it with paw until my father could come get it!  He was my dad’s constant companion as my dad worked in his garden or watered his fruit trees.  Or, when we were off from school, Teddy joined in all the adventures with my siblings and neighborhood friends.

Most importantly of all, Teddy was the extra set of eyes when my older Down’s Syndrome brother was playing outside (or sneaked outside) and decided to head out of our fenced yard and down the street.  When that would happen, Teddy would start barking to raise the alarm, and then head down the street after my brother.  He would then gently turn my brother around,  putting himself between my brother and the traffic as he nudged him back towards home until we caught up with them!  Teddy was an amazing dog!  

Years later, when I had my own family, I could not find English Shepherds anywhere, and it was commonly accepted that the breed had died out.  With the advent of internet, it turns out that the breed was indeed still being kept alive by a few dedicated breeders around the country, and now the breed is steadily increasing in number and popularity with families both on and off farms!

So what is an English Shepherd?

The English Shepherd is the original farm dog that did everything – they protected the farm animals against predators, returned escaped animals to their pen or field, brought the cow in for milking, kept varmints out of the chicken coop, helped clean the newborn calves and baby sheep, kept the farmer company as he did his round of chores, met the children when they got off the school bus, watched over and was gentle with the babies and toddlers, and went with the boys to the fishing hole! When there was nothing needing done, they would sit in the shade of a tree keeping a general eye on things, and barking when visitors drove up.

The English Shepherd breed is a very old dog breed first brought to America with the English settlers.  English Shepherds were the all-round family farm dog of yesteryear, and up until World War ll were the predominant breed of dog used on farms.  With the near demise of diversified family farmsteads starting in the 1930s, the English Shepherd numbers in America dwindled alarmingly.

Fortunately, the breed is starting to make a comeback a
s small family farmsteaders discover their amazing ability to become the farmer’s “right-hand” man, urban and suburban families realize their worth as companions and “babysitters” of their children, and those involved in dog competitions discover their natural ability to excel in obedience, sport, and agility events.

English Shepherds average 45 to 60 pounds, are medium to heavy coated, and colors found include  black (usually with a white collar), clear or shaded sable, or tri (black, brown and white).  They are not high-energy dogs, and are quite happy to quietly lie at your feet while you are working at your desk, ready to jump up and join you when you head outdoors!

If you would like more information about this amazing breed of dog, sign up with your email address and we will send you our e-booklet describing the breed and more heartwarming stories about their love and devotion for their families.  Please put "English Shepherds E-Booklet" in the message box.