Characteristics of dogs of the English Shepherd breed with reviews and photos.

Federation classification

FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale)Group 1. Shepherd and cattle dogs Section 1. SheepdogsSection 2. Shepherd dogsGroup 2 Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossians, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs Section 1. Pinschers and SchnauzersSection 2. MolossiansSection 3. Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs (Sennenhunds)Group 3. Terriers Section 1. Large and medium terriersSection 2. Small TerriersSection 3. Bull typeSection 4. Toy TerriersGroup 4 DachshundsGroup 5. Spitz and primitive Section 1. Nordic sled dogsSection 2. Northern hunting dogsSection 3. Northern guard and herding dogsSection 4. European SpitzSection 5. Asian Spitz and related breedsSection 6. PrimitiveSection 7. Primitive - for hunting useGroup 6. Hounds and related breeds Section 1. Hounds 1.1 Great hounds1.2 Medium hounds 1.3 Lesser houndsSection 2. FoldedSection 3. Related breedsGroup 7. cops Section 1. Continental Pointers 1.1 Type of continental pointers 1.2 Spaniel type 1.3 Griffin typeSection 2. British and Irish Pointers and Setters 2.1 Pointers 2.2 SettersGroup 8. Retrievers, spaniels, water dogs Section 1. RetrieversSection 2. SpanielsSection 3. Water dogsGroup 9. Decorative dogs and companion dogs Section 1. Bichons and related breeds Section 2. Poodles Section 3. Small Belgian dogsSection 4. Hairless dogsSection 5. Tibetan breedsSection 6. ChihuahuaSection 7. English Toy SpanielsSection 8. Japanese Chin and PekingeseSection 9. Continental Toy SpanielsSection 10. CromforlanderSection 11. Small dogs of the Molossian typeGroup 10. Greyhounds Section 1. Long-haired GreyhoundsSection 2. Wirehaired GreyhoundsSection 3. Short-haired GreyhoundsBreeds out of classification AKC (American Kennel Club)Group 1. SportsGroup 2 huntingGroup 3. workersGroup 4 TerrierGroup 5. companion dogGroup 6. shepherdsGroup 7. Not sportsOther Conditionally recognized breeds Breeds out of classification CKC (Canadian Kennel Club)Group 1. SportsGroup 2 huntingGroup 3. workersGroup 4 TerrierGroup 5. companion dogGroup 6. Not sportsGroup 7. shepherdsBreeds out of classification KC(UK) (British Kennel Club)Group 1. GunshipsGroup 2 huntingGroup 3. shepherdsGroup 4 TerrierGroup 5. companion dogGroup 6. AuxiliaryGroup 7. workersBreeds out of classification UKC (United Kennel Club)Group 1. companion dogGroup 2 ServiceGroup 3. GunshipsGroup 4 shepherdsGroup 5. NorthernGroup 6. huntingGroup 7. exoticGroup 8. TerrierBreeds out of classification ANKC (National Kennel Club of Australia)Group 1. companion dogGroup 2 TerrierGroup 3. GunshipsGroup 4 huntingGroup 5. workersGroup 6. AuxiliaryGroup 7. Not sportsBreeds out of classification NZKC (New Zealand Kennel Club)Group 1. companion dogGroup 2 TerrierGroup 3. GunshipsGroup 4 huntingGroup 5. workersGroup 6. AuxiliaryGroup 7. Not sportsBreeds out of classification

History of occurrence

It is believed that the first dogs, which later became the progenitors of the English Shepherds, came to the British Isles along with the Roman legionnaires. It is these dogs that can be called the first English Shepherds, although they are absolutely not similar to modern ones. In the troops of Rome, these dogs were kept in order to guard the cattle that traveled with the troops and provided them with food. When the cattle ran out, the dogs were chased away and settled in new territories, misting with local dogs, as a result, the ancestors of this breed of dogs were formed. During the resettlement, they were brought to the American continent, where they were selected for breeding solely on working qualities, adding collie and sheltie blood to them. The resulting breed was named the English Shepherd. The popularity of these dogs grew, and as a result, in the 30s of the last century, the breed was recognized international association dog breeders. Dogs of this breed first came to Russia in the late 90s, they did not become very popular with us, but English shepherd kennels and private breeders appeared. Even in 2003, a club of lovers of dogs of this breed was opened.

General form

This is a medium sized, stocky dog ​​with a muzzle tapering towards the nose. With muscular and strong legs, the English Shepherd overcomes considerable distances, can work in areas with difficult conditions. Easily and abruptly changes direction.

Muzzle not long, tapering towards the nose.

Ears set high, hanging on cartilage.

Eyes dark, give the muzzle an attentive, preoccupied look.

Bite scissor.

torso

Frame powerful, but at the same time massive.

Breast drooping and not wide, like all hardy animals.

Stomach harmoniously continues the line of the chest, does not sag, but is not lean.

Withers clearly expressed.

Forelimbs well developed, with sloping shoulder blades, long and muscular forearms, strong wrists, rounded paws, pads dense and firmly pressed together, large claws.

Hind limbs powerful, but not heavy, moving in a plane with the forelegs, the lower legs are long, but with practically no pronounced hock joint, exactly like the forelegs. This structure of the limbs helps the dog to move quickly, overcoming obstacles, in difficult terrain.

english shepherd- a great guard and protector - she does not attack the intruder, but vigilantly warns the owner and the penetration of strangers.

Being in the family, he shows good nature, sociability to all the people around him.

The English Shepherd can live both in the city and in country house, in any case, it is important to provide her with work and physical activity. Ideal content on the farm, where she will have enough space for work and free walks. Dogs of this breed require a large amount physical activity and, very importantly, mental stress, without this, dogs begin to get bored and can lead to destructive activities. In order for the coat to look beautiful and shiny, the dog needs to be fed with quality food and combed regularly. Since the coat is not very long, one combing a week will be enough. Bathe your dog as needed, but not often.

The English Shepherd is very person-oriented and seeks to win his favor. Early socialization and obedience training is necessary, OKD or obedience is a good fit for this.

These dogs need a knowledgeable and consistent owner, but harsh or heavy-handed training methods are completely ineffective. Training should be based on firmness, fairness, patience and consistency.

Well suited for practicing various types of cynological sports - obedience, OKD, agility, freestyle, frisbee.

Lifespan- 12-13 years old.

Advantages

Purposeful, hardy, quick-witted, self-confident, determined dogs.

Very balanced.

Not aggressive towards other animals and dogs.

Very workable.

Content Difficulty

The dog sheds a lot and profusely.

hip dysplasia and elbow joints is the scourge of the English Shepherd.

Some of the dogs carry a defective gene that makes them sensitive to drugs that are completely safe for other dogs. But for English Shepherds, these medications can be fatal. Some drugs against ticks are especially dangerous. This gene is brought into the breed from collies.

They require great physical and mental stress.

English Shepherds are distinguished by fairly good health, problems with which are extremely rare.

However, there are known cases of development in dogs of this breed of such a disease as hip dysplasia, which is expressed in lameness of varying severity. It occurs due to improper development of the joints. The cause is usually genetic (so it is advisable for manufacturers to test for dysplasia) or improper rearing (inadequate exercise and overfeeding. Mild dysplasia can be treated promptly. Permanent medical support is also possible.

Improper nutrition can cause another extremely dangerous disease - gastric volvulus, it occurs due to weakness of the mesentery, this is a hereditary problem. As a result, with very plentiful food and high physical activity, torsion of the stomach occurs immediately after eating, blood rushes to it and the dog dies.

In addition, many shepherd dogs are prone to another problem associated with intolerance to a certain number of drugs. Often drugs that do not pose any threat to other animals are fatal to English Shepherds.

It sounds somewhat unusual, but modern English Shepherds were bred by American breeders who highly valued the working qualities of this versatile dog.

General description of the breed, history, character

Legend claims that the first English Shepherds came to the British Isles along with Roman legionnaires before our era. Those dogs were used to guard and herd cattle, which were used as food for huge troops. Gradually, the number of livestock decreased, and the dogs were out of work. They were simply left on the roads, crossing with local herding dogs, enhancing their working qualities. Later, these dogs, along with English settlers, came to the American continent.

American farmers actively used these versatile dogs to protect farms and herd herds. In order to improve the working qualities of the dogs, they were injected with the blood of the old-style collies, border collies, and shelties, as well as other working herding dogs. As a result, American breeders produced an energetic, hardworking and talented herding dog, which was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1934.

The English Sheepdog is a harmoniously built, agile dog that can travel great distances, even in difficult terrain. One of the unique properties of these dogs is the ability to instantly change the direction of movement in which the dog was walking.

Like many "shepherds", the English Shepherd is able to make decisions on his own, but she loves to work in tandem with the owner, she enjoys following his commands and, as a result, receiving rewards in the form of encouragement.

In principle, the English Shepherd does not need any commands, as she knows perfectly well what to do. This dog tends to work with skill, clearly and without fuss.

The English Shepherd is able to instantly respond to force majeure circumstances. She will always find a lost sheep and drive it to the herd, but if the sheep is wounded, it will also be delivered to the owner.

This hard-working dog can relax when she does not have to work, she will happily tumble on the grass, play with the owner's children, who can be safely left under the care of a smart English Shepherd.

Another unique ability distinguishes these dogs from others - they can climb trees.

Types, standard

• country - North America;
• height - 46-58cm;
• weight - 18-27 cm;
• body - somewhat stretched;
• head - medium size, tapering towards the nose;
• wool - medium length, straight, wavy, shiny;
• color - tricolor: black with white and sable white; black and tan;
• bite - scissor;
• ears are set high;
• life expectancy - 12-15 years;
• group - 1 (herding, service dogs, without working qualities test).

Outwardly, the English Sheepdog resembles the typical Scottish Shepherd Collie. This comes from the fact that the blood of these intelligent working dogs is infused in the dogs.

The dog, despite its rather high growth, looks stocky, and at first glance it creates a feeling of heaviness and sluggishness of this breed, but this is not so. English Shepherds are mobile and light.

These representatives of our smaller brothers are clearly not for lazy people.

The dog must meet all the parameters of the standard. Any deviations will be considered defects. In addition to the usual vices, there are disqualifying vices, which include not only deviations, but also complete inconsistencies with the accepted standard.

The English Shepherd is a tall animal with long hair, powerful legs, an elongated and friendly muzzle. She has powerful legs, as they allow her to control a whole herd of cattle. Long hair can be uncomfortable for the dog itself, as it exhausts the pet in hot weather. English Shepherd puppies are very playful and affectionate. They will find mutual language with any children because of their curiosity and kindness. You can not worry about your own baby, leaving him next to such a smart pet.

An English Shepherd will never offend a child, because it will treat him with imperturbable patience and kindness. Small child he can pull the dog by the ears as much as he likes, and at the same time he will not even dare to bare his teeth.

English Shepherd dogs can cost quite a lot of money, especially if they are champion bloodlines. It is better to buy a puppy in a nursery, because there are experienced consultants and doctors who will answer all questions.

Features of the content and physical activity

English Shepherd care is relatively simple. The coat needs to be brushed regularly, a couple of times a week. This will avoid the occurrence of tangles and tangling of wool. In principle, the coat of the English Shepherd is soft, so tangles are rarely formed.

The dog loses hair profusely, especially during the period of intensive molting in spring and autumn. It is not recommended to keep an English Shepherd in the house, but if you decide to settle such a dog with you in the apartment, prepare for the fact that dog hair will accompany you everywhere. Sofa, clothes, carpets - wool will lie everywhere.

It is not necessary to bathe the English Shepherd regularly, it should be done as needed.

The English Shepherd has the ability to learn quickly because he instantly understands what is required of him. It is this property of the dog that allows her to take part in competitions and win.

Despite the fact that the dog is a shepherd, and she is able to make independent decisions, the English Shepherd does not have a stubborn character. Moreover, the English Shepherd obeys perfectly and always shows a desire to obey those whom he considers superior to himself. However, the dog can defiantly ignore the orders of people whom it does not put above itself. Some shepherd dogs are happy to follow the orders of the owners and completely ignore them from strangers.

The socialization of the English Shepherd will allow you to correct the breed characteristics of a dog that has a tendency to dominate. It will improve the adaptation of the dog to life in the family.

Whatever the relationship with the dog may be, no matter how much you love it from the very beginning, the shepherd dog should have its own place, limiting the territory will also avoid the presence of wool in the entire apartment.

An important point in caring for an English Shepherd is the diet of this, in principle, unpretentious dog. In his natural environment the English Shepherd is not particularly capricious and gladly accepts the food offered by the owner. But in its natural environment, its diet is enriched with proteins, clean water and natural, wholesome food without chemicals. Living in the city, the English Shepherd is often deprived of the opportunity to get the necessary physical activity, which compensates, perhaps, for the lack of some nutrients. In the city, she feels a little different, she moves less, she is fed consistently, most often with a balanced diet. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the dog does not overeat. Of course, the best option is to feed with natural food.

English Shepherd Care

Any animal, regardless of size, requires proper care. The height at the withers of the English Shepherd is from 50 to 59 cm. Lush coat requires special care, because the pet must look neat and well-groomed. Most often, you can see black hair on the back and a red chest in the English Shepherd. The tail is long and not curled. One wool brush may not be enough for proper grooming. Let's outline the main points of care:

• It is recommended to buy two brushes with hard and soft bristles. A hard comb should be used no more than once a week, but a soft comb should be used every other day. Combing gives this breed untold pleasure, so it will not resist.
• Proper care of the English Shepherd guarantees no shedding problems. Frequent bathing your pet with shampoo is not worth it. And regular water procedures, especially in summer, will please your pet.
• Even in a private house, even in an apartment, the dog must have a certain place to rest and sleep.
• Food bowls should be removed from the floor after each meal. This will allow the dog to develop discipline.
• It is not necessary to cut the coat strongly, it is enough just to comb it regularly. Nail clipping may cause some nervousness in the dog, but he will not allow himself to bite the hands that feed him.

English shepherd

Forelimbs

Hind limbs

Age (years)

Country of origin

A specially trained English Shepherd is able to assess the physical capabilities of each animal in the herd and, with this in mind, work out their actions to manage these animals.

Origin story

It is believed that the English Shepherd breed began to emerge in Ancient Rome. Additional Information almost nothing about it.
AT modern world the breed is a planned symbiosis of the following breeds: classic collie, Scottish collie, border collie and several other breeds of herding dogs.
American farmers have been quite successful with their shepherd dogs, but have sought to improve the performance of the dogs they own.
In order to improve the breed, a dog was bred with endurance, diligence, quick reaction - the English Shepherd.

Coat: on the muzzle and on the front paws on the front side, the hair is short, the body and tail are decorated with medium-length hair.

Color: tricolor, black and tan, black and white.

Physiology

The English Shepherd looks very solid, it is a bit stocky.
The muzzle is of medium size, tapering towards the nose.
The ears are set high, the ear cartilages allow them to hang down. Dark colored eyes.
The expression of the muzzle is always meaningful and attentive.
Structure: the hind limbs are slightly curved, the forelegs are straight, thanks to which the dog excels in speed and strength. This is a great helper for shepherd service.

Games and training

If the dog is not given enough attention and time, it will not have physical activity, then over time its muscles will become decrepit and health will deteriorate.
When trained, the English Shepherd is very easy to work with, fulfills all requirements with ease and will soon become a very well behaved dog.
In the process of training, it should be borne in mind that the dog is distinguished by the qualities of a leader and it needs to be shown that the owner is still more important.
You can not use violence, in training actions to show cruelty, you can not intimidate the dog.
After such actions, you can lose the most important thing - trust.
Be persistent, respectful and the dog will be loyal to you.

Health

Often this breed suffers from hip and elbow dysplasia. These dogs carry a defective gene that makes them sensitive to some drugs, safe for other dogs, but deadly for shepherd dogs.
In general, excellent health.

It is noted that she will feel uncomfortable in the city and she is better off in rural or country living conditions (next to other animals).
Well, if this is a house with a large adjacent plot.
Wool must be constantly combed. Shedding is a lot of trouble if the dog lives in the house and not in the aviary.

purpose

This breed can be considered when choosing a companion dog. In this case, the dog will need special exercises so that she can show all her abilities and instincts.
The English Shepherd is well suited as a family dog, as it loves and protects children, is not able to offend a child because of its non-aggressiveness.
Companion dogs, Service dogs.

Confession

The breed is officially recognized by international kennel clubs - UKS. FCI not recognized.

Similar breeds

australian shepherd
Australian shepherd dog
English Coonhound (Red Spotted Coonhound)

Smart and cheerful, English Shepherds have captivated the hearts of people for many centuries, falling in love with them at first sight.

These amazing dogs have an outstanding appearance and an extremely good disposition, while being excellent watchmen and shepherds.

Story

According to legend, the ancestors of the English Shepherd were brought to Europe by Julius Caesar.

They guarded the numerous herds of the emperor, thereby providing food for his large army.

In time, when Julius returned to Rome, in dogs stopped needing: they were in literally on the roadsides, where they were picked up by kind people.

In 1934, the English Sheepdog received an official breed standard.

Later, these "tourists" began to cross with local shepherds breeds, which had a positive effect on their qualities.

And so a wonderful multi-purpose breed arose - the English Shepherd.

With the first settlers, these dogs were taken to America, where they were immediately appreciated.

English standard

Effortlessly this breed combines sophistication, harmony and mysterious elegance.

The English Shepherd is a medium sized dog with a proportionate build.

Thanks to the head position, these beauties give the impression of the proud elite of the canine world, looking at everyone with superiority.

• Eyes medium-sized, almond-shaped, dark or dark brown, planted not too far or close, the look is lively and intelligent.
• The head is dry, chiseled, the length of the skull and muzzle is equal, the cheeks are muscular and hard, the lips fit tightly to each other, the superciliary arches are of medium size and do not protrude much.
• The ears are straight, triangular in shape, bent, set high. Jaws well developed, have a scissor or pincer bite, teeth strong and white, like in a toothpaste advertisement.

Height at the withers - from 47-57 cm, weight - from 18 to 28 kg, females and males of the English Shepherd are almost the same size and weight.

• The body is powerful, but at the same time massive, the chest is lowered and not wide, like in all hardy animals, the stomach harmoniously continues the line of the chest, does not sag, but is not lean, the withers are clearly expressed.
• Forelimbs well developed, with sloping shoulder blades, long and muscular forearms, strong wrists, rounded paws, pads dense and firmly pressed together, large claws.
• The hind limbs are powerful, but not heavy, moving in a plane with the forelegs, the lower legs are long, but with a practically not pronounced hock joint, the paws are exactly like the front ones.
• The tail of the English Shepherd is set firmly, of medium length, keeps hanging, with the tip curved near the hock.

In other words, "collie-like shepherd dog" is about her.

color

In total, four color options are allowed:

Character

English Shepherds are the owners of a truly golden character among dogs.

Indeed, they are very friendly, never bite a person who will reach out for affection, even if this person is a stranger.

English Shepherds with great pleasure follow the owner even into the water, even into the mountains: any movement is perceived by them as a great joy.

A fun feature of English Shepherds is their ability to climb trees to catch a bird or even a squirrel.

But, despite his kindness and meekness, - born guard who is ready to stubbornly defend the entrusted territory.

A stranger who steps on the guarded land will be warned by a loud bark; if that doesn't help, the Englishwoman will rush at the intruder without a doubt.

Read about another good-natured, but formidable guard - the Moscow guard breed.

With all this, English Shepherds very fond of children: Ready to mess around with the little ones all day long, letting the baby do whatever they want with them. An adequate shepherd dog will never even growl at a baby.

Shepherd dogs of this variety can boast of unpretentiousness and the ability to adapt quickly, in addition, they are incredibly hardy.

In fact, English Shepherds do not need special care.

• Enough comb out coat them several times a week to avoid matting.
• Bathe English Shepherds love, but you should wash them no more than once a month, otherwise you can break the structure of the coat.
• Feed An English Shepherd needs to be like any other dog - according to a properly balanced diet.
• These dogs tolerate street life, therefore, the ideal for them is life in or, which is much better, without a leash in the yard, so that the dog can run and play as much as he wants.

Diseases

This breed has not been touched by breeders and its development took place in vivo. Therefore, mother nature took care of everything: she rewarded English shepherds excellent health.

There are no chronic diseases that these dogs are susceptible to.

However, you should be aware that they are extremely complicated relationship With medicines, taking some seemingly harmless can lead to to death.

Training

English Shepherds are easy to train thanks to intelligence and ingenuity- qualities without which their ancestors would not have survived in cruel conditions.

In addition, the English Shepherd understands perfectly well what mood the owner is in, and tries to do everything so that the beloved two-legged “carrier of sweets” is always happy and cheerful.

In the exercises be sensitive to the actions of the English Shepherd - and she will quickly understand everything.

Of course, it will not do without reinforcing the teams with a treat, but it's so nice to please your beloved four-legged friend!

Video

Video with endlessly cute English puppies: