English Shepherd

also known as Farm Collie (This name is also used for the Scotch Collie)

Pros Summary


The English Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of herding dog that is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom. This breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and endurance, and it was originally developed to help farmers with a variety of tasks, including herding livestock and guarding the farm. English Shepherds are energetic and hardworking, and they are often used as working dogs on farms and ranches. They are also known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, making them good family pets. English Shepherds are generally good with children and other pets, and they are intelligent and can be trained easily. They do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Breed Information


Type

Is English Shepherd a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the English Shepherd name? How do you say English Shepherds?

ING-glish shep-herd

Purpose

What were English Shepherds originally used for?

Herding, Stock Guarding, Hunting, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do English Shepherds Live? What is average life expectancy for an English Shepherd? How long can English Shepherds live?

12-15 years

The average English Shepherd lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

English Shepherd Height & Weight


How big is a full grown English Shepherd?

What is the average height of an English Shepherd? How big is an Purebred English Shepherd height? English Shepherd dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-23 inches (45.7 - 58.4 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)
Female 18-23 inches (45.7 - 58.4 cm) 10.0 inches (25.4 cm) 14.0 inches (35.6 cm) 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)
What is the average weight of an English Shepherd? How much should English Shepherds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 40-60 pounds (18 - 27 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg) 27.5 pounds (12 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg)
Female 38-57 pounds (17 - 26 kg) 15.0 pounds (7 kg) 25.5 pounds (12 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do English Shepherds get fat easily?

The English Shepherd is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are English Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the English Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an English Shepherd personality? What are English Shepherd dogs best known for?

Adaptable
Courageous
Friendly
Intelligent
Responsive
Alert
Energetic
Independent
Playful

Shedding Level

Are English Shepherds heavy shedders? How Much Does an English Shepherd Shed?

English Shepherd dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your English Shepherd. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an English Shepherd dog?

English Shepherds are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the English Shepherd is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do English Shepherds come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are English Shepherds descended from?

Collie-type

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the English Shepherd breed?

American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Animal Research Foundation

Date of Birth

When were English Shepherds first bred? How old is the English Shepherd breed?

17th Century

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an English Shepherd?

Working
Herding Dog (UKC)

English Shepherd Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are English Shepherd eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can English Shepherd nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can English Shepherd coat be naturally?

Silver
White
Brown
Black
Sable
Pied

Coat Length

How long is an English Shepherds coat?

The coat of an English Shepherd falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The English Shepherd Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an English Shepherd?

Curly

Litter Size

How many puppies can an English Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can an English Shepherd have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

An English Shepherd can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of English Shepherd dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

English Shepherd Health Issues


Health Issues

Do English Shepherds have a lot of health problems?

The English Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an English Shepherd?

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to English Shepherds?

Patellar Luxation
Separation Anxiety
Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Occasional Diagnoses

Drug Allergy or Sensitivity
External Parasites

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for English Shepherd breed?

Allergy Tests
Ophthalmic And Ear Exam
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Hearing and Ear Tests
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

English Shepherd Needs and Activities


Energy

Do English Shepherds have a lot of energy?

English Shepherds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do English Shepherds need socialization? How social are English Shepherds?

English Shepherd have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should English Shepherds get?

The English Shepherd needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an English Shepherd have? Do English Shepherds sleep a lot?

English Shepherds are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does an English Shepherd drool a lot?

The English Shepherd is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. English Shepherd is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

English Shepherd dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do English Shepherds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are English Shepherds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an English Shepherd running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do English Shepherd dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do English Shepherds enjoy doing? How do I keep my English Shepherd busy?

Walking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an English Shepherd? How much energy does an English Shepherd have?

High

English Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an English Shepherd walk each week? How many miles should an English Shepherd walk every week?

16 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For English Shepherd, it's at least 16 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an English Shepherd should exercise a day? How much activity does an English Shepherd need?

120 minutes

In general most English Shepherds usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an English Shepherd?

The English Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an English Shepherd?

Weekly

English Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for English Shepherds?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an English Shepherd eat?

3 cups

For an average 40-60 pound (18 - 27 kg) English Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an English Shepherd Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of an English Shepherd is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an English Shepherd Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of an English Shepherd is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

English Shepherd Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an English Shepherd?

English Shepherds has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The English Shepherd is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an English Shepherd dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are English Shepherd dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do English Shepherd do well in apartments? Are English Shepherds good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the English Shepherd in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. English Shepherds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are English Shepherds good with kids? Are English Shepherds good around children?

English Shepherds are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are English Shepherds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are English Shepherds good with cats? How friendly English Shepherds are toward cats?

English Shepherds are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do English Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs? Are English Shepherds OK with other dogs?

English Shepherds are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do English Shepherd dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are English Shepherds friendly with strangers?

English Shepherds are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most English Shepherds are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some English Shepherds will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do English Shepherds like to play? Are English Shepherds playful?

English Shepherds have an average level of playfulness. The English Shepherds, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are English Shepherd easily trained?

English Shepherd dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent and trainable
    English Shepherds are highly intelligent and have the ability to learn quickly, which makes them relatively easy to train.
  • Loyal and affectionate
    This breed is known for being loyal and affectionate with their families, and they tend to bond closely with their owners.
  • Quiet
    If you're looking for a breed that doesn't make a lot of noise, the English Shepherd dog could be a good pick as they are known for being quiet.
  • Good with children
    English Shepherds are generally good with children and can make great family pets.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a English Shepherd in an office may not be ideal
  • High energy
    English Shepherds have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    If not careful with a English Shepherd's weight, it can easily become an issue.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid English Shepherds, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • Strong prey drive
    English Shepherds have a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals, so they may not be suitable for homes with cats or other small pets.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    English Shepherd dogs may not be suitable for indoor living environments.
  • Health issues
    As with any breed, English Shepherds may be prone to certain health issues, such as Canine Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Separation Anxiety, Ear Health, Infection and Eye Infections, and other issues.