English Shepherd
The <strong>English Shepherd,strong> despite their name, are an American breed of dog.(As is curiously enough, the Australian Shepherd)In 1900 theyw ere the most common farm dog in the USA. Presently they are still popular as an all around farm dog, being used as a herding dog, watch dog, hunting dog, and child's companion. The term English, does not refer to the country England, but in fact comes from the Amish people referring to everything as 'English' if it was not Amish.
English Shepherds are similar in appearance toboth Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.
Appearance
The English Shepherd is medium sized, slightlylonger than it is tall. It weighs between 40 and 70 pounds (20 to 30 kg) and is balanced in proportions. The differen in appearnace and size from region to region as their uses have differed. Longer coated varieties are more common in colder parts of the US. The coat is medium length and can be straight, wavy, or curly. There is often feathering on the legs and tail. As with other collies, though their fur is longish, is requires little care and is most often self cleaning. There are four coat colours: sable (clear and shaded), tricolour, black and white, and black and tan. There are no merle English Shepherds.
Temperament
The English Shepherd is higly intelligent , and has a unique kindness for those in their home, both animals and people. The English Shepherd is an independent worker. English but also learn routines quickly. Some may be standoffish with strangers and more one-person dogs.
Health
English Shepherds are generally healthy dogs as they have been bred for work, not conformity, however hip dysplasia cases due occure. Anyone contemplating getting an English Shepherd would be well advised to research the hip ratings (OFA or PennHIP) of the breeder's stock. BEWARE THE ENGLISH SHEPHERD PUPPY MILLER. Seek out a reputable breeder
History
The English Shepherd was known in some places as a Scotch Collie or "Farm Collie". There was no breed club or registry at the time so there is some dispute over exactly which name applies to which dogs. The Australian Shepherd is likely a derivative of these farm dogs and appeared primarily in the Western United States. The English Shepherd was more common in the Midwest and East. The English Shepherd is a descendant of the working farm dogs of the British Isles, though the name is believed to derive from the Amish use of the word "English" to refer to anything not Amish.
Working Life
They are fast learners and usually learn from mimicking older dogs, so a farmer will usually need to spend little time training them. The modern English Shepherd is best suited for farm work, but they are also used as search and rescue dogs, as therapy dogs, and as competitors in dog agility, obedience, tracking, and flyball. English Shepherds are often larger than Border Collies, but the quickest way to tell the two apart is to put them on stock. Border Collies tend to herd with distinctive strong eye and a crouching stance, while English Shepherds have an upright, loose-eyed herding style. English Shepherds can work all types of stock, be it cattle, sheep, goats, or ducks.(Editor: and, from my experience, people)
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