• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

English Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about English Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank298
Reviews1
User Ratings
Compare the English Shepherd With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
English Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland
Other Names
What other names does the English Shepherd have?
Farm Collie
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

English Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is an English Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do English Shepherd get?

What is the average size of an English Shepherd?

Medium
Weight
How much does the English Shepherd weigh? How much should an English Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of an English Shepherd? How much does a full-grown English Shepherd weight?
Male: 45-60 pounds (21-28 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an English Shepherd?
Male: 52.5 pounds (24.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the English Shepherd? English Shepherd height:
18-23 inches (46-58 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an English Shepherd?
20.5 inches (52 cm)

English Shepherd Price and Availability

Price
How much does the English Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an English Shepherd in the United States? How much money is an English Shepherd?

Where to buy an English Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the English Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a English Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the English Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a English Shepherd? How many English Shepherd are there in the world?
Average: The English Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

English Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the English Shepherd? Is the English Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The English Shepherd ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are English Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an English Shepherd?
English Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is English Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
English Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the English Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do English Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
English Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the English Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the English Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

English Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the English Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulIndependentEnergeticAlertCourageousIntelligentFriendlyResponsiveAdaptable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? English Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: English Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an English Shepherd a good family dog?
High: English Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Farm Collie need? English Shepherd social needs:
English Shepherd dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the English Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does English Shepherd roam?
English Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does English Shepherd have high prey drive?
English Shepherd dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

English Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: English Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do English Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Farm Collie bark?
Low to Average: The English Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is English Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an English Shepherd in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the English Shepherd indoors by introducing daily routines.

English Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
English Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an English Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave an English Shepherd alone?
English Shepherd dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

English Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the English Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an English Shepherd? How much bite force does an English Shepherd have? How strong is an English Shepherd bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force English Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an English Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This English Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. English Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an English Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The English Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the English Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an English Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do English Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Farm Collie? What are the odds of getting bitten by a English Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The English Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the English Shepherd do?
English Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but English Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

English Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do English Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the English Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the English Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of English Shepherd:
Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Drug SensitivityCollie Eye Anomaly
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the English Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the English Shepherd see the vet?
Frequent
The English Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do English Shepherd dogs live? How old can a English Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the English Shepherd? How many years can the oldest English Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an English Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of an English Shepherd?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of English Shepherd: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The English Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

English Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the English Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the English Shepherd?
English Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an English Shepherd need? How much exercise do English Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do English Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

English Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the English Shepherd breed need?
English Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

English Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an English Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an English Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for English Shepherd? How much food should I feed my English Shepherd?
3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? English Shepherd risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the English Shepherd weight regularly.

English Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the English Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FluffySilky
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper English Shepherd coats?
BlackTan White BrownSableYellow Brindle Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the English Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my English Shepherd to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The English Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. English Shepherd is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do English Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Farm Collie? Do English Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
English Shepherd dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the English Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give an English Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my English Shepherd every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the English Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
No
English Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The English Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the English Shepherd drool?
The English Shepherd drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the English Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

English Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do English Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are English Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
English Shepherd dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? English Shepherd temperament with other people:
English Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are English Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? English Shepherd temperament with children:
English Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do English Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the English Shepherd breed live with a cat?
English Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is English Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do English Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
English Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the English Shepherd can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is English Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is English Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
English Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are English Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do English Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
English Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do English Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Farm Collie temperament with senior people? Are English Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
English Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.

English Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can English Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

English Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can English Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a English Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

English Shepherd is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can English Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

English Shepherd is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can English Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The English Shepherd is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can English Shepherd be a boat dog?

Not really

English Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can English Shepherd be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

English Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where English Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

English Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an English Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the English Shepherd breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female English Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the English Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the English Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an English Shepherd have? How many puppies can an English Shepherd give birth to?
5-8 puppies, average 6

English Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is English Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is English Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the English Shepherd breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubAnimal Research Foundation

English Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: English Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The English Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Ability: English Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: English Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: English Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: English Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: English Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: English Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: English Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
Cons
  • Health Issues: English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: English Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home.
  • Drooling Tendency: The English Shepherd drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: English Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: English Shepherd dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: English Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

English Shepherd History

Introduction

The English Shepherds, sometimes called “shadow shepherds” because of their love for being around their humans, are medium-sized dogs with a strong and agile build.

They have a history of working on farms but also make companion pets.

 

Origins

Despite its name, the English Shepherd is actually an American breed, known as the original all-purpose farm dog.

Early settlers from Britain and Ireland carried collies of various types to the New World, and the English Shepherd shares a heritage with the current Border Collie, Scotch Collie, and Australian Shepherd.

The English Shepherd’s predecessors were widely utilized on farms throughout the eastern states, mostly as sheep or cattle herders, but it also served as a watchdog, ratter, and companion.

America’s finest contribution to the dog world is the English Shepherd. The breed developed into the wonderful app-purpose dog it is today in America.

The English Shepherds were one of the few canines chosen to travel aboard the Mayflower. Moreover, the breed has also accompanied America’s westward expansion as it was in charge of guarding their prized livestock and assisted them in the search for the game that was so important to their existence.

The English Shepherd was a dog who also gave warning of the attack and fought and died alongside the early Americans who helped build the United States.

No other dog played such an important role in the formation of the United States of America. No dog, like no person, could be a specialist in those early days.

To survive in those days, you needed a lot of knowledge about a lot of subjects. This was the reason for the breed's early breeding as it was bred to do anything its master demanded.

Although originally a herding dog, the English Shepherd of today is a utility dog rarely equaled. In some dogs the herding instinct is stronger than in others, generally, smaller types of dogs are not as rough workers as the larger ones.

As a result of their size and speed, the smaller ones are utilized for geese, sheep, and goats, on the other hand, the large ones are used for hogs and cattle. Regardless of size, the English Shepherd is a fearless dog who will complete the task at hand.

 

Decline inbreeding

The English Shepherd is considered a rare breed and there are several reasons behind this. One is the decline of family farms.

As time went by, more and more people moved to the city and there was not as much need for these types of dogs as they were firmly associated with farming.

Eventually, fewer and fewer people knew about them and the variety of uses they could be put to. In fact, during the Second World War, the English Shepherd was one of the armed service's top choices for dog training.

However, in the end, the German Shepherd was chosen for the top spot. Today, as their usefulness has started to be recognized once more, they are still hard to dins and their gene pool is limited.

 

Recognition

The United Kennel Club has been registering English Shepherds since 1927, originally the UKC called the breed the American Farm Shepherd but in 2003 renamed it the English Shepherd.

The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Rate The English Shepherd Breed

English Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Michael

    May 19, 2023, 1:07:16 AM:

    We love our English shepherd. Very friendly, loves having company over, and gets along with other dogs. He was very easy to train. He does need LOTS of attention and exercise. Likes to run and make sure he is the center of attention.