Facts about English Shepherd Puppies

These dogs were brought to the colonies by the early British settlers, and that's how the breed got its name.

Some experts believe that ancestors of all English and Scottish sheep dogs were brought to Britain by Romans sometime in the first century A.D.

The English Shepherd has been recognized as a distinct breed since 1930s.

Physical Characteristics of English Shepherd Puppies

This is a medium-size dog with a body that's slightly longer than it is tall. It has a deep chest, a broad and long muzzle, drop-down ears, brown eyes, a black nose and a long or natural bob tail.

It has a double coat that consists of a straight or curly outer coat and shorter and very dense undercoat. The coat comes in black and tan, black and white, and tricolor.

Overall, its appearance is similar to the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.

Temperament

The English Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic dog. It's devoted to its owner, loves children and, in general, good with other dogs and pets, especially if raised with them from puppyhood.

It's hard-working, highly trainable and can work independently. When working, it can even be bossy!

Unlike some other herding breeds, the English Shepherd is a multi-talented dog. It's not only an excellent herder but it's also valued for its hunting and tracking abilities. It's also a very good watchdog.

Best Owner / Living Conditions

English Shepherd puppies will do best with an active owner in a suburban environment. They will excel on farms where they can be given jobs to do.

Some English Shepherd breeders may interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

This is a very active breed and needs to be kept busy. The best kind of exercise it can get is if it's given a job to do.

At a minimum, take him for one or two daily walks.

Grooming

This is an easy breed to care for. Somehow, it doesn't accumulate a lot of dirt and doesn't need to be washed that often.

Brush once or twice a week, more often during heavier shedding seasons in the spring and fall.

Health Concerns

Like all dog breeds, the English Shepherd is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Another health concern is hip dysplasia. For more information about dog diseases and health, visit dog health problems.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable English Shepherd breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local English Shepherd rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.