English Shepherd
Known in French as Berger anglais
- Height at the withers
- 48 to 56 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
Overview
A medium-sized herding dog, highly intelligent and versatile, with a dense double coat and a strong work ethic. An all-purpose farm dog, it is devoted to its family and adapts easily. This American breed is recognized by neither the FCI nor the Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club), so it is absent from the LOF. Not to be confused with the Old English Sheepdog.
History and origins
Developed in the United States from collie-type farm dogs brought over from England and Scotland by early settlers. It was used to drive livestock, guard the farm and hunt vermin. Only the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes it, and has done so since 1927.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation)
- Skin allergies
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
English Shepherd FAQ
How big does the English Shepherd get?
The English Shepherd stands 48 to 56 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 27 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the English Shepherd shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the English Shepherd live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the English Shepherd need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the English Shepherd good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the English Shepherd live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as drug sensitivity.
