The English Shepherd is a medium-sized herding dog that is not suitable for novice dog owners. Their lineage dates back to the Collies. Thus, they have a striking resemblance with them. This doggy comes in various colors such as black, tan, white, ebony and can be bi or tri-colored with a muscular and sturdy built.
Good-natured with their families and excellent with children, it can be the best choice for people who are looking for a watchdog who is friendly at the same time. It is a highly active dog that needs a spacious area to take its energy out. Read on to know more.
English Shepherd History
The English Shepherd is a herding dog, and its origin dates back to the start of the Collie breed in Great Britain. Its progenitors were collies of various types, including Border Collie, Scotch Collie, and Australian Shepherd. This breed started around the 1600s when the Britain and Ireland settlers brought it to the New Land. It helped the settlers to move their stock across the land. Therefore, they continued their breeding.
Moreover, it performed the roles of herding dog to herd cattle on farms, as a watchdog, companion, and ratter dog. As the dog had to adapt to different regions with differing climates thus slight changes kept on occurring with their appearance. However, the breeders focused on their skills and abilities rather than their looks. The AKC does not yet recognize this breed, but UKC accepted it in 1927.
English Shepherd Characteristics
The English Shepherd has a lot of Collie influence. It is a medium-sized dog with a muscular and sturdy built. The body is longer than it is tall, while the coat is double with a longer outer coat and a short, dense inner coat. The fur is dense and longer to medium-sized with feathering on the tail as well as ears.
How Big to English Shepherd Get
Weighing up to 60 pounds and standing almost 23 inches tall, the English Shepherd has a medium size. These attractive dogs have long and sturdy legs. The height estimate is between 18-23 inches, while the weight ranges are 40-60 lbs.
How Long Does English Shepherd Live
With a proper diet and all needs fulfilled, your pup can manage to complete a lifespan of about 12-15 years. This is the average lifespan of a medium-sized dog. However, you can increase your English Shepherd’s longevity with the quality of care you are giving.
How Much Does an English Shepherd Cost
The English Shepherd is purebred, so that it may cost more than $10 for a puppy. Other than initial costs, you will have to invest in diet grooming, exercise, health, and other dog needs. Go for accessories such as Water Toys for Dogs, Dog Fountain, and Dog Playpen, etc.
English Shepherd Temperament/Personality
English Shepherd is a friendly canine that is good-natured with their families and excellent with children. However, it would help if you closely supervised interactions with younger children.
Known for their fearless attitude, they can be the best watch or guard dogs.
Protective of their family and eager to please the master, this dog will warn you of threats by barking loud. Never leave them alone, as this can lead to anxiety issues and mental disorders. It would be best to Crate train them and allow them to play with different toys so that they are less prone to separation anxiety.
Although it is an easy-going and harmless pup, lack of socialization and training can make them aggressive. With proper socialization at an early age, one will also accept strangers and outsiders; however, its alert nature makes it possible to distinguish between suspicious and normal people.
Caring for English Shepherd
The person who loves to keep pets has a softer heart, and it manages to give them full-time care and attention. This is all that a doggy need. We have listed some essential aspects of your English Shepherd’s care which you can follow to keep him healthy and fit.
English Shepherd Nutrition
Feed your English Shepherd on high-quality Grain Free Dog Food. It is a highly active dog and needs at least 3 cups full of homemade or commercially prepared food (based on your choice). Due to its agile nature, it is less prone to weight gain; a proper check on its diet is still needed.
How to Groom an English Shepherd
This active canine has a medium-length coat that needs brushing a couple a week to remove dead hair. Bathing is recommended every 4-5 months to maintain cleanliness without drying out the body, stripping it of natural oils. English Shepherds are heavy shedders and are not recommended for people with allergies.
English Shepherd Activity Levels
Apartment dwelling is discouraged for English Shepherd as it is a highly active dog who needs a spacious area to take its energy out. It will help if you take it outside daily for an hour of daily walk or vigorous exercise. In winters, when there is snow, and your dog needs to run, a Dog Treadmill might be a good investment.
Caring for English Shepherd
A high-quality dog food appropriate for your English Shepherd’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) will have all the nutrients it needs. Clean and fresh water must be available at all times. Frequent brushing and keeping away from harsh climate are necessary to keep the shedding at a minimal level. This breed is not known to drool or contain any significant odors thus; you don’t have to bathe it often.
English Shepherd Health
Your English Shepherd will remain healthy if getting sufficient mental and physical stimulation and other requirements, as mentioned above. The diseases common with this breed are Canine Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Separation Anxiety, Ear Infection, and Eye Infections. Owners must aim to take their doggy for regular veterinary checkups to avoid these ailments.
Breeds Similar to English Shepherd
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- German Shepherd
- Goldmation
- Great Pyrenees
- Weshi
- Golden Saint
- Brussels Griffon
Best Dog Food for English Shepherds
The best dog food for English Shepherds is Taste of The Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe. The makers have crafted a novel blend of naturally sourced protein that is vital for an apt muscle growth and also helps your English Shepherd perform his chores. The company has restricted themselves with the use of natural ingredients only, so the meal plan is overall quite healthy for an English Shepherd.
- Features natural roasted venison and bison as its primary ingredient
- It contains natural fruits and vegetables to overcome the vitamins and minerals requirement.
- The recipe is fortified with K9 strain probiotics that improve bowel movements and eases digestion.
Best Puppy Food for English Shepherds
The best puppy food for English Shepherds is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food. This meal plan is devised for the active pups like your English Shepherd. The makers have added natural chicken as the first ingredient here to ensure the meal has abundant proteins for growth.
- Features DHA and ARA for mental development
- Enriched with antioxidants to promote an efficient immune response since puppyhood
- The recipe is devoid of meat by-products that are difficult to digest.
Best Dog Crate for English Shepherds
The best dog crate for English Shepherds is MidWest LifeStages Wire Dog Crate. The manufacturers have engineered this crate with the help of electrocoated wires, so it will not catch rust or get corroded with time. It also features a free divider panel, so managing the space for your English Shepherd would be easier.
- Features a composite plastic base
- Features rounded corners to avoid any risks of causing any damage to your interior.
- Available in various sizes
Best Dog Bed for English Shepherds
The best dog bed for English Shepherds is FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Dog Bed. Having an orthopedic grade foam as the sleeping surface, this dog bed is ideal for giving relief in muscle and joint pains that an English Shepherd may encounter. The sleeping surface is covered in a soft faux fur fabric for additional luxury and comfort.
- Features an easy step-on design to make it easier for your English Shepherd to climb his bed
- The cover and core are machine washable.
- It has a large pool of sizes.
Best Dog Harness for English Shepherds
The best dog harness for English Shepherds is Sporn Mesh No Pull Dog Harness. This harness features a one-piece, ergonomic structure to make the application hassle-free for you. Since there is a mesh chest piece, there is no strain on your English Shepherd’s neck and chest when you pull his leash.
- Excellent for training sessions
- Features a back-clip design
- Features padded restraint sleeves for further comfort.
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