How to Identify an English Shepherd

English Shepherds are multi-purpose dogs who were initially used by Romans for herding livestock that was being used for feeding troops. They eventually were brought by some of the earliest settlers to colonies in America. Legend says that English Shepherds combine Roman cattle and sheepdogs that Caesar brought to the British Isles in 55 B.C. at the time that he invaded with native British Isle dogs. [1] They share multiple characteristics with other dog breeds and have some unique ones as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is an English Shepherd.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Taking a Look at the Body Structure

  1. Both male and female English Shepherds are usually anywhere from 18 to 23 inches (46 to 58 cm) tall, and male English Shepherds typically weigh somewhere between 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg), while females usually weigh anywhere from 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg). [2]
  2. English Shepherds should have a head with a length that is medium. Between the dog's ears, you should notice that their head is rounded a little and that the dog carries their neck and head raised a little. [3]
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  3. English Shepherds should have ear bases that are wide, and, around 3/4 of the way down, you should notice that the dog's ears fold over. You should also notice that their ears lie near their head. [4]
  4. English Shepherds should have medium or dark brown-colored eyes that are fairly round and set a little oblique. [5]
  5. English Shepherds should have a tail that is relatively long, and the bone's tip should reach the point of the dog's hock joint. The dog should carry their tail a little above their back and be curved a little. If the dog is relaxed or standing, they should not hold their tail over their back or straight up. The dog may also have a bobtail naturally, and if this is the case, their tail should be approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length, and the dog should carry their tail level with the line of their back. [6]
  6. Overall, English Shepherds should have proportions that are harmonious, along with a balance that is sturdy. The dog also has a non-choppy, smooth gait. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. English Shepherds may predominantly be sable and white, black, tan and white, Black and Tan, black and white, or white and tan (tan coloring is anywhere from a light gold to a mahogany brown color). [8]
    • If the dog is black and white, you should notice that is black in color and defined well, with trim that is white in color, and may be in the form of a ring on the dog's neck, a white top-skull and/or foreface blaze (though this blaze should not reach to the neck ring), or any areas on the dog where you may find tan-colored trim (discussed a little later). [9]
    • If the dog is Black and Tan, you should notice a black-colored coat that is defined well, along with trim that is tan in color and is found over the dog's eyes, on their front legs (in the form of stockings reaching right above the dog's knees), on the inside of their back legs, on the dog's cheeks (known as "Shepherd Spots"), inside the dog's ears, as a "bar" on the dog's chest that is broad, under the dog's tail, and on their feet. You may notice white on the dog's chest, though if you notice white coloring in any areas with the tan-colored trim, then the dog is actually considered to be tri-color. [10]
    • If the dog is tri-color (black, tan, and white), you should once again notice a black-colored coat that is defined well, along with a little white coloring instead of the tan-colored trim. Keep in mind though that dogs that are tri-color have the tan-colored "Shepherd Spots" described earlier over their eyes. [11]
    • If the dog is sable and white, you should notice a coat that is sable in color and defined well, as well as trim that is white in color. [12]
    • If the dog is tan and white, you should notice a coat that is tan in color (anywhere from fawn to red-colored shades) and defined well. [13]
  2. English Shepherds should have a coat that feels soft in texture. [14]
  3. Overall, English Shepherds should have a glossy, thick coat that is either wavy, curly, or straight everywhere except the dog's skull, front of their legs, and face, where you should notice a smooth, short coat. From the dog's ears to their feet, the coat is covering the body entirely and is furnished well on the dog's upper back legs and under their body. You should also notice feathering on the back of the dog’s front legs, as well as a tail that appears similar to a plume. The dog also has a fine, soft undercoat. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. English Shepherds are known to be intelligent, easily trainable dogs, though they need consistent, firm leadership that isn't harsh. [16]
  2. English Shepherds need a good amount of exercise, through things such as games of fetch or walks. If they are not given the right amount of exercise, they may end up becoming destructive. [17]
  3. English Shepherds are known to be kind towards most people and animals that they live with, though the dog may also be a one-person dog. [18]
  4. English Shepherds are known to be bossy and independent, which is why they need strong, firm, consistent leadership. [19]
  5. English Shepherds are known to be adaptable dogs who are usually fast with learning routines. [20]
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      Tips

      • Consider dog DNA testing if you want to know what breed your dog is. DNA testing can help confirm whether or not your dog is an English Shepherd.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      2. ↑ https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/English-Shepherd.html
      3. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      4. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      5. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      6. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      7. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      8. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      9. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      1. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      2. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      3. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      4. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      5. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      6. ↑ https://www.ukcdogs.com/english-shepherd
      7. ↑ https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/English-Shepherd.html
      8. ↑ https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/English-Shepherd.html
      9. ↑ https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/English-Shepherd.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/English-Shepherd.html
      11. ↑ https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/English-Shepherd.html

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