English Shepherd
英國牧羊犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The English Shepherd is the farm collie that first settlers brought to the American colonies from the British Isles, and it followed the development of American farming as an all-round stock dog and yard guard. It is a medium-sized dog of sturdy balance and harmonious proportions, about 46–58 cm and 18–27 kg, with a thick, glossy, soft coat that may be straight, wavy or curly and a plume-like tail. The UKC standard describes it as energetic, intelligent, very active, agile, courageous and gritty, acting immediately when commanded and very responsive to the master's voice.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 45.7–58.4cm |
| Weight | 18.1–27.2kg |
| Role | Herding |
| Coat | Medium coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
MDR1 (multi-drug sensitivity)
The English Shepherd Club lists the English Shepherd among the herding breeds in which the MDR1 mutation has been found; dogs carrying it may have severe reactions to some common drugs, and the club says the only way to know an individual dog's status is a DNA test. Tell your vet the result before any medication is given.
Hip dysplasia
The English Shepherd Club's health pages cover hip dysplasia in the breed and point owners to PennHIP and OFA screening; ask your vet or breeder about hip evaluation.
Behaviour
Energetic, gritty, very responsive to its handler
The UKC standard describes the English Shepherd as energetic, intelligent, very active, agile, courageous and gritty; fearless for its purpose, acting immediately when commanded and very responsive to the master's voice, adapting itself almost at once to working commands around farm stock. It is also described as very watchful as a guard of the home and companionable to its master; working style is strictly low heeling and very free with the use of the teeth.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — English Shepherd breed standard
UKC Herding Dog Group standard: history from the British Isles to the American farm, characteristics, coat, and size (males 19–23 in / 45–60 lb, females 18–22 in / 40–50 lb).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]English Shepherd — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]MDR1 (multidrug resistance) — breed health information — English Shepherd Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.