History of the English Shepherd
The English Shepherd breed was developed in the United States but is descended from shepherd's dogs of the British Isles, who are also the ancestors of other herding breeds such as the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.
The breed's founders came to North America beginning in the 1600's, and the English Shepherd was one of the few dogs chosen to accompany the first pilgrims to the American colonies. As settlers spread west, they took their dogs with them. |
Richard Ansdell, R.A. (1815-1885)
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Bred for generations as all-purpose working farm dogs, this multi-purpose breed was, and still is, highly prized as an all-around farm dog - used for not only herding, but dispatching vermin, guarding the home and livestock, and tending as well.
The English Shepherd is truly an American breed, prized as a farm helper and companion. English Shepherds were not only shaped by the natural environment, their selection was based on practical working ability for the agricultural niche that was essential to that farmer.
The name English Shepherd was used prior to the United Kennel Club recognition in 1927 due to the work of O.O. Grant to have the English Shepherd recognized as a breed. The breed was also known by other names at the time, such as the Old Fashioned Collie, Farm Collie, Farm Shepherd, Black Shepherd, Ring Tailed Shepherd and Ring Necked Shepherd.
The English Shepherd is truly an American breed, prized as a farm helper and companion. English Shepherds were not only shaped by the natural environment, their selection was based on practical working ability for the agricultural niche that was essential to that farmer.
The name English Shepherd was used prior to the United Kennel Club recognition in 1927 due to the work of O.O. Grant to have the English Shepherd recognized as a breed. The breed was also known by other names at the time, such as the Old Fashioned Collie, Farm Collie, Farm Shepherd, Black Shepherd, Ring Tailed Shepherd and Ring Necked Shepherd.
In 1949 the English Shepherd Club of America (ESCoA) was formed by Tom Stodghill after the UKC refused to only accept the black and tan coat color. ESCoA registrations were later done by the Animal Research Foundation (ARF).
Ed Emanual and other breeders broke away from the ESCoA in 1954 and founded the International English Shepherd Registry (IESR) and the English Shepherd Club (the parent club of the breed still today). For a half a century there were three registry options - UKC, ARF and IESR until in 2005 the English Shepherd Club Registry (ESCR) was formed by the ESC, creating another registry. |
This was significant to the breed for several reasons. The ESCR goal was to gather all registered stock and pedigrees into one stud book. They also have a pedigree database accessible to everyone, providing access to the breed's genetic history, and make the registration process transparent and accountable.
References: English Shepherd Club Breed & Breeder Info
Versatile and intelligent, the English Shepherd helped with many jobs on the farm. English Shepherds were developed as a "landrace breed", which means the dog's traits were not only influenced by the natural environment and locality, they were developed by selection for the specific agricultural niche needed by the farmer - which helped shape the dog's physical and mental characteristics.
Landrace breeds are less consistent in appearance due to purposeful selection for the specialized jobs they were needed to do, which in the English Shepherd created regional variations based on what stock was being worked under what conditions, such as geography and climate, and the farmer's personal preferences. This created different localized groups, or lines.
This need for versatility created a dog with consistent athletic ability and intelligence, as well as a strong sense of intuition and partnership with their owners.
Landrace breeds are less consistent in appearance due to purposeful selection for the specialized jobs they were needed to do, which in the English Shepherd created regional variations based on what stock was being worked under what conditions, such as geography and climate, and the farmer's personal preferences. This created different localized groups, or lines.
This need for versatility created a dog with consistent athletic ability and intelligence, as well as a strong sense of intuition and partnership with their owners.
Richard Ansdell (1815-1885)
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