Working Characteristics
The English shepherd typically works stock in an upright, loose-eyed manner
rather than crouching and showing strong eye. He is generally a natural
low heeler and will gather or drive as is needed. He will be forceful
if necessary, but not be too rough, discerning the amount of force needed
and handling stock accordingly.
The seamless combination of independent working ability and a desire to
work in partnership with his master is a hallmark of the English shepherd.
His natural instincts enable him to carry out his work with a minimum
of direction; his confidence, purposefulness, and a deep commitment to
rules compels him to maintain order in his environment even in his master's
absence. At the same time, he is intensely loyal to and ever aware of
his master and possesses a willingness to obey.
The English shepherd is not obsessive about herding and is capable of
resting quietly at his master's feet when there is no work required. He
can be trusted to not bother livestock and does not require kenneling
when chores are done. Indeed, the English shepherd frequently develops
a bond with, and displays a nurturing attitude toward, his owner's livestock
and will keep them in their place while guarding against unwanted predators
and pests.
The English shepherd is agile and quick, sturdy and muscular, with the
stamina and grit to cover many miles over all types of terrain. He has
keen senses, and can trail lost or injured animals. Calm in disposition,
the English shepherd will withstand the pressure of long hours of demanding
work.
Physical Characteristics:
HEAD - Medium length with moderately defined stop. Broad and slightly
rounded between the ears. Distance from tip of nose to stop roughly equal
to the distance between stop and occiput and to width across top of skull
between bases of ears.
Teeth full dentition with scissor bite. Note: no penalty for teeth
broken or missing due to trauma.
Muzzle moderately broad, neither pugged nor pointy. Flews straight
with no sloppy droop.
Nose fully-pigmented, generally solid black; "clear"
sable dogs may have brown nose.
Eyes brown and moderately round with a slightly oblique set. Eyes
should express character with a strong, intelligent look.
Ears typically wide apart, stand slightly outward at the base with
a sharp bend and lie close to the head when relaxed, raised up slightly
when alert. Variation in ear set is common and of trivial significance.
NECK - Strong and arched.
BODY - Back strong and level, loins strong and deep with slight
muscular arch. Shoulders well laid back. Ribs well sprung and chest extending
down in depth approximately to elbows. Body slightly longer than tall.
Chest moderately broad.
LEGS - Forelegs straight when viewed from front. Pasterns are short,
thick and strong, but still flexible, showing a slight angle when viewed
from the side. Back legs well boned and muscled, placed well apart, with
moderate angulation. Feet oval and compact, toes together and well arched,
well padded and tough. Rear dewclaws common but may be removed.
TAIL - Moderately long with sweep toward end. Carriage may vary,
but preferably held low when standing relaxed. Natural bobtails are acceptable.
Bobtails may be up to eight inches long. .
GAIT - Viewed from the front at a fast trot, the front feet track
close together but do not cross over. The gait should give the impression
of ability to change direction instantaneously. The dog moves ahead in
a straight line with effortless motion and without a rolling gait. Viewed
from the rear, the hind legs are straight and converge as pace increases
so as to take the weight under the center of gravity. The gait is smooth
without choppiness.
COAT - Medium length and texture, straight, wavy or curly, weather
and dirt-resistant, with an undercoat that sheds seasonally. Hair is short
and smooth on the head, outside of ears, front of forelegs and below the
hocks. Backs of forelegs are moderately feathered; breeches are moderately
full; tail is plume-like. Excessively heavy manes and heavy frills on
underside of neck and on breast are not desirable. A correct English Shepherd
coat should require minimal grooming.
COLOR - The four predominant color patterns are: black and tan,
tricolor (black, tan, and white), black and white, and sable and white.
A sable dog may have black-tipped hairs, or may have a solid black saddle
pattern, or may be "clear" -- without black pigment in the coat.
Sable may appear as shades of brown from a pale honey-gold color through
a deep mahogany.
White markings are typically distributed in an "Irish" pattern,
with or without a white collar.
A black mask is acceptable in any of the color patterns.
In none of the color patterns is white permitted to be unbalanced to a
degree of being splotchy-looking or of covering more than 30% of the body.
Solid white coats or piebald markings are not desirable. Merles do not
appear in the English shepherd.
SIZE - Range:
height: 18 - 24", preference for 19 - 22";
weight: 35 - 65#, lean and fit condition
males larger than females
Sturdy balance and harmonious proportions are more critical than absolute
size.
DISQUALIFICATIONS - Natural reserved attitude toward strangers
is acceptable, however viciousness or excessive shyness/ fearfulness are
disqualifications; cryptorchid or monorchid adult dogs; merle dogs.