English Shepherd

As the name suggests, the English Shepherd can be traced back to their English roots as the start of the Collie breed in Great Britain. But it was when the settlers started arriving in the 1600s in what is now Virginia, that the English Shepherd story began. The boat journey across the water would have been tough for dogs and settlers alike, with many dogs not surviving the long trip. The settlers brought their top dogs with them to the New Land, and because of the drop in numbers during the trip over, they then had to breed different Collie types together to make up for the dogs lost on the trip. The colonists needed the help of their dogs to move their stock across the land and therefore, they were a vital part of the settler's success in this new region. These new American Collies produced a strong breed over time, with the dogs becoming larger, stronger and adaptable to different conditions. Often they were used not only for herding, but as hunting dogs, or as protection for the family in the wilderness. The dog also had to adapt to a new country, which meant different types of climate and different animals such as bears, wolves and mountain lions. Breeding lines became based on their working ability, not their looks, so the dogs varied considerably in size and appearance. This characteristic is still seen today in the English Shepherd with some sporting thick fluffy coats, while others have coats that are less dense, and they vary in size. Different regions have produced a slightly different version of the English Shepherd, depending on location, climate and owner requirements. During the  1940s and 1950s the English Shepherd was one of the most common breeds in America because of the number of small farms, but by the end of the 1970s, this dog had become a rare breed. Thankfully their numbers are now increasing due to the dedication of some committed breeders and the United English Shepherd Association has produced a standard for the dog to ensure this valuable dog continues to thrive.