English Shepherd: breed characteristics and breeding

Despite the name of the breed, which causes associations with British roots, this species of shepherd has been bred in the United States. Although the genes of imported English breeds are still present in it. Shepherd dogs quickly became widespread and popular due to excellent service qualities. Long and painstaking selection showed the world a beautiful dog: smart, obedient, hardy, hardworking.

The English shepherd is also called a shepherd, its ancestors were introduced to England by the Romans in ancient times. The use of the breed was protective, they helped to monitor herds of cattle. Gradually, the migrants moved the dogs to the American continent, where they liked the local farmers. The purpose of breeding was specific - the protection of herds and farms. Therefore, the qualities of dogs were highly appreciated and used in breeding selection. Working qualities improved due to the genes Sheltie, Collie, and other cattle breeds.

In the 30s of the XX century, an English shepherd breed was registered by international dog breeding organizations. She was also noted as one of the most gifted shepherd varieties.

In fact, the British shepherd dog does not look too big, it is smaller than other shepherds. It is distinguished by a harmonious proportional physique, her look is smart, insightful.

The characteristics of the breed are as follows:

• conical shaped lean head;
• powerful cheeks;
• eyes are medium in size, slightly elongated in shape, color brown;
• auricles of triangular type, flexible, set on high;
• the jaw is strong, very well developed;
• snow-white teeth, which is rare, strong;
• massive type case;
• the chest is medium, slightly adherent;
• the abdomen smoothly passes into the chest, there is no sagging;
• limbs powerful, strong, with well-developed muscles;
• tail not too long, not hanging.

As for the size, the height of the animal varies from 45 to 60 cm, regardless of gender - this is a characteristic feature of the breed.

The suit of the dog can be in several variations:

• white-red;
• jet black with red;
• black-red-white tricolor;
• black torso with a white belly, neck and muzzle.

The coat is usually not too long, may curl slightly or be straight. In any case, under the hair there is an excellent undercoat of a thick type. Dogs tolerate bad weather conditions.

By nature, the Englishwoman is very friendly, sociable, eager to communicate even with strangers. She does not throw, does not bite. The loyalty of this breed is amazing, the dog follows the owner not only dutifully, but also with pleasure. British women treat children with warmth and curiosity, they get along very well.

Shepherd dogs are very fond of trees, moreover, they are so dexterous that they climb them with pleasure. This amazing dog can even climb to the top of a tree, wanting to grab a bird or squirrel, for example. Despite the peaceful disposition, the shepherd is a serious breed, she is an excellent guard who will protect the territory entrusted to her from any enemy. The breed is sensitive, so for her a lot means the mood of the owner. This variety has both advantages and disadvantages.

Among the advantages include:

• calm and poise;
• mobility, dexterity;
• sharp mind, excellent quick wit, ability to make decisions;
• ideal watchdog qualities;
• devotion to the owner;
• hard work;
• ability to defend against attack;
• these are excellent nannies, affectionate and patient;
• stamina, energy.

There are also disadvantages that you need to consider before purchasing. In general, the owners do not find significant shortcomings in the breed, but the dog is hardly suitable for the lazy inhabitants of the city apartment. In the absence of proper education and proper care, all positive qualities can be leveled at the dog.

The universality of the breed allows its use in various fields of activity:

• security guards;
• shepherds;
• lifeguards;
• guide dogs;
• police service;
• psychotherapists dogs.

If the most responsible decision to get a dog is made, you should move on to another, equally important step - choosing a puppy. You can’t take this frivolously, buy an animal with it, in the markets. It is best to purchase a puppy in a kennel or from a breeder with a good reputation. Primarily, age is important - it is best if the dog is at least 8 weeks old and no more than 10. During this period, the animal grows up, gets stronger, all vaccinations are given to him, documents are prepared.

A sick baby can be identified by the following signs:

• rubbing and shaking paws;
• lack of response to a sharp sound;
• pale gums;
• unclean, dull hair, skin areas with redness.

Since the breed is very curious and friendly, the puppy must actively make contact. The future guard is already bold.

Be sure to get the following information from the seller:

• certificates of analysis and documents for vaccinating not only the puppy, but also the parents;
• the health of parents, their genetic diseases;
• what kind of birth does the female have;
• whether antiparasitic prophylaxis was carried out and whether there is a mark on this in the passport.

English shepherd dogs are not particularly whimsical in content, their adaptive abilities are high, and their stamina is at a good level. Therefore, caring for them is quite simple. It is necessary to provide the dog with a place of comfortable living. They can be kept both in city apartments, subject to regular walking, and in private homes. At home, the dog stands out with a rug or mattress with interchangeable pillowcases; outdoor stays require a spacious aviary and an insulated booth. The main conditions for good health are good nutrition and an active lifestyle.

Walking is carried out every day for at least one hour, physical activity is required. Ideally, walk a dog where there are few people, where you can lower it from the leash to run freely, play. If this condition is not met, the shepherd will become lethargic, the positive qualities of the breed will be lost. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle causes many diseases in English women, reduces life expectancy. Ideally keep such a dog in a private house.

The health of the dog is primarily the owner's concern. Shepherds have practically no genetic predisposition to diseases, the immune system is strong, they rarely get sick. With proper care, dogs live 15 years. Be sure to regularly see a veterinarian, timely vaccinate the animal and carry out antiparasitic prophylaxis.

There is a general vaccination schedule, which should be followed, if this is impossible for some reason, the veterinarian will schedule a new regimen.

Owners of the English Shepherd Dog may face the following problems:

• eye diseases;
• allergy;
• intolerance to anesthesia;
• diseases of the hip joints.

Intolerance to drugs may be transmitted, the use of which for English women will be fatal. Since this list includes the most harmless drugs, it is necessary to clarify the presence of such problems in parents.

One of the most important events in keeping the English Shepherd is breeding. There are a number of rules that you must follow:

• knit should be no more than once a year (both females and males), as frequent mating leads to poor quality of litter;
• the first mating of the female and male should be carried out at the age of one and a half years;
• two animals cannot be brought together without such experience;
• 14 days before mating, antiparasitic prophylaxis is carried out;
• Mandatory treatment for fleas, ticks;
• only animals that have no health problems are mated.

One of the conditions for the healthy development of the animal and its well-being is a proper diet. The menu is organized according to the age of the dog. Shepherd dogs can be fed ready-made dry food, in this case, premium food is selected for dogs of the active type. You can feed the dog with natural products, while maintaining a balanced diet. It must be present:

• meat of beef, veal, horse meat, lamb, meat products, offal;
• cottage cheese;
• fish;
• multivitamin complexes.

From the diet it is necessary to exclude:

• pork
• baking, pastries, sweets;
• spices, salt;
• food from the general table.

The puppy's food is organized according to the four-time type, it is necessary to ensure that the food is not too oily, since a large number of calories leads to a violation of the digestive tract.

Despite the fact that caring for an English dog is not too complicated, there is a basic set of necessary procedures that are performed regularly. Be sure to clean your dog’s eyes, ears and teeth in a timely manner. Inspect your dog daily for inflammation, redness, ulcers. Too much washing is harmful, the natural protective layer is washed off. It is enough to wash it as it gets dirty, not more than once a month. Teeth are cleaned with a special tool, in addition, they buy special bones with fluoride for the animal.

English shepherd dogs are not sheared in order to avoid tangles, tangles, but it is necessary to comb the dog regularly with a special brush of a hard type. This procedure is carried out at least once every 2 days. During molting, this is done daily, since the animal loses enough wool.

Raising a shepherd dog is a very responsible process that requires consistency and patience from the owner. The breed itself is quite docile, soft in nature. She needs to walk a lot, play, develop the muscle apparatus. If you regularly engage with your pet in special dog pitches, you can succeed in sports.

Promotion is the best way to get what you want. You need to start training in a playful way, constantly praising the dog for successful execution.

You can get to know the English sheep closer in the next video.