English Shepherd
Also called Farm Collie, Farm Shepherd, Old Fashioned Collie, American Farm Shepherd
From United States, from shepherds' dogs brought by settlers from England and southern Scotland.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
UKC gives 45-60 lb (males) and 40-50 lb (females); Wikipedia gives up to 65 lb for males; the English Shepherd Club gives 35-65 lb overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length double coat
A soft, glossy coat of medium length that may be straight, wavy or curly, with feathering on the backs of the legs and tail. Hair on the face and front of the legs stays short and smooth, and the coat sheds dirt and weather well.34
Personality what they are like
A smart, alert and responsive working partner that is strongly attached to its family. It likes rules and teamwork, can switch off and rest calmly between jobs, and is naturally watchful, sometimes reserved with strangers.543
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High energy and stamina; thrives on real work or activities such as herding, agility, obedience, tracking, dock diving or search and rescue.351
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A correct coat needs little grooming; expect seasonal shedding of the undercoat.4
Home where they are happiest
Suited to farms and active homes where it has daily jobs or training.15
Company who they like around
Deeply devoted and happiest working side by side with its people.54
The story where it all began
The breed grew from herding dogs that British settlers brought to North America from the 1800s. On family farms it herded stock, caught vermin, guarded the yard and kept the children company. The UKC began registering it in 1927.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed is often seen as the classic all-American farm dog and was painted by Norman Rockwell.1
- 2
It herds in an upright, loose-eyed style, unlike the crouching stare of the Border Collie.1
- 3
Merle colouring does not occur in the breed.4
- 4
It has gone by many folk names, including Ring Necked Shepherd and Black Shepherd.1
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Registered since 1927; known as the American Farm Shepherd until renamed in 2003 (per Wikipedia).3
- English Shepherd Club
- Breed club founded in 1954 that keeps its own breed standard.5
- AKC
- Not recognised.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a English Shepherd. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my English Shepherd, and at what times?
Adult English Shepherds do best with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at consistent times each day helps their digestion and routine. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should an English Shepherd eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality commercial dog food is a great choice for your English Shepherd. Keep them safe by avoiding dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Always ask your vet for the best diet plan.7
How often should I bathe an English Shepherd?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Their double coat sheds dirt well, so you may not need more frequent baths unless they get extra muddy. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does an English Shepherd need brushing?
Brush your English Shepherd every three days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Their medium-length double coat is fairly low-maintenance but benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an English Shepherd's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If you're unsure, your vet or a groomer can show you the proper technique.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an English Shepherd need?
This high-energy breed thrives on daily exercise and mental challenges like herding, agility, or obedience. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily walks and play, but they'll be happiest with a real job or structured activity. A tired English Shepherd is a content one.351 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an English Shepherd's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth a few times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best cleaning method.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does an English Shepherd live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so it's best to ask your vet or a reputable breeder for an estimate. With good care, many dogs live well into their teens, but there's no specific number in our sources.
Is an English Shepherd good with children and other pets?
English Shepherds are deeply devoted to their family and can be wonderful with children when raised together. They are naturally watchful and may be reserved with strangers, so early socialization is key. For other pets, ask a breeder who knows the dog's lineage.543
Can an English Shepherd be left alone?
This breed thrives on companionship and work, so they may struggle if left alone for long periods. They are happiest when they have a job to do and are by your side. If you must leave them, provide plenty of mental stimulation and consider a dog walker.541
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Border Collie
Rough Collie
Australian ShepherdLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- English Shepherd Club breed history englishshepherd.orgused for history, other names, fun facts
- Wikipedia, English Shepherd en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, size, AKC status, rename
- UKC English Shepherd breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
- English Shepherd Club breed standard englishshepherd.orgused for size, coat, colours, grooming, temperament
- English Shepherd Club home page englishshepherd.orgused for club founding, temperament, activities
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.