The English Shepherd is a truly wonderful breed that is an intelligent and a quick learner. The more you teach the more they want.Are you are looking for, a dog that is of medium build and size is very athletic. A canine companion, that loves exercise and athletic activities. Is one of the most versatile breeds available that will think for its self as well as takes direction from its owner. Is usually well mannered with strangers but makes a good watchdog. Above all these are dogs that love and need to work so they will need a job to do. Whether it is Herding, Search & Rescue, Therapy work, Obedience, Agility or Flyball etc. The English Shepherd thrives with work. The English Shepherd is like a Border Collie with an off switch. They are not as high powered or as intense workaholics as their Border Collie counterparts. The English Shepherd is a wonderful versatile dog. They are a great family pet in the right environment. All English Shepherds are not carbon copies of each other, some are energetic and some are calm, some are stubborn and hard others can be soft and sweet. We also have the comedic English Shepherds and the serious, the introvert and the extrovert. If this is what you are looking for:
Then an English Shepherd may be right for you! They are not for everyone.
When considering an English Shepherd please be sure you are able to provide the time and the energy that comes with owning an English Shepherd. Does your lifestyle fit their needs? This is a forever commitment English Shepherds for the most part live 12 -14years or more. So commitment is crucial. Exercise is a must, as is mental stimulation. English Shepherds can be destructive, rambunctious and vocal if not exercised enough or bored. As they are herding dogs they tend chase and may nip or poke at heals of those that may be moving ie: joggers, other animals, children at play. These dogs as with most dogs, need lots of socialization with people, unusual sights and sounds, and other animals, as they with their natural caution may be come shy, wary, fearful and suspicious. English Shepherds can be stubborn, dominant and are smart enough to be manipulative. Some may want to be boss. You need to learn be the Alpha dog, they will test you at times. This does not mean that you need to be abusive it means you must show absolute consistency that you mean what you say. English Shepherds do shed, so yes at times you will find hair on the carpet, furniture, and clothing.
Still interested in this amazing breed? So you want an English Shepherd.If you’re looking for a puppy there are a number of reputable breeders in Canada and the U.S.A. You will probably have to get on a waiting list for a puppy as there aren’t as many as you may think. If a puppy is what you want then there are other factors to consider. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential of what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. So ask questions of your potential breeder. Research the breed thoroughly and make your decision as wisely as you can. Most breeders do for the most part choose where the puppies go. They do this by questioning you and your family. All breeders want to place puppies in homes they feel will be a good match for both you and the pup. None want either party to be unhappy with the forever home.
If you would rather have an adult English Shepherd you can contact the National English Shepherd Rescue at http://www.nesr.info/ at times some breeders may have an adult dog they are looking to place contact English Shepherd Club at http://www.englishshepherd.org/ for a list of breeders that may have adult dogs looking for homes. With an adult dog you may have an English Shepherds who has already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. All rescues are not dogs with problems or issues. Check them out.
excerpts printed with permission of English Shepherd Club http://www.englishshepherd.org
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