| Shepherd's Way:
English Shepherds:
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Breed Standard...
English shepherds have a rather unique history. Although they have been
registered as purebred for over 70 years, the population of
English shepherds -- though small -- is more diverse than most breeds.
There are several factors which have contributed to this diversity:
- existence of multiple registries with different registration criteria
-- English shepherds are registered by the UKC, IESR, and ARF. Different
factions within the breed have favored one or another registry, and the various
groups have historically been reluctant to share information and work together.
- absense of competition in the conformation show ring. Conformation
showing, in which dogs are evaluated according to their conformity to
a breed standard, creates pressure toward uniformity in appearance.
English shepherds have never been shown to any great extent in conformation.
The breed actually lacked a formal standard for many years.
- selection based on "practical" working ability rather than trial success. Although
English shepherds have participated in working trials -- particularly local ranch and cowdog competitions --
they have always primarily been working farm dogs, not competition dogs. As a consequence,
they have not been rigorously selected for a single, stereotyped "style" of working, but rather
for the traits that were desirable in their breeder's particular circumstances.
With all this variation, it can be difficult for a "newcomer" to get
a handle on what it is that defines English shepherds. While the breed
does have a standard, which now includes a
description of character and working ability as well as physical type,
listening to stories about the dogs and looking at as many photos as you
can find are the best ways to gain an appreciation for what this breed
is about.
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