The English Shepherd, also called farm collie or old farm collie, is a descendant of the old shepherds' dog of England and is probably related to both the Collie and Border Collie. Despite its name, the breed is considered American in origin.
Unlike many other purebreds, the English Shepherd has never been bred exclusively for the show ring. These dogs were bred primarily for their working style and capability. Some experts feel that there is a relationship between the Australian Shepherd and the English Shepherd. The breed has been used in the United States as a versatile farm dog, able to protect property, guard livestock, and herd all kinds of domestic animals, including sheep, hogs, and even poultry. Being a herding dog, his main function is gathering, and for this job the breed contains lines showing intense and ability. Some individuals may be very aggressive when working stock, but most are not. They must be trained with a great deal of understanding and a firm but fair approach.
The English Shepherd has been a true family member for centuries. The farm collie has always enjoyed the close relationship with the master and his family. Therefore, as more and more families today realize the value of having an even-tempered, highly-intelligent and happy companion about the home, the more popular the choice becomes for "lassie" to come home.
Often the farm collie is wanted as a working dog, usually for a small farm. Breed reputation for working ability is no guarantee for any individual pup. A dog for farm work or any kind of work is best selected from a family line that has demonstrated the desired working traits, whether herding, watchdog, guarding, hunting, or all of the above. Even so, even if the pup has all the genetic potential to be the working dog you want, once you have the pup you must bring it up right for that potential to be realized.
Whether a survivor of the original North American farm collie, or a member of a modern breed, or a mixture or cross of these, the farm collie/shepherd is descendent of the old working collie of the British Isles and has the physical stamp of that genetic group. They are generalists rather than specialists, and naturally, with daily guidance but not necessarily a great deal of formal training, they are suited to helping with many of the jobs on a small or moderate sized farm. They can fill the roles of herding or stock dog; watchdog; guardian of the home place, livestock or family; predator or rodent control; gundog; tracker and more.
Photo courtesy of How to find a farm collie or shepherd
The English Shepherd is an agile, hardy, pliable worker. Alert and responsive, he is level-headed and never given to aggression or lethargy. To maintain his good disposition and instincts, the owner should provide adequate exercise.
His ideal height is between 19 and 22 inches tall. He has brown eyes, dropped ears, level back, long tail and strong legs. The coat is medium length with an undercoat. He can be black and tan; black and white; sable and white, or tricolored.
The breed is recognized by The United Kennel Club (UKC). The possible sources of your farm collie or shepherd are quite wide. There are the two family lines believed to be remnants of the original North American Farm Collie/Shepherd type: Nova Scotia Old Farm Collies, and Old Time Farm Shepherds. There is also a very real possibility of finding your perfect farm collie through the various rescue organizations. YOu might want to check out these English Shepherd links.