IESR English Shepherd Breed Standard

Historically, there are four major registries that have recognized English Shepherds  — the United Kennel Club (1920s – present), the National Stock Dog Registry (aka International English Shepherd Registry, 1954 – present), the American Research Foundation (1950s – early 2000s, now defunct), and the English Shepherd Club (2007 – present). Each registry publishes a breed standard. The standard below is the one published by the IESR/ NSDR.

Ed Emanuel, the founder of the International English Shepherd Registry (IESR), published a newsletter promoting the “International English Shepherd Club” and registry in the 1950s.  The English Shepherd Newsletter issue from Dec 1955/ Jan 1956 included the following write up describing the breed standard:

International English Shepherd Club
ENGLISH SHEPHERD STANDARD – 1955
INTRODUCTION:

“The English Shepherd Dog, English in name, but now for many generations, strictly an AII- American dog, has been bred chiefly to fill the needs of the average farm family. It is mainly a heel driving cattle dog, but also very adept at adjusting himself to whatever seems to be the immediate needs in his particular home. Many have proven to be excellent watch dogs and guardians of children, while others are especially good ratters or varmint hunters, others just naturally seem to possess all these good qualities and many others without detracting from their natural ability as stock dogs.

These dogs have been bred chiefly by farmers, and primarily for their fine stock handling ability, and up to the present time not too much consideration has been given to the establishment or maintenance of a definite type.

The International English Shepherd Club, in cooperation with The International English Shepherd Registry Inc., are now without a doubt fast becoming the largest organized group of all times for the promotion of this breed. Realizing that this organization now represents a true cross-section of all English Shepherd Breeders and Owners, we feel that it is our duty to attempt to establish a common Standard of Type, which will be held before us, as a pattern or bullseye, for every breeder to look to, in the breeding plans of the coming days, months and years.

BUT as we work together toward this new goal, may we ever REMEMBER:

Our first objective IS ALWAYS A HEEL DRIVING WORKING DOG.

Second, the Establishment of our Preferred TYPE.

Third, the Establishment and Adherence to our FOUR MAIN COLOR TYPES.

With careful forethought and planned breeding programs, we shall be able to create a better breed of dog with a more attractive appearance without sacrificing working qualities. “