Black and Tan English Shepherds
Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association
From Caroline Betts, proprietor of MTF – “I am so happy to welcome all the new puppy owners to our Middle Tree family. You are always welcome to bring the puppy for a visit or join us in our classes or just for playing in the fields. The farm gate is always open and please … Read more
It is hard to put a finger on how many Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherds were bred by John and Pauline Blankenship of Rutherford County, Tennessee. Considering that the couple bred dogs for the better part of four decades, I think it is safe to say the number probably clears a thousand. But the … Read more
This article states that English Shepherds were used in World War I “in large numbers.” All dogs’ jobs were ranked in order: Sentinels’ assistant Patrol dog Courier Drafting Guard dogs Ratters When Dogs Go To War Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio) · 7 Apr 1918, Sun · Page 30
An English Shepherd named Jasper wowed audiences in the 1930’s by taking the stage alone and obeying commands issued over a sound system. His trainer was a R.L. Edwards of Greenville, SC.
The Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd is an important foundational strain of the English Shepherd landrace. In accordance with best practice for effective landrace management, the Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd merits deliberate and carefully crafted intentional conservation that will benefit the landrace as a whole. Background “Landrace” refers to populations of animals … Read more
The 2021 first quarter newsletter from the Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association was mailed earlier this week. It was just 2 pages, in a simple format. The 2nd quarter’s issues will be 6 pages, full color. Here’s an sneak-peak, early draft of the cover page for the 2nd quarter issue, due out in … Read more
Smith, Charles Hamilton, 1776-1859. Dogs. London: Henry G. Bohn, 1839. Public domain
By definition, a landrace consists of composite strains built atop foundational strains. Textbook best practices call for the preservation and sustainment of those foundational strains so that every dog in the landrace always has a true outcross available. Responsible breed management organizations pursue best practices for carefully identifying and nurturing foundational strains. See figure 1. … Read more
