Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association
English Shepherd Frequently Asked Questions The Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd is a breed of working dog native to the United States. The English shepherd is an all-purpose farm dog capable of working with any species of livestock. Rural families have favored these dogs for generations due to their grit, loyalty, and desire to … Read more
OBTESA became a Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation on August 10, 2021. The initial board of directors was John Sherling, Larry Raulston and Tony Bierman. The mission of the Old-fashioned Black & Tan English Shepherd Association is to assist and promote the breeding, registration, training, and use of the Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd bloodline. OBTESA … Read more
For a century or more, a culture and tradition has existed around the Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd dog. John Blankenship’s father rode into town on an old gray mare with a black and tan at his side to drive home the livestock he purchased. Walter Oglivie followed on horseback while a pair of … Read more
Back as a kid on the farm in the 1940’s and 1950’s, dad always had at least one English shepherd to help him with the stock. I don’t remember exactly where we got those dogs, but I seem to recall somewhere down around Mufreesboro. Those dogs we had were black, with a tan spot above … Read more
A year ago last January, I spent my mornings and evenings moving a herd of seventy-five yearling steers. I over-nighted the herd in my barn lot. But each morning, I would move them about a half-mile to a crimson clover pasture. Those steers would liked to have run me and my horse half to death. … 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
