English Shepherd History and Culture

This category investigates the role of farm dogs in history, society, and culture. It covers stories about the historical significance of specific breeds, their contributions to human endeavors, and the cultural impact of dogs in various societies.

Evolution of Farm Dog Perceptions in Western Societies

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This short article explores the evolving perception of farm dogs in Western societies over the past 150 years and discusses the implications of this shift in understanding when examining dog-related customs and views in ancient and non-Western societies. We highlight three key phases: (1) late 19th and early 20th centuries, when farm dogs were … Read more

Preserving Heritage and Functionality: The Role of Cultural Appreciation in Conserving Rare Working Dog Bloodlines

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

This article discusses the significance of cultural appreciation in the conservation of rare working dog bloodlines. By highlighting the cultural, functional, and genetic importance of these breeds, we emphasize the need for increased awareness, community engagement, and responsible breeding practices. Through these efforts, we can help preserve the unique traits and historical significance of … Read more

The English Shepherd Farm Dog in Antebellum Agriculture of the Upper South

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

This article examines the role of the English Shepherd dog breed in the antebellum agriculture of the upper south region of the United States. We will focus on the various tasks these versatile farm dogs performed, including livestock management, crop protection, pest control, companionship, and hunting. The article highlights the indispensable contributions of the … Read more

The Role of Farm Dogs in Hunting in North America

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Farm dogs, including the English Shepherd breed, have played an important role in North American farming culture for centuries, assisting farmers and rural residents in various activities such as hunting, pest control, catch work, and tracking wounded game. This article provides an overview of the historical uses of farm dogs in these activities since … Read more

The Versatile Roles of Farm Dogs in Warfare: A Historical Overview

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Farm dogs, also known as working or pastoral dogs, have played a significant role in warfare throughout history. Their unique abilities, including keen senses of hearing and smell, agility, and loyalty, have made them invaluable assets in various military capacities. This article examines the diverse roles farm dogs have undertaken during times of war, … Read more

English Shepherds in Early American History: Tracing the Breed’s Ancestry and Role

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

This article delves into the presence and significance of English Shepherds in early American history. Although the breed’s name was not widely used until the late 19th century, the ancestors of English Shepherds played a crucial role in the agricultural life of early settlers. The article highlights some of the historical references that provide … Read more

Exploring the Flatboat Era: The Role of Flatboats and Dogs in American History

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This article provides an overview of the flatboat era in American history, highlighting the important role that flatboats and dogs played during this time. The flatboat era, which occurred in the early 19th century, saw the rise of flatboats as a common mode of transportation and commerce on the Western rivers of the United … Read more

The Challenges and Adventures of Cattle Droving in Early America

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Cattle droving played a significant role in the agricultural economy of early America, as it allowed farmers to transport large numbers of cattle to market. This article explores the challenges and adventures of cattle droving in early America, including the different types of drovers and drives, the equipment and tools used, and the hazards … Read more

Dogs on the American Frontier: Protectors of Pioneers

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

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This article explores the role of dogs in the lives of pioneers on the American frontier. The pioneers who settled the frontier were a determined and self-reliant group of people who sought to shape the land to their desires and ambitions. Despite the challenges they faced, they believed that they could create a better life for themselves and their families by carving out a new home in the wilderness. Dogs played an important role in their lives, helping them to protect themselves, their families, and their property. The article discusses the different breeds of dogs used for protection, including mastiffs, bloodhounds, coonhounds, and English Shepherds.

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The Rise and Fall of Drover’s Dogs in the Eastern U.S.

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

This article explores the historical role of drover’s dogs in the transportation of livestock across the United States in the 19th century. These specially trained dogs played a critical role in the success of moving large herds of animals along the paths of inland commerce.  The article also discusses the decline of farm dogs … Read more

Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Breeder Survey

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

As World War II progressed, farmers were being asked to produce more food with fewer workers. More and more young men were being drafted or enlisted in the military. The farm labor shortage became severe, especially for fruit and vegetable producers.  In the course of the war, 15 million men and women were called up … Read more

Cancelled Canines – An Interview

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

The farmcollie movement influenced the English Shepherd breed community via internet lists, AWFA, and the vocalness of its proponents.  Since this all coincided with the breed coming out of a pretty severe bottleneck, it skewed what was being bred and it influenced a lot of new breeders.  So now, black and tans are in a … Read more

Before the Farm Collie Movement

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Before the Farm Collie Movement propagandized the intermixing of their farm collies with everything else in the farm dog world, we had a bloodline of English Shepherds that weren’t predominately collies.  Here’s an article from the April 1952 issue of Dog World Magazine titled “They Are Not the Same.” Interesting point of fact; none of … Read more