Black and Tan English Shepherd Bloodline

The Black and Tan English Shepherd is a line of working dogs native to the United States. Considered one of the most versatile of all farm dogs, ESBT can hunt and track wild game, protect persons and property, and manage small, medium, or large livestock.

The English Shepherd is a true working dog that was developed in the United States as a farm dog to help with various tasks. Its ancestry traces back to British herding dogs brought to America by early settlers. Over time, the breed has evolved to be well-suited for the diverse needs of American farms.

Some of the breed’s key characteristics include:

  1. Intelligence: English Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, making them easy to train and capable of learning a wide range of tasks. This intelligence allows them to assess situations and make decisions independently, which is crucial for effective herding and livestock management.
  2. Adaptability: The breed is known for its adaptability, enabling it to work in various environments and weather conditions. This adaptability is a result of generations of selective breeding to create a dog that can thrive in different settings and perform a variety of tasks.
  3. Strong work ethic: English Shepherds have a strong work ethic and drive, always eager to work and please their handlers. This quality makes them excellent working dogs, as they are dedicated to their tasks and can be relied upon to complete them efficiently.
  4. Herding abilities: Unlike many standardized herding breeds, English Shepherds are able to work with a wide range of livestock, including sheep, cattle, and poultry. This versatility makes them invaluable assets on farms with diverse types of animals.
  5. Guarding instincts: In addition to herding, English Shepherds have natural guarding instincts, making them effective protectors of both livestock and property. They are known to be loyal to their families and can be wary of strangers, which contributes to their role as guardians.
  6. Hunting skills: Although primarily bred for herding and guarding, English Shepherds are also skilled hunters. Their keen sense of smell, agility, and endurance make them useful for tracking and hunting various types of game, from rodents to larger prey.

Overall, the English Shepherd is a versatile and hardworking breed that excels in various tasks on the farm. Their intelligence, adaptability, and strong work ethic make them a valuable asset for farmers and ranchers alike.

Catch Dogs

by
Black and Tan English Shepherd

A catch dog is used in hunting to catch large animals, or in ranching to work unruly livestock. As hunters, catch dogs are contrasted with bay dogs who corner prey animals and alert their handler by barking or baying. As livestock dogs, catch dogs use their strength and determination to immobilize large animals so that … Read more

Shep, UKC Natchez Trace Rebel Elegy

by
Black and Tan English Shepherd

This is Shep at 3 months old. Registered UKC Natchez Trace Rebel Elegy out of Sallee’s Rustie Jr (IESR,UKC,ESCR), x Sherling’s Jill (UKC,ESCR). Both parents’ genetic panels are clear of breed-specific conditions. Shep and his siblings are first-generation progeny of the OBTESA Breeder Incubator Program. The Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association is a Tennessee non-profit … Read more

Sally, UKC Natchez Trace Lovely Rogue

by
Black and Tan English Shepherd

This is Sally at 3 months old. Registered UKC Natchez Trace Lovely Rogue out of Sallee’s Rustie Jr (IESR,UKC,ESCR), x Sherling’s Jill (UKC,ESCR). Both parents’ genetic panels are clear of breed-specific conditions. Sally and her siblings are first-generation progeny of the OBTESA Breeder Incubator Program. The Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association is a … Read more

Stone Cold Vixen

by
Black and Tan English Shepherd

Here are some photos from this morning’s walk with Vixen. She is an excellent hiking companion who stays close and listens well. I enjoy spending time with Vixen, even after the sun goes down because she is so well-behaved. Vixen was bred by John Sherling out of Sherling’s Jack and Sherling’s Meg. Her Embark panel … Read more

Walker’s Ruff

by
Black and Tan English Shepherd

The Walker family of Kentucky has kept Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherds for four generations. These photos are of Walker’s Ruff with his little girl Claire. Claire’s great-grandma Emma Walker bred quality IESR dogs. I consider the dogs bred by Mrs. Emma Walker and her friend Janice Sallee to be English Shepherd royalty. My … Read more

Rebel and Rogue Manding

by
Black and Tan English Shepherd

Here’s a photo of Rebel and Rogue manding. There is a clear intelligence and focus in their demeanor. I am finding these pups to be personable and trainable. They are each as special as their heritage implies. Rogue is a bit more outgoing, but only nominally. They are each people oriented and have taken quickly … Read more

The Walker Family’s Dogs

by
Black and Tan English Shepherd

Yesterday, Joe and Cheryl Walker of Kuttawa, KY brought their grandson Grady to Roanoke Creek Ranch to get a puppy. The female that Grady took home was sired by Sallee’s Rustie Jr., a dog bred by Grady’s own great grandma Emma. Young Grady is the fourth generation in the Walker family to own an Old-fashioned … Read more

Scar

by

Often times rural life exists on the border between civilization and the wild. It is a place of depredation and daily survival. And a place where life is precious. For more than a century, our culture has shifted towards an urban society. City folks don’t always have the stomach for the reality of country living. … Read more