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.

Oney’s Butch

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

The late Oney’s Butch was born December 14th, 1984. He was bred and owned by the late Mitchell Oney of Greenwich, OH. Butch was registered UKC, IESR and ARF. He was of the well-known ESBT sire line going back to ARF Old Shep. To call Oney’s Butch a key ancestor of the modern ESBT bloodline … Read more

Goat Dogs

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

As a child, Major Jesse Ursery of Bellevue, Tennessee owned a black and tan English shepherd named Fan.  Among other things, Fan was a tree dog who accompanied the Ursery boys on squirrel and raccoon hunting expeditions.   Fan also drove the milk cows for John Ursery, the boys’ father. As an adult, Major Ursery returned … Read more

Black and Tan Shepherd Farm Dogs In Use Prior to 1900

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I spent an exciting Saturday night combing over the articles from the English Shepherd Club of America’s Who’s Who Breeder Manual.  In particular, I spent quite some time reading and re-reading John Blankenship’s article titled “The Blankenship’s Best Friend”.  Mr. Blankenship makes some statements in his article which shine even more light on the origins … Read more