Things to Think About Before Getting an English Shepherd
You've probably scrolled past a dozen "top family dog" lists and never once seen the English Shepherd on them. That's a mistake — and it might just be the best-kept secret in the dog world.
Here's the promise: by the end of this guide, you'll know exactly whether this smart, loyal, high-energy breed fits your life — or whether you should keep looking.
We'll cover their personality, energy needs, training, grooming, health, cost, and the one dealbreaker most people overlook.
Let's dig in.
English Shepherds Are All About Their People
First things first: this is a companion dog to the core.
They don't pick one favorite human and ignore everyone else. They bond with the whole family — kids, adults, and often the other pets too.
Expect an affectionate, playful shadow who follows you room to room. After a long walk, they'll happily curl up beside you.
But here's the catch: they are not couch potatoes. They cuddle after they've moved — not instead of it.
“English Shepherds are the kind of dog that just gets people.”
That people-focus makes them a dream to train — here's why.
Smart, Willing, and Easy to Train
Plenty of dogs are smart. Fewer are smart and eager to cooperate.
The English Shepherd is both. They pick things up fast and genuinely want to please you.
That means training feels like teamwork, not a battle of wills.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Intelligence | |
| Trainability | |
| Energy Level | |
| Family Bond | |
| Alone Tolerance |
Want to keep that clever brain happy? Give them a job.
Speaking of tiring them out — let's talk energy.
Energy to Burn (And Then Some)
You absolutely need to know this before anything else: these dogs need a lot of exercise.
We're talking long walks, hikes, backyard runs, or dog sports — most days of the week.
A yard isn't required, but it definitely helps.
60–90 min
of daily activity most English Shepherds need to stay balanced
So what happens if you skip it?
A bored English Shepherd is an anxious, restless English Shepherd — and that often turns into chewing, digging, and other destructive habits.
Live in an apartment?
It can work — but only if you're extra committed to getting outside every single day.
Skip the walks and you'll feel it in your furniture.
Which brings us to the biggest dealbreaker of all.
Separation Anxiety Is a Real Thing
Here's the honest truth most breed lists gloss over.
English Shepherds were bred to work closely alongside people. Being left alone for long stretches goes against everything they are.
If you're out of the house 10 hours a day with no backup plan, this may not be your breed.
Quick poll
How long is your dog typically home alone on a workday?
But it's not automatically a no. Here's how owners make it work:
- Hire a midday dog walker
- Arrange a pet sitter or doggy daycare
- Consider a second dog for companionship
- Leave puzzle toys to occupy their mind
- Leave them alone all day with no plan
Great with Kids, Dogs, and Even Cats
Here's where the English Shepherd really shines as a family dog.
When properly socialized, they're gentle and trustworthy around children.
They usually get along with other dogs and even cats — especially pets they've been raised alongside.
Young kids
GreatGentle and patient when socialized early.
Other dogs
GreatGenerally sociable and easygoing.
Cats
GoodBest when raised together from the start.
Strangers
With careCan be wary without early socialization.
Fun quirk: their herding instinct means they'd rather gather the family than chase anyone off.
But early socialization is the key ingredient here.
Now let's talk about that gorgeous coat.
Grooming Is Manageable — If You Keep Up With It
Good news: the English Shepherd's beautiful double coat isn't high-maintenance.
The catch? It sheds seasonally — usually big blowouts in spring and fall.
Regular brushing keeps it under control the rest of the year.
Grooming golden rules
- Brush regularlyStep it up during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
- Bathe occasionallyOnly as needed — it keeps the coat fresh without stripping it.
- Never shave the coatThat double coat regulates temperature, even in summer.
- Do a deep brush before the blowoutGet ahead of the shed and save your vacuum.
Professional groomers aren't required — but they can make those seasonal sheds a whole lot easier.
Health and Lifespan
Overall, English Shepherds are a hardy, healthy breed.
Most live a good long life of around 12–15 years.
Like all breeds, they can be prone to a few issues — most notably hip dysplasia and cataracts.
What About the Price?
Here's a pleasant surprise.
Compared to many purebreds, English Shepherds are refreshingly affordable.
Can you guess?
How much does an English Shepherd puppy typically cost?
Just remember: the purchase price is only the beginning. Budget for food, vet care, grooming tools, and the odd chewed-up shoe during those under-exercised days.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be — they’re smart and eager to please, which makes training easier. But their high energy and need for company mean first-timers should be ready to commit real daily time to exercise and companionship.
Not long. A few hours at a time is manageable, but full workdays alone can trigger separation anxiety. Plan for a walker, sitter, daycare, or a second dog if you’re out for long stretches.
They can be vocal, especially if bored or under-exercised. Plenty of activity, mental stimulation, and early training keep barking in check.
Yes — when socialized early, they’re gentle, patient, and trustworthy around kids. Their instinct is to gather the family rather than chase.
Generally, yes. They tend to get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly pets they’ve been raised alongside from a young age.
Meeting their energy and companionship needs. If you can’t provide daily exercise, mental stimulation, and lots of human time, this may not be the right breed for you.
A yard helps but isn’t required. What they really need is genuine daily activity and engagement with you — a yard alone won’t cut it.
Pros
Great fit if you…
- Are home most of the day
- Love hiking, walks, or dog sports
- Want a smart, trainable companion
- Have a family or other pets to gather
- Want an affordable purebred
Cons
Think twice if you…
- Are away 8+ hours with no backup
- Want a low-energy lap dog
- Can’t commit to daily exercise
- Prefer a hands-off, independent breed
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.