Size: medium-sized, somewhat longer than tall
Weight: 35-75 lbs
Coat: medium; can be straight, wavy or curly
Grooming: regular brushings
Tail: some are natural born bob-tailed (nbbt), but most have a plummed tail sometimes curled up over their back
Color: variety; colors ranging from black and tan, black and white, tri-color (black, tan, and white), and sable and white (light tan through dark reddish-brown)
Colors and Patterns: for more specific information, this is an article written by Mary Peaslee defining English Shepherd Colors and Patterns – read more
Color Genetics: also written by Mary Peaslee, an explanation of Color Genetics in the English Shepherd Breed – read more
[The following information is from www.easypetmd.com]
The English Shepherd is one of the most variable looking of all modern purebred dogs, and any statements about its appearance are broad generalizations at best. All that can be said is that the breed is clearly of the Collie-type, although it is generally larger and more powerfully built than other members of that group.
In general, the English Shepherd is a medium-sized breed, but most of these dogs are closer to being large than small. UKC standards call for males to stand between 19 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and for females to stand between 18 to 22 inches, but individual dogs are often up to 2 inches taller or shorter than this range. Most English Shepherds are longer from chest to rump than they are tall from floor to shoulder, but this tendency is usually slight. According to the UKC, male English Shepherds should ideally weigh between 45 and 60 pounds while females should ideally weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. However, it is very common for breed members to weigh as little as 30 pounds or as much as 70 pounds. The English Shepherd is more powerfully built than other Collie-type dogs, and usually possesses a thicker body and thicker legs. An English Shepherd should absolutely never appear stocky, however, instead looking athletic and muscular. The tail of the English Shepherd is moderately long and usually carried slightly above the back with a mild curve. When the dog is at rest, the tail should be held low. Naturally bobbed tails do occur in the English Shepherd and are perfectly acceptable. Such tails are usually between 6 and 8 inches long and carried straight out from the back.
The head and face of the English Shepherd are very similar to those of other Collie-type dogs, although they tend to be somewhat larger and thicker. The head and neck of this breed should be slightly raised, making it easier for the dog to see all of its charges. The skull of the English Shepherd is relatively broad and flat, but not extremely so. The head and muzzle are clearly distinct, but still blend together relatively smoothly. The muzzle itself is both wide and deep, but it should not appear square. The length of the muzzle is about average for the size of the dog. The ears of the English Shepherd are wide but not particularly long. Ideally, the ears should fold down approximately ¾ of the way down, giving the breed its distinctive partially erect eared appearance. However, individual breed members may have fully drooping ears, fully erect ears, anything in between, and even two entirely different ears. The eyes of the English Shepherd are brown, either dark or medium in shade. They are generally round with a slightly oblique set. Most breed members have a strong, highly intelligent expression, which makes it look as though they possess great character.
The coat of the English Shepherd is quite variable. Essentially all breed members have short, smooth hair on the face, skull, and fronts of all four legs. Most breed members have medium-long hair on the rest of the body, but actual coat length may range from very short to quite long. Generally, the English Shepherd has a thick, glossy, and soft coat. The coat may be straight, wavy, or curly. Many breed members have heavily feathered legs and plume-like tails, although these features vary significantly between individuals. Color has never been especially important to English Shepherd breeders, and the English Shepherd comes in a variety of colors. The most common color patterns are black and white, black and tan, white and tan, sable and white, tan and white, and tricolor with black, white and tan. The shade of black and tan may vary considerably from dog to dog. In the show ring, white should not cover more than 1/3 of the coat, colored spots within white markings, or solidly colored dogs are not allowed. However, many individual dogs exhibit such improper markings as well as a number of other colors and patterns. Although penalized in the show ring, alternately colored English Shepherds make just as excellent working dogs and companions as other breed members.
– See more at: www.easypetmd.com