The English Shepherd is a dog of medium size, presenting a picture of sturdy balance and harmonious proportions, built for speed and maneuverability. He is alert and his face shows a high degree of intelligence. English Shepherds have a medium length, double coat, which affords all weather protection.

English Shepherds come in four traditional color patterns: black and tan, sable and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), and black and white. For more information on color variations, and their underlying genetics, see this webpage.

Because they have not been bred for the show ring, English Shepherds have retained much natural variation in features such as ear set, tail carriage, markings, and even build. These differences are appreciated by their owners as reflective of the care breeders have taken to preserve the essential character of the breed, rather than focusing on attaining perfect conformity to a "cookie cutter" ideal.