Cumberland Sheepdog facts for kids
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| Breed status | Extinct |
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| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |
The Cumberland Sheepdog was a type of dog that doesn't exist anymore. It was a working dog, much like the Border Collie we know today. People believe the Cumberland Sheepdog helped create other popular breeds, like the Australian Shepherd. In the early 1900s, some Cumberland Sheepdogs were even called Border Collies. This suggests they might have become part of the Border Collie breed over time.
Contents
What Was the Cumberland Sheepdog?
The Cumberland Sheepdog was a special kind of dog. It was known for being very good at herding sheep. These dogs were strong, smart, and quick. They were a valuable part of farm life in England.
A Look at Their History
We know about the Cumberland Sheepdog thanks to a book. Clifford LB Hubbard wrote about them in 1948. His book was called Dogs In Britain, A Description of All Native Breeds and Most Foreign Breeds in Britain. This book helped keep the memory of this extinct breed alive.
How They Looked
Hubbard described the Cumberland Sheepdog as being similar to the Welsh Sheepdog. They also looked like other old working collie dogs.
Body and Movement
These dogs worked quietly and quickly. They stayed low to the ground while herding. Their bodies were quite long and very flexible. They had light but strong legs. Their tail was set low and carried downwards.
Head and Ears
The Cumberland Sheepdog had a broad, flat head. It narrowed down to a muzzle of medium length. Their ears were rather small. They either flopped forward or stood partly upright.
Coat and Color
Their fur was quite thick and heavy. Cumberland Sheepdogs were mostly black. They often had white markings. These white areas were on their face, chest, feet, and the tip of their tail.
Size and Weight
These dogs usually stood about 20 inches tall. They weighed between 40 and 50 pounds. This made them a medium-sized dog.
