It is claimed to be one of the ancestors of the Australian shepherd[1] and in the early part of the 20th century some Cumberland sheepdogs were being referred to as border collies and may have been absorbed into the latter breed.

Hubbard described the breed as much like the Welsh sheepdog and old working collie types.

The head was rather broad and flat, tapering to a medium-length muzzle.

The body was fairly long and extremely lithe, with light but muscular legs and a low-set tail carried at the trail.

Cumberland sheepdogs were black with white blaze, chest, feet and tip of tail.