Group

Pastoral

Origin

The Old English Sheepdog first arrived in England in the mid 1700s. Its ancestry cant be traced to ancient herders, including the Bergamasco, the Bearded Collie, the Deerhound, the Briard and the Armant. The Old English Sheepdog was developed by English farmers in the West Country of England. Because of its agility, the Old English Sheepdog became a cattle driver and a sheepherder and helped the farmers to take their animals to market. They were sometimes called "Bobtail". In the 18th century when tax exemption was granted to drover dogs, The Old English Sheepdog's tail was docked as a way of identifying the tax-exemption. Farmers sheared their dogs each spring when they sheared the sheep, and used the dogs' hair to make warm blankets and clothing. Those dogs are good for retrieving, herding and watchdogging. In 1873, they first appeared in a British Dog Show and became very popular around the world soon after.

Description

Old English Sheepdogs are large, muscular and well-balanced dogs. They have a profuse shaggy coat and their brisket is very deep and chest broad. Their forelegs are straight with small, round feet pointing directly forward. Their large, rather square heads are covered with hair. Their small ears lie flat. Their eye colour is blue or brown but sometimes they can have one of each colour. They have a large black nose and their teeth meet in a level or tight scissors bite. They are born with no tail and their coat colours should be blue, grey, blue grey or blue merle, they often have some white markings. Their eyes appear to be totally covered but their vision is never impaired. From behind, their walk is a bear-like roll and when trotting show effortless extension with a powerful drive from the hindquarters. They have a long double coat with coarse guard hair and a soft undercoat, which insulates the dog. Their height is in average, 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) for a dog and for a bitch 20-22 inches (51 cm). Their weight is from 65 pounds (29 kg) for a dog and for a bitch from 60 pounds (27 kg). Some have grown to over 100 pounds (45 kg.)

Temperament

The Old English Sheepdog is a gentle, loving and loveable teddy bear. Good tempered, they are friendly, highly intelligent, faithful and protective. They are very good with kids and love to play. They love to stay close to home and love to lie on the sofa. They are a part of the family but also like to spend some time alone. They can be strong-willed, so this breed needs firm training. The Old English Sheepdog is very good at herding and taking instructions, but tend to anticipate commands or do it their own way if they think their way is better. Motivational methods work best. Early training is imperative to control the breed's boisterous behaviour. The bark of the Old English Sheepdog sounds like a cracked bell. They remain "young" for many years.

Living condition

The Old English Sheepdog can live in an apartment if owner takes them for long walks/run but they would need at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise

The Old English Sheepdogs need a lot of exercise, they love to run and would be unhappy if not enough exercised. Care must be taken as puppy to ensure no bone problems develop through over-exercise.

Health problem

They can be prone to hip dysphasia and cataracts. Wobbler syndrome is also reported and is usually apparent between 3 - 12 months of age. This can result in total quadriplegia. Deafness is also known in some lines.

Life expectancy

10 to 12 years on average.

Grooming

Owning an Old English Sheepdog is extremely hard work and time-consuming. When puppies shed their adolescent coats, it is imperative that you spend the necessary time to ensure the old coat does not become matted with the new one. The coarse, longhaired coat needs constant care to keep it in top condition. Unless it is combed and brushed right through to the dense, water-proof undercoat at least three times per week, it will become matted and the dog may develop skin problems to be plagued by parasites. Clip out any tangles. If the dog is not being shown, the coat can be professionally machine-clipped every two months or so, about one inch all the way around. Trim around the eyes and rear-end with blunt-nosed scissors. Regularly check the inside of their ears and remove dirt and excess hair to prevent infections setting in. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.