Old English Sheepdog

In my own words

 

“Want to find me? I’m usually on the couch where it’s comfy and sociable. I’m not lazy AT ALL though, in fact I’m far from it. My breed is known for working extremely hard on farms, our speciality is herding sheep. Oh I love to herd, I’ll herd anything. I’ve even been known to herd the family now and then. Old habits are hard to get rid of you see... Not that I have many bad habits. I’m a wonderful family dog due to my docile and laid back personality. I’ll even make a good watch dog as I’m fiercely loyal and protective. Not that I ever get aggressive, and I’m certain intruders won’t be scared of me, but the intentions there!

Nah, I like the couch because its somewhere where I can be surrounded by my family, I love to be included. I get on very well with everybody, especially the children. They see me as a living teddy bear I think, it’s easy to make that mistake with all the fur I have.  My fur needs to be groomed so I look my best; it’s my handsome rugged looks that make me so popular and endearing. Also having so much fur means I am an excellent hugger. I’m very gentle and affectionate so enjoy a good cuddle now and then. Being a gentle teddy like dog doesn’t mean my head is also full of fur! I’m very intelligent and enjoy being out in the open where I can exercise and explore. Just don’t be alarmed if I start herding your neighbours!”

Information essential about the Old English Sheepdog

 

Kennel Club Group:  Herding/ Pastoral

 

Size: Large

 

Weight Male 70-90lbs Female 60-80lbs

 

Height Male 20-24” Female 20-24”

Popularity:

 

The Old English sheepdog is a well- known and loved breed and very recognisable due to their distinct appearance. Famous OES include; the ‘Dulux’ paint dog and brand mascot since the 1960s, Max in The Little Mermaid, Paloming in One Hundred and One Dalmatians and Martha, Paul McCartneys‘dog.

Breed History:

 

Despite the name ‘Old English’, records do not confirm that the breed is either ‘Old’ or all ‘English’. The breed emerged in England in the mid 1700’s and it seems likely, given its characteristics, that it is linked to ancient herders, including the Bergamasco, the Bearded Collie, the Briard and the Armant. The nickname ‘Bobtail’ is significant in this breeds history. In England in the 18th century, tax exemption was granted to drover dogs, which helped drive the herds to market. To mark these dogs, their tails were docked. OES’s were excellent at this job because of their eagerness and weather resistant coats. However no one in these days groomed the dogs and they were sheared annually along with the sheep. The farmers’ wives spun the dog shearings’ as well as the sheeps’ wool into warm clothing. In 1873, the breed made its first appearance in a British Show and demand was soon to follow in America, Canada and other countries around the world. The breed was exported to the United States in the 1880s, and by the turn of the 20th century, five of the ten wealthiest American families bred and showed the Old English Sheepdog.

Character:

 

Still a herder at heart, the Old English Sheepdog has been known the regularly bump or sometimes push members of their family trying to herd them. Although this trait can be trained out of the breed, it is seen as harmless and adds to the dogs’ quirky personality. The OES is even-tempered and faithful; you will rarely encounter this dog becoming aggressive or nervous. Be careful that this breeds’ laid back persona doesn’t lead to him becoming a couch potato!

Temperament:

 

The OES is perfect for home life due to his sweet and protective personality. He can be an excellent watchdog, but is not very scary! Like a giant teddy, this breed is fantastic with children and enjoys playing with them, watching over them and giving excellent hugs. Very sociable by nature, the OES gets on with pretty much everyone. They are very good with other animals, and join in activities with great enthusiasm. This dog does wonderfully in a country setting, but is adaptable to other ways of life also.

Conformation:

 

The Old English Sheepdog has a rather long double coat. Outer coat should be coarse and harsh, sometimes wiry, while the undercoat should be soft, downy and wavy. Coat should be fluffy, yet not too fluffy, giving the dog the appearance of being overweight.

This breed has large, square, compact frames covered in shaggy coats. They have large, somewhat square heads covered in fur, flat ears and large black noses. Their intelligent eyes can be brown, blue or one of each. Their eyes appear to be totally covered by fur, but their vision is never impaired. They have somewhat long necks, short bodies and big boned legs. The feet should be small, round and tight. Their tails are usually docked, and their coarse coats are abundant without being too profuse. They usually come in blue, grey, blue grey or blue merle, with or without white patches. Overall, the OES has a strong and balanced look.

Colour:

 

Any shade of grey, grizzle, blue, blue merles, with or without white markings. Browns and fawns can also be seen.

Training:

 

The OES does wonderfully in herding, and is rather intelligent. This sheepdog requires a firm handler as they can be strong willed and stubborn. A variety of training methods is recommended as this breed tends to do things the way he sees fit. A range of training techniques will keep him interested and alert.

This is a breed that needs firm handling during training to overcome their strong wills. However, they do want to please their handler. Early training is imperative to control the breeds’ boisterous behaviour.

 

The OES does best with a medium sized yard, however if given regular opportunities to exercise, no yard would be fine. This breed loves a long brisk walk or a nice run as they were originally bred for working. Due to their working nature, the OES need to keep busy and active to maintain a healthy state of mind. Take them on long daily walks and schedule some time for them to frolic in wide open spaces.

2 hours a day is sufficient exercise time for the OES; this breed will need a dedicated owner to keep them fit and healthy.

Care:

 

The OES coat must be brushed down to the undercoat in order to prevent tangles or matting. Brushing and coming regularly will keep the coat soft and tangle free. The OES is a heavy shedder during warmer seasons which makes clipping this breed ideal if not being used for show. Grooming needs to be started from a very young age. 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. Ear checks to remove excess dirt and hair will prevent infections. Claws must be trimmed, as should excessive hair between the pads on their feet.

Owning an Old English Sheepdog is hard work and this must be considered before making the decision to adopt one.

Health:

 

Common health issues include hip dysplasia, thyroid problems and cataracts. If overfed, they can suffer from obesity. This breed is not fussy eaters, nor is they big eaters, especially considering their size. Nutrition is important to promote healthy bones.

Hip Dysplasia is a major problem in this breed and screening of both the parents is a must. Deafness is also known in some lines. Care must be taken in grooming to catch any skin or coat problems early on.

You may also like:

If you like Old English Sheepdogs, you may be interested in breeds of the same size »

If you like Old English Sheepdogs, you may like other breeds with similar characteristics »

If you like Old English Sheepdogs, you may be interested in these other pastoral dogs »

Advice on choosing your breed »

Find an animal shelter or rescue home where a Old English Sheepdog is waiting for a new home »

Old English Sheepdog Pictures & Videos