Old English Sheepdog

Herding

Originating sometime in the 18th century in England, the Old English Sheepdog was developed from several herding types of dogs of that time. This breed’s job was to herd sheep and cattle into major city markets.

Large, 20-24” (or more) at the shoulders, weighing anywhere from 60-100 pounds. Their double coat is long and full, with an over coat that is shaggy and textured, and an under coat that is waterproof and soft. The coat colors can be blue, blue gray, blue merle, gray, gray with white markings, white with gray markings, and grizzle.

The Old English Sheepdog has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. This breed is also prone to cataracts and hip dysplasia.

The Old English Sheepdog is amiable, loyal, friendly, trustworthy and gentle … although they are a herding breed and may be prone to herding the humans around them by bumping them. You’ll need to teach them not to herd you and your family. They are highly intelligent and can be strong-willed requiring your consistent and humane leadership guidance.

They are athletic.

 Grooming Requirements:   The Old English Sheepdog requires brushing their long coat at least every other day (preferably daily) to prevent tangles and matting, as well as helping to prevent skin problems. Many people have their Old English Sheepdog professionally clipped to keep the coat short.  Coat: Long and shaggy.  Shedding: Light to moderate shedding.  Hypoallergenic: No, due to shedding.  Apartment Living: Yes, suitable for apartment living as long as a daily walk, run or jog is provided.  Lap Dog: No  Good With Children: Good with all children.  Good With Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.

The Old English Sheepdog, like the Bulldog and Collie, stands among the truly iconic dogs of the British Isles. The “Bobtail,” as the breed is often known, was most likely developed in the west of England, in the counties of Devon and Somerset and the Duchy of Cornwall. The name Old English Sheepdog is something of a misnomer. As a creature of the late 1700s, the OES is not particularly old by canine standards. By blood, they aren’t fully English; possible OES component breeds include dogs of Scotch, European, and Russian ancestry. And, technically, they aren’t even sheepdogs: OES were employed primarily as drovers who moved cattle over dusty country roads, from the pasture to town markets. In Germany, around the same time, the Rottweiler was building a similar reputation as a “butcher’s dog.” In some pastures, shepherds would shear the OES blue-gray and white coat once a year and use the clippings to make yarn for clothing. With their full coat, free and powerful gait, and warm personality, OES show well in the ring. They were present at the sport’s very beginnings. Stockmen have been exhibiting their OES in England since 1865. The AKC registered its first OES in 1888, and in 1914 the breed made its debut appearance in the winner’s circle at Westminster Kennel Club. Their looks and intelligence make OES natural actors, seen to good effect in Disney’s “The Shaggy Dog” and “The Shaggy D.A.” Among the most famous real-life OES was Paul McCartney’s Martha, who inspired the Beatles song “Martha My Dear.”

A strong, compact, square, balanced dog. Taking him all around, he is profusely, but not excessively coated, thickset, muscular and able-bodied. These qualities, combined with his agility, fit him for the demanding tasks required of a shepherd’s or drover’s dog. Therefore, soundness is of the greatest importance. His bark is loud with a distinctive “pot-casse” ring in it.

The Old English Sheepdog should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

The coat is what attracts most people to the Old English Sheepdog. The breed is double-coated and requires a thorough grooming down to the skin, over the entire dog, at least weekly to maintain their full coats. “Puppy trims” are good options for pet dogs, but they also require regular brushing between baths and haircuts. Keeping the feet clipped (“Poodle feet”) will minimize problems and cleanup. Potential owners need to be prepared to spend the time required to do this, or pay a professional groomer, for several sessions each month for the life of the dog. As with all breeds, the nails should be trimmed regularly.

This is a breed that requires some physical activity. There is a wide variance in the activity levels, but all require some regular exercise. Fortunately, they do have an “off switch” when they come indoors.

One longtime breeder advises, “Never allow your puppy to do something that you would not want a large, shaggy, wet, possibly muddy dog doing in your house.” All OES puppies are adorable, and all grow up to be large, shaggy dogs. Most Old English Sheepdogs are quite intelligent and have a biddable nature. After they learn something, they do not forget it. They do get bored with repetitive, robotic training exercises. If you want to participate in some of those activities, you need to change things up and make it new and fun. As with all dogs, early socialization in puppyhood is vital.

Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions (PRA and hereditary cataracts), autoimmune thyroiditis, cardiac anomalies, and hereditary deafness. Fortunately, DNA tests now exist for cerebellar ataxia and primary ciliary dyskinesia, two deadly diseases that breeders can avoid producing simply by identifying carriers and not breeding them to other carriers. DNA tests are also available for drug sensitivity and exercise-induced collapse.