Description

The Old English Sheepdog is a large, squarely proportioned, agile dog with a profuse shaggy coat. The body is stocky, well-balanced and muscular. The topline slopes upward from the withers to the loin. This unusual topline is an important breed characteristic. The brisket is very deep and the chest broad. The forelegs are straight with small, round feet pointing directly forward. The large, rather square head is covered with hair and has a well-defined stop. The small ears lie flat. The dog may have blue or brown eyes, or one of each color. The nose is large and black. The teeth should meet in a level or tight scissors bite. This breed is either born tailless (as the name Bobtail implies) or the tail is completely amputated. The Old English Sheepdog has a long double coat with coarse guard hair and a soft downy undercoat, which insulates the dog. The accepted coat colors are blue, gray, blue gray or blue merle, often with white markings. Sometimes white is the predominate color with markings of the above listed darker colors. This breed has a rolling, bear-like gait and a distinctive low-pitched, loud-ringing bark.

Origin

There are a few theories about the origin of the Old English Sheepdog. One is that it is related to the Barbone and the Deerhound. The second, that it is related to the Briard and the Bergamasco. And the third theory is that the breed is descended form a hairy Russian dog called the 'Owtchar' that was brought to Great Britain on ships from the Baltic. It also may have been created through crosses between Bearded Collies and animals brought to England from Russia, the Baltics, or France. The Old English Sheepdog was developed in England's West Country by farmers who needed an agile cattle driver and sheep herder to take their animals to market. By the 19th century, the breed was widely used in agricultural areas. Sometimes called "Bobtail," the Old English Sheepdog's tail was customarily docked in the 18th century as a way of identifying tax-exempt herding dogs. Farmers sheared their dogs each spring when they sheared the sheep, and then used the dogs' hair to make warm blankets and clothing. Some of the Old English Sheepdog's talents include: retrieving, herding and watchdogging. The Old English Sheepdog is a fine herding dog, but he has also been used for reindeer herding because he tolerates cold weather so well. It was first shown in Britain in 1873.

Temperament

Several generations ago, the breed was described as fierce and untrustworthy, but their characteristics have long since disappeared. The Old English Sheepdog is a gentle, loving and lovable teddy bear. Even-tempered and adaptable. They are friendly, intelligent, faithful and protective. It has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd the family, especially the small children, by bumping, not nipping, but is otherwise excellent with them. Wanting to play more then anything else. The Old English Sheepdog likes to stick close to home; they make good couch potatoes! It is very much part of the family but also wants 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. The bark of the Old English Sheepdog sounds like a cracked bell. This breed remains "young" and active for many years, then suddenly becomes old. The Old English Sheepdog makes a fine family companion, because he loves children.

Height

Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Bitches 20-22 inches (51 cm)

Weight

Weight: Dogs from 65 pounds (29 kg) Bitches from 60 pounds (27 kg)

Known Health Problems

It is generally healthy although it is sometimes prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)

Conditions for Living

The Old English Sheepdog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise Requirments

These dogs were developed for hard work and love a good run. They need

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years

Grooming

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 carefully so as not to nick the skin. A grooming table will make the whole job easier. 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. In former times these dogs were shorn along with sheep. Trim around the eyes and rear-end with blunt-nosed scissors. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder - usually in the spring (April -May).

Group

Herding, AKC Herding