<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Old English Sheepdog may have been created through crosses between Bearded Collies and animals brought to England from Russia, the Baltics, or France. In England, he was used primarily to drive sheep and cattle to the marketplace. 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 their sheep, and then used the dogs' hair to make warm blankets and clothing. 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), retrieving and guarding. The Old English Sheepdog makes a fine family companion, because he loves children.
<b>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 or the tail is completely amputated. The Old English Sheepdog has a long double coat with coarse guard hairs 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 predominant color with markings of the above-listed darker colors. This breed has a rolling, bearlike gait.
<b>Notes:</> Avoid puppy mill and pet shop dogs of this breed, as unscrupulous breeders have been deteriorating the breed's temperament. Be sure to buy from a reputable breeder who will stand behind his or her dog and work with the new owner. When kept in full coat, the Old English Sheepdog needs extensive grooming to keep the coat from matting. However, if the dog is not being shown he can be shaved to a "fun cut" (about 1 inch all the way around). The Old English Sheepdog has a resonant bell-like bark. Don't overfeed. Tends to drool. Prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts; buy only from OFA and CERF certified stock. The Old English Sheepdog remains "young" and active for many years, then suddenly becomes old.
<b>Personality:</> A gentle, loving and lovable teddy bear. Even-tempered and adaptable. Friendly, intelligent, faithful and protective. Has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd the family, especially the small children. Herds by bumping, not nipping. Likes to stick close to home; makes a good couch potato. Can be strong willed, so the Old English Sheepdog needs firm training. Old English Sheepdogs are 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.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> somewhat difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Not particularly dependent or independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Daily grooming is best.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Moderate trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium long coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Fairly active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> retrieving, herding, and watchdog.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
