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DogsPlanet » Breeds » Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog

Bobtail

The Old English Sheepdog is devoid of any aggression and is an extraordinary companion dog. Children love him. His herding ancestors instilled in him the concept of surveillance that make him an excellent babysitter today.

Height 51 to 61 cm

Weight 27 to 45 kg

Life expectancy 10 to 12 years

Hair Loss Low

Excercise Need High

Home country United Kingdom (UK)

Index

Personality Appearance Characteristics Price Tips Health History

Quick Overview of the Old English Sheepdog

Temperament

Trustworthy
Affectionate and faithful
Gentle and vigorous
Sometimes resistant to training

Appearance

Very hairy look
Swinging and slightly clumsy step
Harmonious build
Solid hindquarters and powerful legs

Health

In good health
Hip dysplasia
Some eye issues
Eye maintenance required

Temperament of the Old English Sheepdog

This great herding dog is totally trustworthy. He is affectionate, loyal, gentle, vigorous and sometimes quite resistant to training.

Totally devoid of aggression, he knows nothing of his strength and is not aware of his build. He is very playful and friendly, but can become completely out of control if not trained properly.

Due to his large size, it is preferable to have an expert hand train him in order to protect precious objects in the house.

He's a good watchman, but not a guard dog. However, he will make a wonderful companion dog.

All intruders will have the right of access to the household, regardless of their age, whether adults or children, they will all be welcomed with a burst of joy. Sociability is by no means a problem for the Old English Sheepdog.

Breed Appearance

This large, massive dog has a very hairy appearance. His massive hindquarters and powerful legs give him a very impressive look. He is robust and has a harmonious build.

Height

Between 56 and 61 cm (22.05 to 24.02 inches) for the male
Between 51 and 56 cm (20.08 to 22.05 inches) for the female

Weight

Between 32 and 45 kg (70.55 to 99.21 pounds) for the male
Between 27 and 36 kg (59.52 to 79.37 pounds) for the female

Color

His coat is grey, blue or greyish with a white underbelly, neck, head and forelegs.

Hair

His shaggy coat is very abundant, rough and not curly, with a very dense undercoat.

Morphology

His head has a large and very bulky skull. His eyes are dark. His ears are small and carried flat. His muzzle is square and strong and is about half the size of his head. His tail, when uncut, is very hairy and low.

According to the FCI breeds nomenclature, this breed belongs to group 1, section 1 and is #16

Characteristics of the Old English Sheepdog

Does this dog suit your lifestyle?

Every dog breed has its own characteristics. However, the actual character of a dog can vary from one to another within the same breed.

Life in an apartment

Good first dog

Tolerates solitude

Tolerates cold weather

Tolerates hot weather

Affectionate

Friendly with children

Friendly with strangers

Friendly with other animals

Hair loss

Drooling level

Easy to care for

Robust health

Easy to train

Intelligent

Tendency to bark

Tendency to nibble

Protective

Instinct to hunt

Adventurous spirit

Energy level

Level of intensity

Need for exercise

Playful

Price and monthly budget

Tips About this breed

The Old English Sheepdog loves animals and children. He watches over them very well. This large pet dog requires special care and a minimum of space to grow. The great outdoors is good for him, both morally and physically.

Even though he can easily adapt to many situations, he must still be given the exercise and space he needs. Whether he lives in the city or in the country, a lot of time will have to be invested in his exercise and regular maintenance. Even if the Old English Sheepdog is fairly independent, the presence of his owner is vital. He will live happily if he is well surrounded.

Health of the Old English Sheepdog

This large, sturdy dog with a harmonious and beautiful construction is also in excellent health.

As with all large dogs, the breed may experience hip dysplasia and some eye problems may occur due to the enormous fleece that usually covers his eyes.

Proper care of hair covering his eyes helps reduce the risk.

GROOMING

The very dense coat of the Old English Sheepdog tends to form inextricable knots.

Brushing must be done daily, in a regular and constant way to avoid knots in his abundant hair.

It is also preferable to clear his eyes by cutting the hair in front of them. It is imperative to properly maintain his coat.

Shearing him at the beginning of each summer is recommended, so he can enjoy the heat without too much effort. For a season, he will give up his "teddy bear" look and enjoy a slimmer silhouette.

History of this breed

This shepherd dog, originally from England, assumed for a long time guard dog and sheepdog duties.

The Old English Sheepdog name comes from the fact that he often had his tail cut off in order to avoid heavy bleeding in case of fights with herd predators or other large dogs.

His history is a rather laborious one. Some people claim that he was brought back to Great Britain by the legionnaires during the reign of Julius Caesar and that the English mastiff is his ancestor.

Others claim that he was introduced during the Hundred Years' War and that he was descended from the Briard, while others are certain that he was brought back to England by the soldiers occupying Aquitaine and descended from the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog.

Who's telling the truth? One thing is certain, even if everything else is uncertain, the Old English Sheepdog is English.

Nowadays, the Old English Sheepdog is more used as a companion dog and show dog, as breeders are particularly fond of this dog, and have no problem spending time on the fur or on his maintenance.