Old English Sheepdog: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care
Breed Overview: Meet the Old English Sheepdog
Are you looking for a fun-loving, gentle giant to join your family? Look no further than the Old English Sheepdog! With their signature shaggy coats, bear-like gaits, and perpetually smiling expressions, these mellow herding dogs are hard to mistake for any other breed. Nicknamed "Bobtails" for their traditionally docked tails, Old English Sheepdogs combine goofy charm with a noble working heritage. Could this lively yet easygoing breed be the perfect fit for your home? Let‘s find out!
History and Background
The origins of the Old English Sheepdog are a bit of a mystery. Most experts believe they were developed in the western counties of England sometime in the 1700s. Farmers needed versatile working dogs to help drive cattle and sheep to market. With their agility, stamina, and muscular builds, the earliest Old English Sheepdogs excelled at this job.
The breed‘s precise ancestry is uncertain, but their unkempt coats suggest they may be related to Scottish Bearded Collies or the Russian Owtchar. Some theorize they share a common forebear with other European herding breeds like the Briard and Bergamasco.
For many years, Old English Sheepdogs were simply known as "Shepherd‘s Dogs." The nickname "Bob" or "Bobtail" comes from the custom of docking their tails. This identified them as working dogs, exempting their owners from taxes on pet dogs. The breed didn‘t gain recognition as a distinct type until the 1800s. The American Kennel club first registered an Old English Sheepdog in 1888.
Physical Characteristics
Old English Sheepdogs are big, muscular, and nimble, perfectly suited for long days working on the farm. A well-proportioned male stands 22 inches and weighs up to 100 pounds, with females being slightly smaller. Their trademark double coat is long, thick, and shaggy with a textured, waterproof outer layer and downy undercoat.
The coat comes in any shade of gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle, often with flashy white markings. The profuse fur covers their face, giving them an endearingly unkempt, dreadlocked look. Their gait has a distinctive rolling shuffle with a bobbing head, sometimes compared to a bear‘s. Although traditionally docked, some modern Old English Sheepdogs retain their long, low-set, feathered tails.
Temperament and Personality
Old English Sheepdogs are famous for their sweet, gentle personalities. They are playful and adaptable with a clownish sense of humor. Loyal and devoted "Bobtails" thrive on human companionship. They make superb playmates for kids of all ages, with a patient nanny-like quality. Some Old English Sheepdogs try to "herd" children by bumping them with their big bodies.
When meeting strangers, expect your Old English Sheepdog to be friendly yet not overly fawning. They may unleash an impressive warning bark, but won‘t follow through with aggression. Some Bobtails are charmingly stubborn and independent, requiring persuasion to cooperate. They do best with positive, upbeat training.
Like most herding breeds, Old English Sheepdogs have strong instincts to chase, so they may take off after wildlife, neighborhood cats, or even a passing bicycle unless taught otherwise. A securely fenced yard and on-leash walks are a must. Prepare for your Sheepdog to be a "Velcro dog" following you around the house, lying at your feet, and even trying to crawl into your lap despite their hefty size. They can become anxious if left alone too much.
Training and Exercise Requirements
Old English Sheepdogs are whip smart and highly trainable when you find the right motivation. Like any big, boisterous working breed, "Bobbies" must learn good manners from puppyhood. Focus on rewarding desired behaviors and preventing bad habits before they start. Keep training sessions short, fun, and full of variety to hold your Sheepdog‘s attention.
As a bright, biddable breed, Bobtails often excel in canine events like obedience trials, rally, agility, and herding. Mental stimulation through ongoing training is just as crucial as physical exercise. Your clever Old English will relish the chance to work their mind and body in fun, challenging ways.
While not extremely high energy, Sheepdogs are far from couch potatoes. Expect to provide a minimum of an hour of vigorous exercise daily – more is better. A bored Old English Sheepdog will make their own fun, usually by barking excessively, digging holes in your lawn, or chewing up your sofa cushions. Long walks, jogs, fetch sessions, and romps with other dogs will help them be calm, contented family members.
Grooming an Old English Sheepdog
Now for the hairy reality of Sheepdog ownership – coat care is a major undertaking. Old English Sheepdogs are high maintenance in the grooming department, no bones about it. Their profuse double coats require thorough brushing at least every other day, preferably daily, to prevent mats and tangles. You‘ll need to pencil in regular appointments with a professional groomer who knows the breed‘s unique styling.
Special attention must be paid to the hair around the Bobtail‘s eyes, ears, and mouth. Left unkempt, the fur can trap moisture and debris against the skin, leading to irritations and infections. Some owners opt to keep the hair on the face trimmed short for easier upkeep. Expect a staggering amount of shed hair despite your best grooming efforts – investing in a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner is virtually mandatory.
Staying Healthy: Old English Sheepdog Health Issues
The typical lifespan for an Old English Sheepdog is 10 to 12 years. Bobtails are a generally hardy, healthy breed, but like all purebred dogs, have some genetic predispositions to be aware of. Orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia can crop up, so ask breeders for health screening results from the parents.
Certain eye disorders including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts are also a concern. Around 15% of Bobtails are born deaf in one or both ears. An estimated 10% also carry a multi-drug sensitivity gene mutation that causes adverse reactions to common veterinary drugs.
Responsible Old English Sheepdog breeders screen their sires and dams for these heritable conditions. They should also emphasize mental soundness, trainability, and correct structure to produce puppies capable of an active family life. While no dog is guaranteed problem-free, finding a Sheepdog from conscientious breeders or rescuers who care about health stacks the deck in your favor.
Fun Old English Sheepdog Facts
- The Old English Sheepdog is the mascot for Dulux paint and has starred in many of the brand‘s TV commercials in the UK
- OES have featured in numerous films and TV shows including the 1959 and 1976 movies "The Shaggy Dog," "Please Don‘t Eat The Daisies," and "Cats & Dogs."
- Walt Disney‘s "The Little Mermaid" includes a Sheepdog character named Max who is Prince Eric‘s pet.
- The popular cartoon character Sam Sheepdog is a laid-back Old English frequently featured in Looney Tunes shorts being outsmarted by Ralph Wolf.
- Paul McCartney owns an Old English Sheepdog named Martha who inspired the Beatles song "Martha My Dear."
- Bobtails excel at freestyle "dancing" with their handlers due to their responsiveness, athleticism, and flair for performing.
- The pirate Stede Bonnet, who sailed with Blackbeard in the early 1700s, is said to have had two Old English Sheepdogs as his constant companions aboard his ship.
Is an Old English Sheepdog Right For You?
So you‘ve fallen for the shaggy charms and sunny personality of the Old English Sheepdog. Is your lifestyle compatible with this larger-than-life breed‘s needs? Bobtails are delightful companions when paired with the right families.
Fastidiously neat households should reconsider acquiring a shedding machine like the OES. You‘ll need a certain tolerance of fur on your furnishings plus the time and budget for frequent grooming. Sheepdogs also won‘t thrive without adequate daily exercise and engagement. Access to a securely fenced yard (they can be notorious wanderers) and commitment to training is a must.
On the plus side, Bobtails are highly adaptable dogs, equally at home on a farm or in city living as long as their exercise needs are met. They tend to be sensible watchdogs and gentle playmates for children old enough to handle their size and bouncy energy. While they enjoy the company of other dogs, Sheepdogs are not pack-dependent and can be only pets.
For active families seeking a good-natured, trainable companion up for adventures, the Old English Sheepdog could be a perfect match. With their endearing smiles, clownish antics, and intuitive, people-pleasing spirits, Old English Sheepdogs have a unique way of capturing hearts. The lucky owners who can handle their grooming and exercise needs will find their lives immeasurably enriched by one of these special herding dogs.
