A member of the Herding group, The Old English Sheepdog's coat is one of his most distinctive features, if not the most distinctive. Bred to work in foul weather, their double coat keeps them both warm and dry, while protecting them from brambles and brush.
The coat is profuse, but not excessive, and may take three to four hours a week to groom. The Old English Sheepdog breed is known to shed as well, so if you have an aversion to dog hair, you may want to seriously consider another breed.
They are also known by the names OES as well as bobtail, a classic nickname from years ago in this breeds history. The Old English can reach between 60-100 pounds as an adult and 23-26 inches tall at the shoulders.
Traditionally many shepherds shaved their Old English whenever they sheared their sheep. Many owners today do this as well, keeping their adult dogs in puppy cuts. It is easier maintenance wise and also keeps the dogs cooler and less likely to succumb to heatstroke from that profuse coat in extreme heat.
Enjoy a short dog breed video
He can easily do any of the demanding tasks required of a shepherd's or drover's dog - pushing livestock toward the shepherd's locational goal. These dogs are more forceful in demeanor when working with livestock, preferring to command the flock with their brawn, while working with their human counterparts.
Bred to work, these dog's love a good romp but can easily be a couch potato when indoors. They are also well known for their ambled gait - where legs on the same side of the body move at the same time.
The Old English Sheepdog loves his home and family and is an extremely affectionate and intelligent dog who makes an ideal house dog. They also do well with children and are said to be sweet, sensitive, bright and funny. They can make excellent pets - if you can put up with all that hair.
Country of origin: Developed in England Lifespan: 10-12 years Colors: Blue, gray, blue-gray or blue merle with white markings Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, cataracts Famous Sheepdogs: Barkley from Sesame Street; Tiny, pet of FDR; Sam Sheepdog in the Looney Tunes cartoons; Paul McCartney owned a Sheepdog named Martha; Nana from Peter Pan
Subscribe To Pedigreedpups
