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Old English Sheepdog Puppies for Sale
Old English Sheepdog
(Bobtail) (OES)
(Bob)
Photo Courtesy of CAROLINE'S OLD
ENGLISH SHEEPDOGS
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Pronunciation |
Old English
Sheepdog |
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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. |
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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. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (56-61
cm) Bitches 20-22 inches (51 cm)
Weight: Dogs from 65 pounds (29 kg) Bitches from 60 pounds (27
kg)
Some can grow to over 100 pounds (45 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
It is generally healthy although it is sometimes
prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts. Also
IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) |
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Living Conditions |
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. |
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Exercise |
These dogs were developed for hard work and love a
good run. They need to be taken on a
daily walk, jog or run. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 10-12 years |
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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). |
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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. |
| Group |
Herding, AKC Herding |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Old English Sheepdog Posters and Prints!
This is Sir Winston Maxwell 7th
Born: May 1st 1997
See
more photos of Max and his sister Abby!
Photo Courtesy of CAROLINE'S OLD
ENGLISH SHEEPDOGS
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Photo Courtesy of CAROLINE'S OLD
ENGLISH SHEEPDOGS
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Old English Sheepdog
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