Old English Sheepdog Dog Breed

Below are the details and specs for the Old English Sheepdog.

The OId English Sheepdog is a large sized breed. Adult males will reach a height of 22 - 24 inches tall from ground to shoulder and weigh 70 to 100 pounds. Females are slight smaller, they will reach a height of 20 - 22 inches tall and weigh 60 to 85 pounds. These dogs will make for great workers but are also known to be very adaptable; if given an adequate amount of exercise they can live in apartments or smaller homes.

These dogs are truly gentle giants. Known for their easy going demeanor, their intelligence, and their clownish behavior, these dogs are great in families, including those with kids and other pets. Understandably, given their herding pedigree, some of these dogs may try to herd the kids or other animals around the house or yard with a gentle push.

This is a high maintenance breed. Their long, shaggy coat will need daily grooming; some authorities declare that a minimum of three hours a week should be spent on this dog’s coat. In addition, they are heavy shedders. Though some of these dogs may act as couch potatoes, it is still important to give them a fair amount of exercise each day, lest they get out of shape.

The origins of the Old English Sheepdog are not exactly clear - early records of the breed either were not kept or were lost over time. Evidence suggests these dogs may have been offspring of the Scottish Bearded Collie or the Russian Owtchar, though even these are merely guesses. What seems certain is that this breed was first encountered in Southern England somewhere in the early 19th century, among farmers who used the dog to drive cattle and sheep to the market. These dogs had docked tails to signify their working status, and were often referred to as the Smithfield or the Cotswold Co.

In 1873 the breed was first shown in Birmingham, England, though it was then known as the Shepherd’s Dog. By the 1880’s these dogs were being exported to the United States, where they were mostly kept as companions to the very wealthy. In 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. In the following years leading up to World War I, Old English Sheepdogs were owned, shown, and bred by five of the wealthiest United States families. According to legend, a show superintendent at the 1904 Westminster Show told the judges to "take plenty of time; the dogs in the ring are the property of some of our leading Americans".

In 1904, Henry Arthur Tilley founded the Old English Sheepdog Club of America. He and his brother, William Steeds Tilley, were the driving force behind creating the official breed standard. A large percentage of Old English Sheepdogs in America can trace their lineage to dogs that were bred by these brothers. Up until the 1950's this breed was still seen as a dog of the bourgeoisie. By the 1960s, however, these dogs had changed from being a status symbol to a family pet. In the mid 70's about 15,000 dogs were being registered annually, but that number has since declined.

The Old English Sheepdog is a muscular, square framed, and well-balanced dog. Most notable about this breed's appearance, however, is his abundance of hair. This dog's coat is long, moppish, shaggy, and instantly recognizable - Old English Sheepdogs have featured in a wide variety of films and television programs. It is a heavy double coat, textured on the outside and soft and dense on the inside.

The hair even appears as though it is blocking the dog's eyes at times and gives the dog a refined, whiskered look. The floppy ears lie flat to the head. Traditionally, the Old English Sheepdog's tail was docked due to sanitary concerns (resulting in a bear-like rear end), but these days many of these dogs retain their tails, as many countries have banned cosmetic docking. The long tail has the characteristic long fur, is low set, and hangs down unless the dog is excited. This dog hold its shoulder slightly lower than its rump, giving its gait a bear-like gallop.

These dogs are great fun and excellent workers when given a job. Often described as playful, affectionate, clownish, and intelligent, the Old English Sheepdog is one who delights in learning and playing games with his family as well as running around with his animal friends. These dogs retain their puppy-like disposition for quite some time; adolescence in this breed often extends to about age three, and an adult will still be playful and energetic well into his middle age. At a certain age, however, these dogs might start to get lazy. The New Zealand Kennel Club says these dogs are prone to become couch potatoes!

These dogs are quick learners and should not be terribly difficult to train. They are eager to please and love to have a job; if they are not engaged in their traditional activity of herding, these dogs are capable of being watch dogs, show dogs, search and rescue dogs, and more.These dogs do suffer from some separation anxiety and do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. They shouldn’t be kept separated from the family; let them hang around inside the house. A well raised Old English Sheepdog is social and friendly, and though they can be watchful over their loved ones, these dogs shouldn’t be expected to be a fierce guard dog.

The average lifespan of the Old English Sheepdog is about 10-11 years. Breeders of this dog are required to conform to a code of ethics in order to reduce incidents of hereditary disease, but it is still uncertain what percentage of dogs suffer from various issues. Some diseases that are being investigated include hip dysplasia, cataracts, deafness, and diabetes. Heatstroke is also a concern for these animals; care should be taken not to over-exercise these dogs or leave them outside in hot weather for too long. Cancer is also a major cause of death.