Old English Sheepdog: temperament, size, care and health

About the Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a large, square-bodied herding dog covered from head to toe in a thick, shaggy coat of grey, blue or merle with white. The hair falls over the eyes, hides the face, and gives the dog a rolling, bear-like gait. Adults stand 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder or more and are heavily built, with a deep body and a short back. The tail is naturally very short in some dogs, which led to the nickname Bobtail, and was traditionally docked.

The breed was developed to drive sheep and cattle to market, and its coat protected it in all weather. It is kept today by people who like a large, funny and affectionate dog and who accept the work that the coat demands.

Temperament and family life

Old English Sheepdogs are friendly, gentle and sociable, and they like to be near their family. They tend to be silly and playful well into adulthood and are slow to mature, so a young dog can remain boisterous for two or three years. They are usually good with children, but a large puppy that does not know its own bulk can knock over small kids.

Most are accepting of visitors, though some are protective if they sense a threat. The herding instinct can lead a sheepdog to push or lean on people and to bump at running children. With other pets they are generally agreeable, especially if raised with them. The breed does not like being left alone for long periods and may bark or become destructive when ignored.

Exercise and training

An Old English Sheepdog needs a good daily walk and a chance to play, but it is not a high-drive athlete. Moderate activity suits most adults, ideally in cooler parts of the day, since the heavy coat makes hot weather hard. Herding, obedience and carting are possible activities, and some do well in therapy work.

Training takes patience. These dogs are intelligent but can be willful and slow to settle, and they respond better to humor and consistency than to pressure. Early obedience classes are valuable because a poorly mannered adult is a large problem. Keep lessons short and cheerful, and gradually build up the dog's calm behavior around the house.

Grooming and shedding

Grooming is the biggest commitment. A full coat needs to be brushed down to the skin several times a week, otherwise mats form and trap moisture, dirt and parasites. Many pet owners choose a shorter clip kept up by a professional, which makes daily life easier. The breed sheds, though much of the loose hair stays in the coat until it is brushed out.

Bathing is occasional, and thorough drying is important. Clean the ears, which can hold moisture under the hair, and trim the hair around the eyes and feet. Expect a damp, hairy beard after drinking.

Health

The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, and breeders screen their dogs with hip evaluations. Hereditary deafness occurs in some lines, so hearing tests are advised for puppies. Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are screened for, and hypothyroidism and autoimmune disease are reported as well. As a large, deep-chested dog, it faces a risk of bloat. Heatstroke is a real danger because of the dense coat.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to England in the nineteenth century, particularly the western counties, where drovers used shaggy dogs to move livestock to market. Its exact ancestry is uncertain, with several herding types suggested as ancestors, and the tail was traditionally docked, which gave the breed the nickname Bobtail. The breed was first exhibited at a Birmingham show in 1873, reached the United States in the 1880s, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Is the Old English Sheepdog right for you?

This breed suits people with space, a sense of humor and a tolerance for grooming, drool and a damp beard. A cool climate and a fairly steady household help. It is a poor match for anyone who dislikes grooming or lives in a hot area without air conditioning.

Similar shaggy herding dogs include the Bearded Collie, which is lighter, and the Briard, a French sheepdog with a long, wavy coat. The Puli has a corded coat and is much smaller.