Overview:

The Old English sheepdog was used not so much as a herding dog but as a drovers’ dog for driving sheep and cattle to market. They were probably developed, if it did not originate, in the West of England, by using either indigenous herding breeds such as the Bearded Collie or, less likely, imported stock such as Russian Owtchow.

Country of Origin:
England

Size type:

Large dog breed

Character: 
The Old English Sheepdog  is intelligent, considerably adaptable, amiable, social, not particularly alert, boisterous, uncomplicated nature, and likes to be part of the family. They are the most faithful breed; playful and excellent with children.

Breed Group:

Working dog breed

Height:

The shoulder-height of the dogs is 61cm (24in) and upwards, bitches 56cm (22in).

Weight:
30kg (66lb) or more.

Temperament:

The Old English Sheepdog gets on well on exceptionally well with other animals, dogs, and children. Visitors too will be greeted warmly.

Coat:

The coat is luxuriant, rough, tough, and long, with a waterproof under-layer. Permitted colors are blue or different shades of grey. The head, neck, front quarters, and belly are white, with or without markings. White patches in the blue on the back are not permissible.

Care:

The Old English Sheepdog requires regular grooming: brush them thoroughly at least once a week, not over-looking the places where tangles form. During moulting it is quite possible to collect half or even a whole rubbish bag full of hair that you have brushed off it.

Training:

This breed needs gentle and consistent handling during training. It wants to please you and rarely display dominant behavior, making it suitable for people with little experience of the upbringing of dogs.

Characteristics:

The Old English Sheepdog is a strong, compact-looking dog, profusely coated all over, very elastic in a gallop, but when walking or trotting it has a characteristic ambling or pacing movement. The bark should be loud with peculiar “bell-like” ring to it. The head is large and rather squarely formed, and the jaw is fairly long and strong.

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