| Breed:
Old English Sheepdog |
Other
Breeds |
 In
today's families, the Old English Sheepdog is a big, lovable
companion. He likes to be with his family and get plenty of
exercise every day. Although the Old English Sheepdog's abundant
coat might seem a problem in hot weather, it's an effective
insulator in both hot and cold.
|
| Height: |
Males - 22" to 24"; Females - 21" to 22"
|
| Weight: |
60
to over 100 lbs |
| Temperament: |
Even-tempered
and adaptable. Great with the family and wonderful with children.
Sticks close to home. He is a lovable shaggy clown. |
| Color(s): |
Gray,
grizzle, blue, blue merle, with or without white |
| Grooming: |
Very
little when properly groomed. High maintenance or high expense,
six to eight hours per week. Some are clipped. |
| Coat(s): |
Profuse
but not excessive with a good hard texture, not straight but
shaggy without curl. Undercoat is a waterproof pile. |
| With
Children: |
Yes |
| With
Pets: |
Yes |
| Training: |
Needs
firm training because the breed tends to be strong-willed. The
breed is good at herding and taking instructions. Because of
their intelligence they tend to anticipate commands or do it
their way if they feel their way is better. |
| Exercise: |
Need a lot of interactive exercise to keep in shape. They were
bred for hard work and love a good run. |
| Health
Issues: |
Generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts.
Should ask about PRA and other eye problems, diabetes, deafness,
hyperthyroidism, wobblers. OFA, CERF |
| Housing: |
Can do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They
are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average
sized yard. |
| Life
Span: |
Approximately
10 - 13 years |
| Country
of Origin: |
There
are several theories as to the origin of this breed. Of these
the first is that it is related to the Barbone and Deerhound.
Another is that it is related to the Briard and Bergamasco.
Another is that it descended from a hairy Russian dog called
the "Owtchar". This dog was introduced to Britain
via ships from the Baltic. There is even another theory that
states it may have been created from a cross between the Bearded
Collie and animals brought to England from Russia, the Baltics
or France. The breed was developed in England's West Country
for cattle and sheep herding. By the 19th century were widely
used in agricultural areas. |
| Conformation
Group: |
Herding
|
| More
Resources: |
