A Full Guide on Old English Sheepdogs

Bringing home a dog is a big step in a person’s life that requires a lot of careful consideration and planning. From researching temperament, dietary needs, and overall health of a breed, there is a lot a dog owner needs to know.

Thinking about bringing home an Old English Sheepdog? Here’s what you need to know.

History

The history of the Old English Sheepdog (OES) is unclear. Some believe the breed originated in the southwestern part of England, maybe in the early 19th century. However, others believe that this breed owes its origins to the Scottish Bearded Collie or maybe even the Russian Owtchar. And still, others believe something else entirely.

This breed grew in popularity in the late 1880s when they were brought to the United States. The first one of this breed in the US belonged to a man named W. Wade in Pittsburgh. By the time the 1900s rolled around, there were just five wealthy families in the US who were breeding and exhibiting these dogs.

In 1904, the Old English Sheepdog Club of America was founded by Henry Arthur Tilley. Together with his brother, William, they created what paved the way in creating the breed standards of the OES.

The American Kennel Club recognized the OES in 1885 and was known as “the rich man’s dog” until the 1950s. However, once the 60s rolled around this breed began to be seen more as a family pet.

Quick Facts

• Height: 21 inches tall at the shoulder
• Weight: 60-85 pounds in females and 80-100 pounds in males
• Life Span: 10 to 12 years
• Breed Category: Herding Dogs
• Shedding: Yes

Temperament and Personality

These dogs are generally playful and affectionate. They love spending time with their families and children and their youthful demeanor will usually stick around well into their adult years.

These dogs are quick learners as they are extremely intelligent. They require significant mental and physical exercise as they always want to be doing something interesting. They are great at many different tasks including herding, agility, obedience, and more! This leaves a lot of different possibilities for training and stimulation activities.

The Old English Sheepdog loves to be in the presence of people and does not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time.

With proper training, these dogs are kind and extremely well-mannered. They are often referred to as nanny dogs because of their amazing interactions with children and their ability to be exceptional family dogs.

Variations do arise in the assertiveness and watchdog nature of this breed. Some dogs may bark when they see strangers or when people enter their homes while others may not.

Health

While Old English Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, the most common health issues arise from irresponsible breeding practices. When choosing a OES breeder, make sure to do some research into their breeding practices.

The most common health issues to look out for include:

• Hip Dysplasia: This occurs when the femur doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint which can cause pain or lameness in the rear legs. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask your breeder if the parents have been screened.
• Cataracts: This occurs when a dog’s eyes will have a cloudy appearance which can result in poor vision.
• Hypothyroidism: This is caused by deficiencies in the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Mild symptoms include infertility while more prominent signs may be obesity, lethargy, and mental dullness.

Care

Since these dogs require a lot of exercise, prepare to provide at least one to two hours of stimulation each day for this breed. Walks outside as well as games of fetch or brain teasers are great ways to occupy this dog’s mind. However, try to keep outside time limited during the hotter times of the year as these dogs have a very thick undercoat and can overheat quickly.

Obedience training is highly recommended for these dogs due to their large size. However, they tend to be very quick learners.

This breed is a double-coat breed. This means that they have a dense undercoat with a textured outer coat. Grooming these dogs can be a challenge as you will need to dedicate time each day to brush through this dogs long hair. They can be heavy shedders to brushing will help lighten their coat and keep the hair all over your house to a minimum.

These dogs can be heavy droolers as well. This can cause the hair around their mouths to turn yellow. Regular washing will help keep this at any. This dog will need a bath every 6-8 weeks and their nails will need to be trimmed monthly.

Overall, the Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful addition to a family if you are prepared and know what to expect. If you would be more interested in adopting than shopping for an OES, look into the Old English Sheepdog Club of America for more information.