Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog (OES), also called a Bobtail, is an athletic, clownish and high-maintenance breed due to its long, coarse coat.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “The Old English Sheepdog originated in the early 19th century in the western counties of England, and is believed to have descended from the Scotch Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar. The OES herded sheep and cattle into major city markets, earning the nickname ‘bobtail’ due to their docked tails. The short tail signaled their working status, earning their owners a tax exemption.”

In pop culture, Old English Sheepdogs were the family pets on the TV shows “My Three Sons” and “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies.” In movie theaters, “The Shaggy Dog,” a Disney film about a teenager who turns into a Sheepdog, was the studio’s first live-action comedy and a box-office hit.

Personality

Clownish
Affectionate
Intelligent
Not aggressive, shy or nervous

Size

60-100 pounds
20-24 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

Friendly and gentle, they are good with children
Can do well in apartments if given daily walks
Do best with at least an average-sized backyard

Training & Exercise

Must be taught not to herd people and objects
Do well at training but may ignore commands if they think they’re stronger minded
Do best with innovative, reward-based training as opposed to repetition
Excellent agility dogs
Love to run and need a daily walk, jog or run

Coat

Coat is coarse and long
Undercoat is waterproof
Common colors are gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle; may have white markings

Care

Their thick coat requires a thorough brushing at least three times a week or it will become matted and skin problems may arise
The coat needs trimming about every two months
Average shedder

Health

Strong, healthy breed
Prone to immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), hip dysplasia and cataracts

Lifespan

10-12 years

Rescue

Visit the Old English Sheepdog Club of America to find an Old English Sheepdog needing a forever home

PHOTO: Andrew Dunn

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