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Old English Sheepdog
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 Description:
The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog with
a characteristic massive, long and shaggy
coat which covers the face and eyes. It is
believed this breed's lineage originated in
the early 19th century in the southwestern
counties of England. While there are no records
to document exactly which breeds contributed
to today's Old English Sheepdog, many agree
the Bearded Collie played a significant role.
However, others claim it was one of the Bearded
Collie's ancestors - the Russian Owtchar.
Old English Sheepdogs have great stamina and
were widely used as a drover's dog. By the
early 1900s, they were already in the United
States and were owned, bred and shown by half
of the top ten wealthiest American families
which included the Vanderbilts, Morgans and
Guggenheims.
The Old English Sheep dog was officially recognized
by the American Kennel Club in 1905.
Height:
The height measured from top of withers to
the ground for a male Old English Sheepdog
is 22 inches (55.8 cm) and upward. Bitches:
21 inches (53.3 cm) and upward. The length
and height for the Old English Sheepdog is
just about the same. ~AKC Standard
This breed has great symmetry.
Weight:
The weight for a male Old English Sheepdog
is between 80 - 100 pounds (36.3 - 45.4 kg)
and for bitches between 60 - 85 pounds (27.2
- 38.6 kg).
Coat
Type: The Old English Sheepdog
has a profuse, shaggy and straight coat. The
texture is coarse and the undercoat is waterproof.
The outline and texture of the Old English
Sheepdog's coat should remain natural. Basic
grooming which requires a thorough brushing
about three times a week for an adult can
occupy 3 - 4 hours of your week!
 Color:
The Old English Sheepdog's coat color
can be "Any shade of gray, grizzle, blue
or blue merle with or without white markings
or in reverse." ~AKC Standard
Temperament:
The Old English Sheepdog is intelligent and
very even tempered. He is loving and thrives
when he is with his family. It is important
to be aware that this breed demands a lot
of love, care and attention from his family
- otherwise, behavioral problems may arise.
The Old English Sheepdog is excellent with
children. He will bark if something is out
of the norm, making him a good watch dog (but
not a guard dog). These dogs should be exercised
daily - at least a long walk, jog, free play
or by playing fetch.
Health
Concerns: Health issues which can affect
the Old English Sheepdog include: hip dysplasia,
thyroid problems, diabetes, deafness HD, allergies,
skin and eye problems. The average life expectancy
for an Old English Sheepdog is between 10
- 12 years.
Special
Interest:
• It
is believed the Old English Sheepdog was nicknamed
"Bob" or "Bob-tailed"
after drover's dogs in the early 19th century.
These type of dogs found in the southwestern
part of England had docked tails and some
claim this was for proof they were working
dogs which would then exempt them from taxes.
• The Old English Sheepdog was initially
known as the "Shepherd's Dog".
• The Old English Sheepdog has a hallmark
gait which is described as a " bear-like
roll from the rear".
• An
Old English Sheepdog was featured in Disney's
A Little Mermaid and in the book
101 Dalmatians.
Classifications:
AKC: Herding Group
ANKC: Working Group
CKC: Group 7 Herding Dogs
FCI: Group 1 Section 1 Sheepdogs
KC: Pastoral
NZKC: Working
UKC: Herding |
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