The Old English Sheepdog breed comes in the following colors: blue, gray, blue-gray, or blue merle, often with white markings; sometimes white is the predominant color with markings of the above listed darker colors.
Old English Sheepdog Breed
The shaggy coated English ‘Bobtail’
Old English Sheepdog Puppies for SaleOld English Sheepdog Breed Description
10-12 years
High
5 to 10
Large
Dogs: 65-85 pounds
Bitches: 60-75 pounds
Dogs: 22-24 inches
Bitches: 20-22 inches
England
AKC Herding Dogs
FCI Group I.: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
TKC Pastoral
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog named also the Bobtail, is a large, squarely proportioned, agile dog with a profuse shaggy coat. Its body is stocky, well-balanced, and muscular.
Old English Sheepdogs are muscular and able-bodied; they have the most intelligent expression and are free of all Poodle or Deerhound character. The sum of these qualities, combined with the agility, make them able to meet the tasks required of sheepdog breeds.
Temperament
Old English Sheepdogs are friendly, intelligent, faithful and protective; they like to stay close to home. Several generations ago, this breed was described as fierce and untrustworthy, but its characteristics have long since disappeared. It is even-tempered and adaptable. The Bobtail is a gentle, loving and lovable teddy bear.
This dog has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd the family, especially small children, by bumping, not nipping, but is otherwise excellent with them. That’s why the puppy will need firm obedience training – it can be strong-willed but can be raised properly.
More than anything, Old English sheepdog puppies love to play. However, they value their time alone, so they won’t be on your head 24/7.
The Old English Sheepdog can be quite easily trained to take instructions but still tends to anticipate commands or get stubborn. Its talents include retrieving, herding, and watchdogging. When it comes to herding, this dog has also been used for reindeers – it tolerates cold weather.
Old English Sheepdog puppies can make a great addition to a family with children. It’s one of the dog breeds that love to run and fool around, has a high energy level, remaining young in spirit and active for many years.
Colors
Coat
The Old English Sheepdog has a coarse, long, double coat with guard hair. It needs constant grooming to remain in top condition. Unless the pet is combed and brushed right through to the dense undercoat at least three times per week, it will become matted; it might lead to skin problems or get plagued by parasites. Clip out any tangles carefully so as not to nick the skin. The coat can be professionally machine-clipped every two months or so, about one inch all the way around.
The Old English Sheepdog breed is a seasonally heavy shedder, usually in the spring. (April -May).
Health Issues
When it comes to the general health of the breed, Old English Sheepdog pets are rather unproblematic, though they can be prone to hip dysplasia.
To help prevent the chance of hip or elbow dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. Cataracts and deafness are also a minor risk, regular veterinary visits and treatment can mitigate these.
To minimize the risk of your Old English Sheepdog developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.
Living Environment
This breed will be better suited to a home with a yard and can live outdoors. While apartment living is not ideal, an Old English sheepdog can get used to it, providing it gets enough training and exercise.
Similar Breeds
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