Old English Sheepdog - Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog Temperament

Loyal, affectionate, and protective of his loved ones, the Old English Sheepdog is an intelligent breed. These dogs have plenty of enthusiasm and energy, and love to play - although their large size means that they should be watched around smaller children who could easily be knocked over. The Old English Sheepdog loves the company and attention of his owners and family, and likes to be involved with everything that is going on. This is not the right dog for those with little time to devote to a pet, as failure to provide your Old English Sheepdog with the necessary attention and interaction can lead to boredom and destructive behavior. This is a very entertaining breed, and will keep you amused for hours with his clownish ways. He is also very friendly and sociable, making a good family pet.

Although the Old English Sheepdog gets along well with children he can be quite independent and sometimes may play rough, which means that he is best around older children. These dogs will bark to raise an alarm, making them effective watchdogs. With strangers the Old English Sheepdog tends to be polite, and he enjoys the company of other pets. It is important to socialize your Old English Sheepdog early on to ensure a well balanced personality and temperament, as some can be timid if not properly socialized at an early age. Watch out for the herding instincts of the Old English Sheepdog, which may still be evident in the way he tries to herd people and animals - often by nipping at the ankles. The Old English Sheepdog can be a stubborn breed, and this can make training more difficult. These dogs are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership
Old English Sheepdog Appearance

The Old English Sheepdog has a profuse, shaggy coat with a harsh texture. The coloring of the coat can be blue, blue merle, grizzle, or gray, and this may be with white markings. The height of the Old English Sheepdog is around 21-26 inches, and the weight is around 65-100 pounds. The short tail of this dog has earned him the nickname of 'bobtail'.
Old English Sheepdog Grooming

The grooming requirements for the Old English Sheepdog are moderate to high, and those will little time to carry out the grooming themselves may find that they have to go to the expense of professional grooming in order to keep the coat of this dog looking good. You need to brush the coat of the Old English Sheepdog several times a week, and each grooming session can take one or two hours. Clipping may also be required several times a year. The Old English Sheepdog is a moderate shedder, which means that he may not be suitable for those with allergies. However, proper grooming may help to keep shedding levels down.
Old English Sheepdog Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Old English Sheepdog is around 12-14 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. This includes cataracts, glaucoma, entropion, thyroid problems, deafness, diabetes, HD, PRA, allergies, skin problems, and heatstroke in full coated dogs. The parents of the Old English Sheepdog puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
Old English Sheepdog History

The Old English Sheepdog originates from Great Britain, where he was bred to drive cattle and sheep. The history of the Old English Sheepdog goes back around two hundred years. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1888.

# AKAOES
# SizeLarge
# Ease of trainingLow/Medium
# GroomingMedium/High
# SheddingMedium
# Exercise neededDaily walks
# Energy levelMedium
# ProtectionLow
# Good with childrenYes, with older children
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity71/155