Olde English Sheepdog: Breed Characteristics, Care & Exercise Needs

Group: AKC Herding, KCGB Pastoral

AKC Ranking: 71

Also Known As: Bobtail, OES, Bob

About Old English Sheepdog

Origin and History of the Breed The English Sheepdog’s origin is uncertain. However, they became very popular in England’s west country as farmers used them for herding cattle and sheep. Bobtails may be a cross between English and Russian or Baltic breeds. Farmers often sheared their Bobtails along with their sheep every spring and used the hair to make warm clothing and blankets.

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A General Appearance of the Dog

The Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy-coated, muscular dog with no, or very short, tail. A big, lovable teddy-bear type of dog, the Old English Sheepdog is stocky and muscular. The large square head includes a large black nose with eyes of brown or blue, or one of each. One often wonders how the Old English Sheepdog can see through the coat that covers the eyes and the rest of the body. Bobtails have a smooth, easy rolling gait reminding one of a small bear as they move.

Coat Color

Coat colors for the Bobtail are blue, gray, blue gray or blue merle with varying amounts of white markings.

Coat Type

Old English Sheepdog has a profuse shaggy coarse outer coat with a soft downy undercoat.

Height: 20 to 24 inches

Weight: 60 to 100 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Bobtails are friendly, family oriented, gentle and fun-loving. They love to be the center of attention. The Old English Sheepdog will feel protective of its family and may sound an alert if strangers approach, but they are not aggressive. Old English Sheepdogs love children and may attempt to herd small children by bumping them. Bobtails are intelligent, love to play and make an excellent family pet.

They are good-natured and seem to have a sense of humor. They are very enthusiastic and happy. They are so smart they anticipate your commands and “outwit” you. They can also outwit their owners.

Thorough socializing and firm obedience training is necessary with this breed.

The Old English Sheepdog loves his home and family. As a family dog, they stick close to home and may even become ‘couch potatoes’ as they get older if not encouraged to play and be active. They seem young for many years and then suddenly seem old and go downhill fairly quickly after that.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

These dogs want to live inside with the family but are active, needing very active daily exercise. They best with a medium sized fenced yard. Bobtails can do fine in apartments with daily exercise. They will play fairly actively even when indoors.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Old English Sheepdogs love children and do well with families. The Bobtail, if socialized and obedience trained properly, makes a great family dog and gets along well with other pets, strangers and their children.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

Bobs are active, fun loving pets. They need extensive daily exercise throughout their lives.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Daily exercise is required and the Old English Sheepdog loves a good walk, run or jog. These dogs will stay young and active for many years.

Grooming

Old English Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming. Their coat will require thorough brushing at least 3 times per week. The hair around their eyes and rear end will need to be trimmed regularly. Mats or tangles will need to be teased out or cut out regularly. Old English Sheepdogs were often shorn along with the sheep.

The Old English Sheepdog sheds its entire coat twice a year – spring and fall. Extra brushing or professional grooming will be needed at these times.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Watch for cataracts in the OES. They are also prone to hip dysplasia.

Breeding the Dog and any Cautions

As with any breeding, it is essential to work with an experienced breeder to breed your Old English Sheepdog.

Life Span: The average life span for an Old English Sheepdog is 10 to 12 years.

National Breed Clubs:

US – Old English Sheepdog Club of America – www.oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org

British – Old English Sheepdog Club of UK

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue link: www.oesrescue.com/index.html