Despite the name sounding rooted in the pastures of England, it’s probable that the Old English Sheepdog has a very mixed heritage. It is believed that the Scottish and bearded collies, figure in the bloodlines, as well as sheepdogs from Continental Europe and Russia. Even the sheepdog part of their name may be muddled, as this breed traditionally had docked tails, which was done for hygienic reasons for cattle-droving dogs, whereas sheepdogs required their long tails for balance on their athletic turns.
The Old English Sheepdog has a shaggy, muscular appearance and a mellow nature, but don’t be deceived by this British dog breed into thinking they’re slowcoaches. They lull you into imagining they haven’t got much pace with their bear-like shuffle at the walk, but this pastoral breed is surprisingly nimble and require plenty of exercise.
Known for being patient, protective playmates, their hallmarks are the superb traits of watchfulness, courage, intelligence and kindness.
Although they have a bear-like gait when walking, at faster speeds the Old English Sheepdog can shift through the gears
(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)
Old English Sheepdog: fact file
Kennel Club breed group: pastoral
Size: large
Daily exercise: more than two hours per day
Coat: long; shedding
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Colours: black and white, blue and white, blue grey and white, grey, grey and white. Eyes are often hidden beneath its profuse fringe, but may be brown, blue or both.
Lifespan: more than 10 years
Bark: loud, with a distinctive toned quality that some says sounds like two pots clanging together.
Distinctive features: a profuse, shaggy coat, on strong, square-looking body. Moves with a bear-like roll at the walk; more agile at faster speeds. Small ears.
Temperament: biddable and good-natured; bold and faithful.
Things to consider: the shaggy coat may be the prime attraction for many Old English Sheepdog fans, but it needs regular brushing and thorough grooming right down to the skin on a weekly basis, using the appropriate dog grooming brush. Bear in mind, this may take up three or four hours a week. Many owners will clip the feet to keep them neat and prevent extensive matting. Be prepared to spend for grooming services at your local parlour, or become an expert at grooming your dog at home.
Training: typically an intelligent breed, the Old English Sheepdog has a biddable temperament and learns commands easily. They can be a little more stubborn than some of the pastoral breeds, so reward them with training treats, and make their training sessions short and varied to keep them enthused.
Complete Guide To Old English Sheepdogs Using interviews with several top Old English Sheepdog breeders, this books takes an in-depth look at what it really takes to successfully live with, raise, and train an Old English Sheepdog.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
