Border Collie

SCRAPS Breed Profile OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG

Stats

Country of Origin: Great Britain Group: Herding Use today: Family companion, sheep/cattle driver. Life Span: 10 to 12 years Color: Coat colors are blue, gray, blue gray, blue merle with white markings. Coat: Haw a long double coat with coarse guard hair and a soft downy undercoat. Grooming: The coarse, longhaired coat needs constant care to keep it in top condition. Unless it is combed and brushed right through to the dense, water-proof undercoat at least three times per week, it will become matted and the dog may develop skin problems to be plagued by parasites. Clip out any tangles carefully so as not to nick the skin. A grooming table will make the whole job easier. If the dog is not being shown, the coat can be professionally machine-clipped every two months or so, about one inch all the way around. In former times these dogs were shorn along with sheep. Trim around the eyes and rear-end with blunt-nosed scissors. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder - usually in the spring. Height: Male 22 – 24 inches; Female 20 - 22 inches Weight: Male 65+ pounds; Female 60+ pounds

Profile

In Brief: The Old English Sheepdog is an should meet in a level or tight scissors bite. This athletic animal, filled with clownish energy, and breed is either born tailless (as the name Bobtail therefore requires regular exercise or a job to implies) or the tail is completely amputated. The do. Although affectionate with his family, he may Old English Sheepdog has a long double coat try to herd people or other objects. If the coat is with coarse guard hair and a soft downy of the correct texture, the breed should not be undercoat, which insulates the dog. The any more difficult to groom than other long- accepted coat colors are blue, gray, blue gray or haired dogs, provided a dog is introduced to it blue merle, often with white markings. early. Sometimes white is the predominate color with markings of the above listed darker colors. This breed has a rolling, bear-like gait and a Description: The Old English Sheepdog is a distinctive low-pitched, loud-ringing bark. large, squarely proportioned, agile dog with a profuse shaggy coat. The body is stocky, well- Temperament: Several generations ago, the balanced and muscular. The top line slopes breed was described as fierce and upward from the withers to the loin. This unusual untrustworthy, but their characteristics have long top line is an important breed characteristic. The since disappeared. The Old English Sheepdog brisket is very deep and the chest broad. The is a gentle, loving and lovable teddy bear. Even- forelegs are straight with small, round feet tempered and adaptable. They are friendly, pointing directly forward. The large, rather intelligent, faithful and protective. It has a strong square head is covered with hair and has a well- herding instinct and may try to herd the family, defined stop. The small ears lie flat. The dog especially the small children, by bumping, not may have blue or brown eyes, or one of each nipping, but is otherwise excellent with them. color. The nose is large and black. The teeth Wanting to play more than anything else. The Old English Sheepdog likes to stick close to home; they make good couch potatoes! It is very much part of the family but also wants some Origins: There are a few theories about the time alone. They can be strong-willed, so this origin of the Old English Sheepdog. One is that breed needs firm training. The Old English it is related to the Barbone and the Deerhound. Sheepdog is very good at herding and taking The second, that it is related to the Briard and instructions, but tend to anticipate commands or the Bergamasco. And the third theory is that the do it their own way if they think their way is breed is descended from a hairy Russian dog better. Motivational methods work best. The called the 'Owtchar' that was brought to Great bark of the Old English Sheepdog sounds like a Britain on ships from the Baltic. It also may have cracked bell. This breed remains "young" and been created through crosses between Bearded active for many years, then suddenly becomes Collies and animals brought to England from old. The Old English Sheepdog makes a fine Russia, the Baltics, or France. The Old English family companion, because he loves children. Sheepdog was developed in England's West Country by farmers who needed an agile cattle Health: The Old English Sheepdog is generally driver and sheep herder to take their animals to healthy although it is sometimes prone to hip market. By the 19th century, the breed was dysplasia and cataracts. widely used in agricultural areas. Sometimes called "Bobtail," the Old English Sheepdog's tail Living Conditions: The Old English Sheepdog was customarily docked in the 18th century as a will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently way of identifying tax-exempt herding dogs. exercised. They are fairly active indoors and will Farmers sheared their dogs each spring when do best with at least an average-sized yard. they sheared the sheep, and then used the dogs' hair to make warm blankets and clothing. Exercise: These dogs were developed for hard Some of the Old English Sheepdog's talents work and love a good run. include: retrieving, herding and watch dogging. The Old English Sheepdog is a fine herding dog, but he has also been used for reindeer herding because he tolerates cold weather so well. It was first shown in Britain in 1873.

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal