Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog, also known as OES, Sheepie, English Sheepdog or just Sheepdog, is a stunning canine with a dense and shaggy coat. They are very intelligent and agile, not to mention their exceptional obedience and goofy personality. They enjoy performing tasks and they are powerful dogs. You will find out that this breed is diverse when it comes to coat colors. They can be black/white, grizzle/white, grey/white, blue/white, merle/white, blue merle/white and a few varieties in between that color pallet. However, we all agree that this dog is simply gorgeous regardless of their color.

Getting a little bit deeper into the Old English Sheepdog's coat, it is important to mention that they have a double layer of hair, also known as "double coat". The undercoat has a cottonish feel to the touch and provides the dog a natural insulation against the elements. While the outer coat should be thick at the same time it feels and looks wiry. It also provides a natural protection making it harder for things to penetrate the coat and get to the dog's skin. Because of the coat's density, they require a regular visit to the groomer, at least every 3 weeks, to get the dog neat. It is also important to brush out the coat twice a week. It will keep the Sheepdog's coat and skin pretty, nice and healthy.

Another good point about OES is that this breed is athletic and energetic. Because of this fact, it is important that your Sheepie gets regular daily exercises as part of their routines. Old English Sheepdogs are a breed that is very affectionate, and they might end up trying to herd people, dogs and/or other objects without even realizing they are doing that.

The Old English Sheepdog, like the Bulldog and Collie, stands among the truly iconic dogs of the British Isles? The “Bobtail,” as the breed is often known, was most likely developed in the west of England, in the counties of Devon and Somerset and the Duchy of Cornwall.

The name Old English Sheepdog is something of a misnomer. As a creature of the late 1700s, the OES is not particularly old by canine standards. By blood, they aren’t fully English; possible OES component breeds include dogs of Scotch, European, and Russian ancestry. And, technically, they aren’t even sheepdogs: OES were employed primarily as drovers who moved cattle over dusty country roads, from the pasture to town markets. In Germany, around the same time, the Rottweiler was building a similar reputation as a “butcher’s dog.” In some pastures, shepherds would shear the OES blue-gray and white coat once a year and use the clippings to make yarn for clothing.

With their full coat, free and powerful gait, and warm personality, OES show well in the ring. They were present at the sport’s very beginnings. Stockmen have been exhibiting their OES in England since 1865. The AKC registered its first OES in 1888, and in 1914 the breed made its debut appearance in the winner’s circle at Westminster Kennel Club.

Their look and intelligence make the OES natural actors, seen to good effect in Disney’s “The Shaggy Dog”, “The Shaggy D.A.”, "The Little Mermaid"... Among the most famous real-life OES was Paul McCartney’s Martha, who inspired the Beatles song “Martha My Dear.”

Exercising is a real important thing for this breed. They are energetic and playful. An OES requires about one hour of outdoor activities daily. Walk them in the neighborhood (when the dog is completely vaccinated), plus letting the dog out in the yard and run for at least 15 minutes, every time they go potty, is a good way to release their energy. Also, Give them toys and attention, when indoors, otherwise they will get bored.

They like to please their families. However, because of their level of intelligence, you will have to start training them pretty soon, showing them what do to and the benefits they will have if they do the right things. Otherwise, they will find pleasure on their own and follow their own rules.