Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog Characteristics: The fun-loving and outgoing Old English Sheepdog is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Herding Dog Group (AKC:1888). The Old English Sheepdog, is characterized by its adorable, shaggy appearance with a  strong, muscular body and calm, friendly expression. The breed have dark or blue, medium sized, oval shaped eyes and some of these dogs have 'wall eyes' meaning they have a streaked or opaque-white iris. Other characteristics include medium sized flat lying ears; a short, low set tail and its gait is characterised by a bear-like roll.

The temperament of the Old English Sheepdog can be described as Playful, Adaptable, Sociable. The coat type of the Old English Sheepdog is described as thick, long haired, shaggy coat in assorted colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Old English Sheepdog demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Farm Dog and is known by its nick name the "Bobtail". The origin of the Old English Sheepdog  breed was in United Kingdom where it was developed in the late 1700's.

Fast Facts about the Old English Sheepdog: The following facts provide fast information about the Old English Sheepdog breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Herding Dog Group (AKC:1888) *** Nick name: "Bobtail" *** Origin: United Kingdom *** Male Height: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) *** Female Height: 20 - 22 inches (51 cm) *** Male Weight: 65+ pounds (29 kg) *** Female Weight: 60+ pounds (27 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, long haired, shaggy coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 5-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip dysplasia *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Old English Sheepdog Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding Dog Group (AKC:1888): The Old English Sheepdog is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding Dog Group (AKC:1888).

Other names for the Old English Sheepdog: The Old English Sheepdog is known by the nickname of the "Bobtail". Other names for this breed of dog include the Shep, Dulux Dog, Bobtail or Bob-tail and Sheep-dog.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Old English Sheepdog" derives from its country of origin in England and its role as a sheepdog.

Old English Sheepdog History and Origin: The country of origin of the Old English Sheepdog breed was in United Kingdom during the late 1700's. One of the earliest descriptions of the Old English Sheepdog was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by the Englishman John Meyrick, who described the breed as a "teachable and intelligent animal". Merrick also stated that the tail of the Old English Sheepdog was "long and bushy, but generally cut even now, when the Excise Laws no longer require it and this gives the dog an awkward, clumsy appearance." Under the old English Excise Laws the shepherd's dog was exempt from taxation when without a tail, proving that the animal was a working dog, not a hunter - hence the nickname "Bobtail". The Old English Sheepdog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888.

Old English Sheepdog Modern History: The modern history of the Old English Sheepdog moved on and the breed has become synonymous with Dulux, the international paint brand who began to advertise their products featuring the Old English Sheepdog in 1961. The appealing, shaggy Old English Sheepdog has appeared in countless movies including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the series of "The Shaggy Dog" movies.

Old English Sheepdog Height: The Old English Sheepdog breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 20 - 22 inches (51 cm).

Old English Sheepdog Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 65+ pounds (29 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 60+ pounds (27 kg).

Old English Sheepdog Coat Type: The coat type is described as thick, long haired, shaggy coat.

Old English Sheepdog Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of blue, gray, grizzle or blue merle. N.B The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. The word 'Grizzle' refers to gray or partly gray colored hair.

Old English Sheepdog Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Old English Sheepdog are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Old English Sheepdog is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Old English Sheepdog Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 5-8 puppies. Old English Sheepdog puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Old English Sheepdog puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Old English Sheepdog Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Fun-loving, Playful, Adaptable, Sociable and Outgoing.

Old English Sheepdog Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Old English Sheepdog requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a distinctive gait with a bear-like and strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Old English Sheepdog Diet: A fully grown Old English Sheepdog should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food should be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. Meat should be thoroughly cooked and de-boned, mixed with soft fruits and vegetables such as peas, carrots, peas, diced cooked potatoes, yams and rice. Home cooked food can be supplemented with dry kibble (a ground meal shaped into pellets, especially for pet food).

Old English Sheepdog Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Old English Sheepdog breed include Hip dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Old English Sheepdog  breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Old English Sheepdog Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Old English Sheepdog breed is 10-12 years.

Old English Sheepdog Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Old English Sheepdog breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Old English Sheepdog names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Tate *** Barny *** Fred *** Bertie *** Dob *** Gilmer *** Harry *** Shaggy *** Jaxon *** Jester.

Old English Sheepdog Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Old English Sheepdog names are Bonnie *** Clover *** Florence *** Gleda *** Kendra *** Luella *** Nara *** Petula *** Starr *** Twyla.

Fast Facts about the Old English Sheepdog: The following facts provide fast information about the Old English Sheepdog breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding Dog Group (AKC:1888) *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: United Kingdom *** History / Date: late 1700's *** Male Old English Sheepdog Height: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm) *** Male Old English Sheepdog Weight: 65+ pounds (29 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, long haired, shaggy coat *** Litter Size: 5-8 puppies *** Old English Sheepdog Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Old English Sheepdog Lifespan: 10-12 years ***

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