Discovering the Old English Sheepdog Blue Eyes Breed

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed known for its unique appearance, and one of its most distinctive features is its blue eyes.

The blue eyes of the Old English Sheepdog are a result of a genetic variation that affects the production of pigment in the eyes.

Old English Sheepdogs are a relatively rare breed, but their blue eyes are one of the most recognizable characteristics.

They are a medium-sized dog with a shaggy coat and a sweet expression, and their blue eyes add to their charm.

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The Old English Sheepdog is a breed with a mysterious past, and its precise origins are still unknown.

The breed was refined in the Southwest of England since the early 19th century for its herding abilities, but its original breeding stock remains a mystery.

Two likely progenitors of the breed are the Bearded Collie and the South Russian Ovcharka, based on appearance and genetic studies.

The Old English Sheepdog was developed as a drover's dog, used to drive cattle and sheep over long distances to market.

These working dogs were expected to be persistent and calm, staying close to their handlers and responding to commands.

Appearance was not a priority for these working dogs, and when the breed was first shown in Birmingham in 1873, only three "poor specimens" were presented for judging.

The breed was later imported to the US and became a status symbol and treasured pet among the wealthy families.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1885, and the modern breed standard was formulated by Henry and William Tilley after the foundation of the Old English Sheepdog Club of America in 1904.

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The Old English Sheepdog has a unique appearance that's hard to miss. The coat is wavy and entangled, but should not be curled, and has a propensity to matting if not properly cared for.

Their eyes are small and dark or blue, and when their hair is pulled back, it reveals a definite twinkle of mischief about them.

The coat colour ranges from shades of grey to blue, with white markings predominating around the head and underside. The dense undercoat offers significant weatherproofing, being almost waterproof and extremely warm.

Their head is quite round in appearance and reasonably wide, with a strong and square muzzle leading to a black nose. The ears are small and lie close to the skull, usually hidden from view by the overlying hair.

The body is compact, with well-sprung ribs and a broad abdomen. The back and neck are also wide and well-muscled, as are the long limbs with moderately heavy bone structure.

Size is quite variable in the breed, with males standing 61-65 cm (24-26 in) at the withers, and weighing anywhere between 32 and 45 kg (70-99lb). Females are usually 56-62 cm (22-24 in) in height, and weigh 27-36 kg (59-79 lb).

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The Old English Sheepdog is a placid, affectionate breed, and it's very rare to see problems with aggression or nervousness.

They are usually very good with children, although they might have a tendency to gently "herd" them when playing.

Puppies are boisterous, mischievous, and famously clumsy, and require consistent and kind correction to develop into well-mannered adults.

With sufficient exercise, most Old English Sheepdogs are happy to spend a significant amount of time lounging around indoors in close contact with humans.

The Old English Sheepdog is a placid, affectionate breed, and it's rare to see problems with aggression or nervousness.

They're usually very good with children, but be prepared for some gentle "herding" when they're playing.

Puppies are boisterous and mischievous, and they need consistent correction to become well-mannered adults.

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their sense of humor and enjoy causing a bit of chaos.

With enough exercise, they're happy to spend time lounging indoors with their owners, but they still need regular outdoor access to "blow off steam" several times a day.

If they don't get enough contact and affection, they can develop separation anxiety, so they're not suited to homes where they'll be left alone for long periods.

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Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent breeds that can be trained to a high standard, especially when introduced to basic obedience training from 8 to 10 weeks of age.

Their trainability is largely dependent on their high energy levels, which can be channeled into agility classes or learning tricks. Many Old English Sheepdogs will revel in these activities, showing improved concentrating abilities.

House training is generally not difficult, but some may object to crate training due to their dislike of being confined. Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, they may become bored and ill-mannered.

Their high energy levels make them responsive to their handlers when they receive sufficient physical and mental stimulation.

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Old English Sheepdogs are prone to eye problems, so regular eye checks are crucial to prevent issues like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Their beautiful blue eyes require gentle cleaning around the eyes to prevent staining and irritation.

The Old English Sheepdog's thick coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, ideally 2-3 times a week.

Their coat also sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.

Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, so consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

They thrive on a balanced diet, and a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs is essential.

Regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, is also vital for their physical and mental health.

Old English Sheepdogs are built for action, requiring at least one to two hours of exercise and activity per day.

Their athletic physique and high energy levels make them perfect for dog agility trials, obedience, and other physically demanding activities.

They also excel in herding events, thanks to their strong herding instincts and trainability.

However, due to their tendency to overheat, they should be kept restricted in warmer months of the year.

A good-sized outdoor space is essential for this breed, making apartment living unsuitable for them.