The Old English Sheepdog is a beloved breed with a unique appearance and charming personality. They have a distinctive shaggy coat that requires regular grooming.
Their origins date back to the 18th century, when they were bred to herd sheep in England. This breed was a favorite among shepherds due to their intelligence and agility.
One of the most recognizable features of the Old English Sheepdog is their shaggy coat, which is made up of two layers: a soft undercoat and a long, coarse outer coat. This coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a great companion for families and individuals alike.
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Breed Details
The Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful breed, and understanding their breed details is essential for any potential owner. They are a common breed, with a life expectancy of 10-11 years.
Their size is quite impressive, with a weight range of 60-100 pounds and a height range of 21-22 inches. They are considered a large breed, which means they need plenty of space to roam.
In terms of grooming, Old English Sheepdogs require daily attention to prevent mats and tangles. Their coat is long and double, with a thick undercoat and a long, dense topcoat.
Here are some key breed details to consider:
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 10 - 11 years
- Weight: 60 - 100 lbs
- Height: 21 - 22" +
- Rare: No
- Coat: Long - Double
- Grooming Requirements: Everyday
- Town or Country: Either
- Minimum Home Size: Large House
- Minimum Garden Size: Large Garden
- Breed Type: Herding
- Size: Large
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Required: Over 2 hours
Old English Sheepdogs are adaptable to both town and country living, but they do require a significant amount of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy.
Care and Needs
To care for an Old English sheepdog, early and ongoing socialization and training classes are crucial to a well-adjusted dog. This breed group requires significant mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis.
Exercise should be a required part of any dog's day, and Old English sheepdogs do best with access to a fenced-in yard where they can run and play. The OES might not be an ideal choice for families with small children due to their herding instinct.
Regular grooming is necessary to maintain the Old English sheepdog's coat, and a "puppy cut" may be an ideal option for owners. Brushing and trimming between groomer visits is also a must.
Living Needs
Old English sheepdogs are social animals that thrive on attention from their owners. They're often referred to as "Velcro" dogs because they love to be close to their people.
These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent stress and anxiety, which can lead to behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.
A daily routine that includes teaching them new skills, tricks, and activities is essential for their happiness and well-being.
Old English sheepdogs do best with access to a fenced-in yard where they can run and play, making them not ideal for small apartment living.
They're a versatile breed that can excel as a family pet, but families with small children should be aware of their herding instinct and supervise interactions carefully.
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Care
Socialization and training classes are crucial for a well-adjusted Old English sheepdog. This early and ongoing training helps them become happy and healthy adults.
Regular grooming is a must for an Old English sheepdog, especially when their coat is ultra-soft and fluffy in puppyhood. A "puppy cut" may be an ideal option for owners to maintain their coat and prevent matting.
Trimming the long hairs around the paw pads regularly is essential to prevent issues like mats and sores. This should be done regularly to keep your OES clean and tidy.
Clipping your Old English sheepdog's nails every week or two is a must. This helps prevent health issues and keeps their nails in good condition.
A healthy diet is crucial for an Old English sheepdog, and owners should take extra special care to provide quality nutrition. Even though they're large, their feeding needs are average and should be adjusted to their age.
Characteristics
The Old English Sheepdog is a beloved breed with some truly unique characteristics.
Their distinctive shaggy coat is a defining feature, with a thick, double layer that sheds heavily and requires regular grooming.
Their gentle and patient nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are quick to form close bonds with their loved ones.
Old English Sheepdogs are also known for their intelligence and trainability, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring consistent and positive reinforcement to learn new commands.
Behaviour
The Old English Sheepdog is a devoted, sweet-natured and friendly dog who loves nothing more than being around people. They thrive on affection and absolutely love being the centre of attention.
These dogs are comical and always make their owners laugh, often described as a bit daft. They love to lay down and will happily curl up on the sofa to have a rest.
Old English Sheepdogs are an ideal family dog, very friendly yet just a bit boisterous and head-strong. Training should be started early on in their lives to manage their energy and stubbornness.
They have a fair amount of energy and will need daily walks, but once they get back home, they'll happily sleep off the entire walk. They can be a bit lazy and sometimes you may have a hard time getting them off their bed.
Old English Sheepdogs do moult a lot, so regular grooming will be needed to remove dead hairs and keep the coat looking tidy. It's not uncommon for their coats to be clipped short.
They are generally a healthy breed, but Canine Hip Dysplasia can be a problem for some.
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Dulux Dog
The Dulux dog is a beloved brand mascot for Dulux paint, first introduced in advertising campaigns in 1961.
The Old English Sheepdog breed has been a constant feature of Dulux television and print adverts, with many people referring to them as 'Dulux dogs' rather than Sheepdogs.
Different dogs have appeared in the adverts over the years, but they all look very similar due to a carefully managed selection process.
Dash, the first Dulux dog, held the role for eight years, owned by Eva Sharp in Tottenham.
Fernville Lord Digby, the most famous Dulux dog, was treated like a star, being driven to the studio in a chauffeur-driven car.
Digby's popularity led him to play the title role in the 1973 British comedy film Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World.
Gambit, another Dulux dog, had enough hair to fill a mattress after a 1980 photographic shoot for Philips Video.
All the Dulux dogs, apart from Dash, have been breed champions, with five of them winning 'Best in Show' prizes.
The Dulux dog was placed at No. 51 in Channel 4's "100 Greatest Television Adverts".
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Overview and Facts
The Old English Sheepdog is a large and recognizable breed, with most adults reaching heights of at least 21 inches tall. They can weigh between 60-100 pounds, making them a significant presence in any room.
Their massive coats require regular grooming, with many owners visiting the groomer frequently. In fact, their huge double coats make them a frequent sight at the local groomer.
Here are some key facts about the Old English Sheepdog breed:
Overview
The Old English Sheepdog is a large and eye-catching breed that originated in the British Isles, specifically in West England, dating back to the 1700s. They were originally bred as "drovers", tasked with moving livestock quickly from one location to another.
This breed is known for its massive coats, which require regular grooming and make them a frequent visitor to the local groomer. They come in a variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, gray, and white, with bicolor and merle patterns also present.
Old English Sheepdogs are highly intelligent dogs, with a high level of intelligence that makes them responsive to training. They are also gentle and outgoing, making them a great addition to families. However, they do require lots of enrichment and exercise opportunities to stay happy and healthy.
Here's a breakdown of the breed's key characteristics:
As a breed, Old English Sheepdogs are well-suited to living in cold weather conditions and can make great hiking companions. However, their size and coat require regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they stay healthy and fit.
Fun Facts
The Old English sheepdog is a beloved breed, and for good reason. They've been a part of many classic movies, including Disney's Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, and Hook.
Their shaggy coats and adorable faces make them a natural fit for shaggy-dog characters. It's no wonder they're a popular choice for filmmakers.
In 1997, Paul McCartney revealed that his Old English sheepdog was the inspiration behind the Beatles' song "Martha My Dear."
Frequently Asked Questions
How big will an Old English Sheepdog get?
Old English Sheepdogs typically weigh between 60 to 100 pounds and stand 21-22 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size and appearance make them a distinctive breed.
Sources
- Old English Sheepdog | Dog Breeds (omlet.us)
- standard (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- JSTOR (jstor.org)
- scholar (google.com)
- news (google.com)
- "Old English Sheepdog" (google.com)
- Greater London Old English Sheepdog Club Breed History (gloesc.co.uk)
- "Canadian kennel Club breed standard" (ckc.ca)
- Old English Sheepdog (curlie.org)
- Old English Sheepdog | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Old English Sheepdog Club of America (oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org)
- conditions common to the breed (oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org)
- originally bred as "drovers," (oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org)
- American Kennel Club (akc.org)
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