Old English Sheepdog Tail: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

The Old English Sheepdog's tail is a distinctive feature of the breed, but it's also a source of concern for many owners. The breed standard calls for a "fringed" tail, which is a long, feathered tail with a distinctive fringe of hair along the edges.

The Old English Sheepdog's tail is a result of its original purpose as a herding dog. In the past, herding dogs needed to be able to move quickly and easily through dense flocks of sheep, and a long, fringed tail helped to balance out their movements.

The fringed tail also serves as a warning signal to the dog's owner. If the tail is held high and still, it can indicate that the dog is alert and watching something, while a wagging tail can signal excitement or friendliness.

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The Old English Sheepdog has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s in England. The breed's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have descended from breeds such as the Bearded Collie and the South Russian Ovcharka.

These early dogs were developed as drover's dogs, used to drive cattle and sheep over long distances to market. They were expected to be persistent and calm workers, staying close to their handlers and responding to commands.

The Old English Sheepdog was first shown in Birmingham in 1873, but only three "poor specimens" were presented for judging. Appearance was not a priority for these working dogs.

In the US, the breed was imported and bred by wealthy families, becoming a status symbol and treasured pet. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1885.

The Old English Sheepdog's tail was often docked as a sign that it was a working dog, exempt from taxation. This practice, known as "bobbing", is still continued in some countries today, including the US.

The breed's name suggests it was bred to herd sheep across England, but this is not entirely accurate. Genetics suggest a mix of Irish, Scottish, European, and possibly Russian origins.

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The Old English Sheepdog is a lovable breed that's perfect for families. They have a high affection level, which means they'll always be happy to see you come home.

Their bubbly personalities make them a joy to be around. Old English Sheepdogs are also very friendly, which makes them a great addition to any social gathering.

If you have kids, you'll be happy to know that Old English Sheepdogs are kid-friendly and can easily handle the energy of a playful household. However, they do have a medium pet-friendliness level, so it's best to introduce them slowly to other pets.

In terms of exercise needs, Old English Sheepdogs require a moderate amount of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. They're not high-energy dogs, but they do need regular walks and playtime.

Old English Sheepdogs are also known for their high playfulness level, which means they'll always be up for a game or adventure. However, their medium energy level means they don't need as much sleep as some other breeds.

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One thing to keep in mind is that Old English Sheepdogs can be a bit stubborn at times, which makes them a medium trainability level. But with patience and consistency, they can learn to obey commands and behave well.

Here's a quick rundown of the Old English Sheepdog's characteristics:

As you can see, Old English Sheepdogs are a well-rounded breed that's perfect for families and individuals who want a loyal companion. Just be prepared for their high shedding and grooming needs!

Old English Sheepdogs require several hours of grooming every week to prevent matting, with professional grooming needed at least every six weeks.

Matting can become quite tight to the skin, trapping dirt and causing mats to enlarge quickly.

The area under the tail requires particular care, as the hair can trap faecal material and needs to be kept trimmed and washed.

Clipping nails is a monthly task, while brushing teeth should be done at least four times a week.

Cleaning ears is also crucial to prevent otitis externa from developing.

Introducing these routines to the dog when it's a young puppy will make it a more compliant adult, reducing stress for both the dog and owner.

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The Old English Sheepdog is a large and eye-catching breed, growing to be at least 21 inches tall and weighing between 60–100 pounds. They have a friendly demeanor and are not typically seen barking or guarding their territory.

These dogs are known for their gentle and outgoing temperament, making them a great fit for families. They are also highly intelligent, which means they can be easily trained with positive reinforcement.

Old English Sheepdogs require regular grooming due to their massive double coats. They are a seasonal shedder, which means they shed heavily during certain times of the year.

In terms of exercise needs, Old English Sheepdogs are active dogs that require regular physical activity to stay fit and trim. They are a great hiking companion and can thrive in cold weather.

Here's a quick rundown of their key characteristics:

Overall, the Old English Sheepdog is a loyal and loving companion that requires regular grooming and exercise to thrive.

Old English sheepdogs are tall dogs, with adult males typically standing at 22 inches or taller and females at least 21 inches tall.

Their thick, shaggy coats require constant grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Old English sheepdogs' coats are free from curls and come in shades of blue, gray, and blue merle, with or without patches of white.

Thanks to their thick undercoats, they repel water well, but if not properly cared for, the coat quickly becomes matted and tangled.

Old English sheepdogs need proper grooming tools or regular visits to a qualified groomer to take good care of their coat.

Old English Sheepdogs are a breeze to train, and they love learning new things. They're eager to please and respond well to positive, reward-based techniques.

Obedience training is a must to help them control their enthusiasm and play nicely with others. They're also naturals for agility competitions, which makes training a fun bonding activity.

As a breed, Old English Sheepdogs are known for being gentle and patient, especially around children. However, they can be a bit mischievous and clumsy when they're young, so consistent correction is key to developing good manners.

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed that's known for its calm and affectionate nature, making them a great addition to families with children. They're generally very good with kids, but it's worth noting that they can sometimes get a bit too enthusiastic and try to "herd" them when playing.

One thing to keep in mind is that Old English Sheepdogs can be a bit mischievous and clumsy, especially when they're puppies. Consistent and kind correction is key to helping them develop into well-mannered adults.

These dogs have a unique sense of humor and can get a kick out of causing their owners a bit of consternation. However, with enough exercise and attention, they're happy to spend their days lounging around indoors with their favorite humans.

It's essential to provide regular outdoor access for Old English Sheepdogs to allow them to "blow off steam" several times a day. If they don't get enough physical and mental stimulation, they can suffer from separation anxiety and become destructive.

Here's a quick rundown of the breed's temperament traits:

Overall, Old English Sheepdogs are a loving and adaptable breed that thrive on attention and interaction.

Training is a crucial aspect of raising an Old English Sheepdog. They must be trained to behave when meeting people and interacting with new animals.

Old English Sheepdogs are large, so they need training to control their enthusiasm. They are easy to train and eager to learn.

Obedience training is especially helpful in ensuring they play nicely with others. Training with positive, reward-based techniques can be motivating and fun.

Old English Sheepdogs also enjoy training for agility competitions. It's a great bonding activity for them and their owners.