Tag: Old English Sheepdog Description

Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Dog Athletics/Dog Rescuing/Pumpkin Eating/Old English Dog fun catch up before Monday with all of this week's great BBS Blogs!

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Dog Sports: Disc Dog • North Mississippi Great Dane Rescue • Gluten-Free Cheddar Pumpkin Treats • Breed Spotlight on the Old English Sheepdog

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Old England: a green, luscious and pastoral place that reckons back to the family farms and quaint homesteads. The dog that fits into this scene is one that is old, English and friendly to boot. BestBullySticks.com spotlights the Old English Sheepdog, a dog with lots of fur and lots of happiness to share with his family.

History & Background: First simply called “The Shepherd’s Dog,” Old English Sheepdogs originated as working dogs in pastoral England. Most speculate this dog was developed from the Bearded Collie and Russian Owtchar.  Farmers quickly learned these dogs were highly intelligent and used the dogs as drovers and herders. Farmers began to dock these dog’s tails as a symbol the dogs were used for working purposes, which earned them a tax exemption. Just as the farmers would shear the sheep, the dogs were shorn as well and their coats make into warm blankets and clothing.

In the late 19^th century, this dog was first shown in Birmingham, England and gained popularity throughout England shortly after. This dog has changed very little since then. Exported to the U.S. in the 1880s, the breed quickly became a household pet in 5 of the 10 wealthiest American families.  To this day, Old English Sheepdogs are commonly seen as family pets and in the show ring.

Height: Males: 22-24 inches; Females: 20-22 inches

Weight: Males: 65+ pounds; Females: 60+ pounds

Coat: An Old English Sheepdog has a lot of hair, which covers the whole body, but not so much hair as to make this dog look overly fluffy or even appear fat. The texture of the coat is shaggy and coarse, not straight or soft. The undercoat is waterproof but is sometimes removed in grooming or nonexistent during warmer seasons. The coat is also a good guard against cold, heat and moisture. The body of the OES is well coated including the skull. The ears have medium-length hair. In confirmation showings, only the feet and rear are trimmed, otherwise this breed is show in its natural state.  Read more