Old English SheepdogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that, although it is registered as a British breed, its ancestors were probably European sheepdogs of the Ovtcharka and Bergamasco type, crossed with the herding dogs of Great Britain. Today it is considered a British breed and is often called the Bobtail.

It is essentially a country dog, intelligent and friendly, with a particularly loud bark that can frighten any intruder. The AKC says that it is not actually a very old breed and that it was a dog that drove cattle, not sheep, so it is unclear where the name comes from.

How the breed developed

• In the past – European sheepdogs mix with British herding dogs.
• 25 November 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• Today – It is considered a British breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a strong, square-looking dog, very symmetrical and sound, thickset and muscular, covered all over with profuse hair. The AKC says that, under the double coat, it is a compact cattle-driving dog with strong bones and a large rump.

General appearance

The skull is capacious and rather square; the AKC standard says it leaves “plenty of room for brains”. The coat is profuse and harsh, not straight but shaggy, free from curl, with a waterproof undercoat. The eyes (when they can be seen) are dark brown, blue or one of each.

The colour is any shade of grey, grizzle or blue on the body and hindquarters, usually with white on the head, neck, forelegs and belly.

The standard describes it as an obedient, steady, brave, faithful and trustworthy dog, with no nervousness or unprovoked aggression.

The AKC says that most are fairly intelligent and obedient and that, once they have learnt something, they do not forget it. However, they get bored with repetitive exercises, so training must be varied and fun.

Tips for effective training

• Vary the exercises. It gets bored with repetition.
• Use rewards. It is obedient and learns well.
• Give it a job. It does well at obedience and herding.
• Socialise it as a puppy. That way it grows up well balanced.

The AKC says it is a strong athlete that needs exercise and a task. It does well at obedience, agility and herding.

Tips for a balanced life

• Set aside time for coat care.
• In summer, keep it out of the heat.
• It suits active families.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the coat takes a lot of work: future owners must be prepared to make time for brushing or to pay a groomer, several times a month, for the dog's whole life. Short clips are a good option, but they also need brushing between baths and trims.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Ask for the parents' DNA tests.
• Keep the hair between the toes short.
• Clean the eyes and ears regularly.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• A misleading name. The AKC says it is not really that old and it drove cattle, not sheep.
• Odd eyes. It may have one brown eye and one blue eye.
• A loud bark. Its bark can frighten any intruder.
• “Bobtail”. Wikipedia says the nickname comes from the traditionally docked tail.
• It does not forget. The AKC says it does not forget what it has learnt.

Why is it called the Bobtail?

Wikipedia says the nickname comes from the traditionally docked tail.

How big does it get?

Males measure from 61 cm upwards, females from 56 cm; the AKC gives 27–45 kg.

Is it hard to groom?

Yes. The coat needs a lot of brushing or visits to the groomer.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.