Description written by: Mike
Carter
Old English Sheepdogs originated in western Great Britain
in the early 1800's. This breed of dog was used primarily for driving sheep and
cattle to market. The Old English was also known as bobtails, for their tails were
docked to attest to the fact they were a working dog. By claiming them to be a
working dog, they were exempt from any taxation in those days. The breed was
developed, as it is known today in the 1870's as a drover's dog, driving the sheep from
the farm to marketplace.
The Old English Sheepdog is a very playful, affectionate, and
fun loving dog who has more fun playing with the family children and neighborhood children
than the kids do themselves. In fact, adolescence in the Old English Sheepdog is often
extended to about three years old. An adult Old English Sheepdog will also retain
their playful disposition well into the senior years of the lives.
The general appearance of a OES is for him to have a strong compact
look of great symmetry; absolutely free of legginess and lavishly coated all over. He is a
thick-set muscular able-bodied dog, with a most intelligent expression, and free of any
Poodle or Deerhound characteristics. The OES stands lower at the shoulder than the loin.
When walking or trotting he has a characteristic ambling or pacing of movement. His bark
should be loud with a peculiar "pot-casse" ring in it.
The coat
of the OES is long and shaggy, therefore grooming the Old English Sheepdog is very
important to prevent the matting of the coat. To groom your dog, start at the withers and
brush against the grain of the hair so that you can see the skin. Brush in a line, a few
hairs at a time, always getting down to the skin. Remember, this is a double coat
consisting of a soft undercoat and a coarse outer coat. Correct brushing lifts and fluffs
the hair as the brush removes loose undercoat and debris. Correct brushing should be a
slow and gentle motion to avoid pulling out too much coat with a wire brush. A great hint
to prevent the coat from splitting: lightly spray the dog's coat with water or hair
conditioner before brushing! By doing this on a regular weekly basis, you and your
dog will be much happier. The Old English Sheepdogs coat can be any shade of gray, blue,
grizzle, or blue merle with or without white markings or the colors may even be in a
reversed order. This is true before the weekly wash job. Come to think of it, the
colors should be the same when the grooming is complete. You just gota love the Old
English......... even when they're all wet.
The young puppy needs very little grooming; however, this is the time to teach him to
lie on the table and stay still while you brush. This fun and easy grooming time early on
will help prepare him and you for the weekly grooming sessions required by an adult dog.
Regular grooming is extremely important in maintaining healthy skin and coat.
Long-standing mats lead to serious skin and health problems and are extremely
uncomfortable for the dog. A dog that is matted can take many hours to properly groom.
Patience and a positive attitude are essential in caring for a dog with a matted coat.
When a dog is heavily matted, it is often kinder to shave him and start over.
Before purchasing an Old English Sheepdog, keep in mind you must consider grooming and
exercise and the time required for both. We have dicussed the grooming above, but the
exercise for you dog is just as important. This breed requires significant physical
exercise as well as mental exercise. If your pup does not receive enough of either, you
may come home to find the mischief he has so enjoyed in your absence. Suggest you make
plans on having kids before obtaining a OES or be prepared to be totally wore our.
Kids
are a requirement to own the Old English.
