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Are you ready for a large dog breed ? We inclose you to the Old English Sheepdog ( OES ) , a domestic dog breed prized for its shaggy coating fur .
breed as companion creature to oxen driver , sheepies are agile tool despite their bulky size of it .
Now popularly known for being a kinsperson dog , Old English breeds have a friendly disposition for owners who can impose leadership .
In this blog , we ’ll hash out everything that you need to love about the Old English Sheepdog breed — from its account , care , and living with them .
Without further ado , let ’s start !
Old English Sheepdog Breed History
Now , you may be thinking that the name Old English Sheepdog mechanically tells a heap about its breed history .
Well , not quite .
you may say that the name is really misleading about the breed ’s truthful origins .
That ’s because Old English Sheepdog is not an erstwhile breed , an English dog , or primitively a sheep dog !
First , the Old English dog is not an old breed . It ’s actually a comparatively unexampled breed , with its pedigree leave alone a lot of experts to debate and argue .
Old English Sheepdog also has most of their ancestry initiate outside England .
Because some part of their profligate came outside England , OES dogs are n’t technically full English as well .
They suspect that the OES breed get along from Scotch Bearded Collie or French Briard , even leading to some Russian breed origins .
Regardless of its beginning , the great unwashed branded OES as English because of the pieces of grounds of its egress in the country .
document suggest that Old English Sheepdogs became a common breed in the 1700s .
Lastly , rather than being a sheepdog , as the breed name suggests , Old English shepherds drive cattle flocks instead .
These dogs would go with cattle driver that would transport , transfer , and trade farm animal from one market place to another .
Apart from the accompaniment , driver would also work with Old English Shepherds to pull wagons and carts .
Eventually , citizenry began associating the strain with the cattle driving profession , basically becoming every English herder ’s dog .
English Sheepdogs also started appearing in dog show , exhibits , and sports .
OES breeds became a consistent competitor in dog shows , earning the recognition of the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) as a herding breed in 1888 .
It also appeared in television set shows and movies where it became the main face of 1959 Disney ’s , “ Shaggy Dog . ”
Old English Sheepdog Physical Trait
sure-enough English sheepdogs are one of the most pop click breeds in dog show and exhibits .
Here are some of its unparalleled feature to aid you signalise it from other breeds .
Weight and Height
An Old English Sheepdog size of it falls on above - medium size with muscular built body that cope with its athleticism .
Their superlative and weight can disagree between both genders . Usually , manlike detent are marvelous , declamatory , and heavier than their distaff counterparts .
In terms of height , manful frump can reach 22 to 24 inch , while females can grow up to 22 inches .
Despite slightly varying per grammatical gender , a typical Old English Sheepdog ’s weight can swan from 70 to 100 Ezra Pound .
English Sheepdogs are undeniably big than their intermediate contemporaries . But they ’re still a bit smaller than giant dogs like aGreat DaneandSaint Bernard .
Thanks to their great physique and strong muscles , OES are always ready to carry and cast around .
Coat
this dog breed is well recognisable for its shaggy and long pelt coat .
These sheepies have uncut , long , doubled - pelage typesat their disposition . Their furs warm them up during a chilling wintertime and shade them from the vivid heat of summertime .
English Shepherd ’s coat is also responsible for make the dog look large and chunky . It ’s as if its Old English Sheepdog size is not enough !
The coat colouration for Old English dogs comes in lily-white and grey . Some breeds will have other color variants like grizzle and merle blue .
Old English dogs have white - dyed pelt on their head , face , and front limb . On the other script , you ’ll see the darker shade of pelt enveloping their back and hind legs .
Markings can also appear differently in wiener .
Some dogs will have no markings on its face . Other wienerwurst can have a dark - fur spot on one of their centre or both .
Distinct Features
Like its body , the Old English Shepherd has a square face , solidify its compact and bulky appearance .
This breed also gain the sobriquet “ Bobtail ” dog because owners used todock their tail coat .
Some Old English Sheepdogs , on the other helping hand , have a uncommon genetic condition that is hold without a derriere .
Old English sheepdog has thick pelage , enough that they can hide their middle .
This is why some sure-enough English dog can appear sightless , particularly when their hairs are still uncut .
It makes you stop to wonder how they can see with all of the furs near their eyes .
Old English Sheepdog Temperament
Let ’s lecture about onetime English sheepdog disposition .
An Old English dog is a well - chasten dog that can outfit most families and possessor ’ life-style .
Old English shepherds are affectionate dogs that are capable of show loyalty and empathy to their owner .
Sometimes , they become too affectionate that they get overly excited to expend time with you .
aside from being an affectionate breed , sheepies are also healthy animal . Many objects can activate the dog ’s curiosity , and it will wander as it please around the vicinity .
Because of its intelligence operation , you’re able to easily school this type of breed withoutrepeating a commandover and over again .
With its affectionate personality plus intelligence , you have an outgoing heel with an appetite for explore unlike place .
Living with an Old English Sheepdog
How does it feel to survive with an Old English Sheepdog ?
If you want to live with a bobtail dog , ideally , you would want a large area outdoors and near your menage .
It can be your front lawn orfenced backyard . It can also be a park where you’re able to take your dog for a walkway .
Their brawniness are n’t just for show , you know !
get your heel bend their Old English Sheepdog sizing across a spacious area of space . Your dog would appreciate a big quad to run and roam around .
you’re able to also allow yourdog run freelyin an receptive grassy area like a farm , ranch , or magnanimous patch of pasture grass .
Give them crowd tariff to encourage interacting more with other creature .
honest-to-god English Shepherd breed were onceherding dog breeds , so they are still perfect dogs for Fannie Merritt Farmer and farm animal owners .
Conversely , it can also adapt to living in an apartment modus vivendi .
ensure , however , that you could still leave an adequate amount of space for your Old English Dogs to move around and practise .
Can Old English Sheepdogs Be Left Alone?
You ca n’t leave an Old English Sheepdog alone . Here ’s why …
This particular stock is a course curious dog . Without any genial input , it will get easily bored , up to the point of commit destructive behaviors .
moreover , the most affectionate and dependent English sheepdogs will constantly demand your attention and interaction .
leave behind them can triggerserious separation anxietyfrom them . That being said , you’re able to teach your dog to be alone .
You should practice legal separation direction with your sure-enough English sheepherder until they can farm out of their anxiety .
Do Old English Sheepdogs Bark a Lot?
Old English Sheepdogs are working dogs . It ’s only natural that they wo n’t skin as much as guard duty dogs .
However , do take note that OES is a type of breed made for herding .
Although they usually do n’t mat as much as guard dogs , they are still adequate to of barking loud .
Some Old English dogs are protective and willbark profuselyat their targets .
At other times , barking had been their means of communicating with their proprietor . If that ’s the caseful , verify to evaluate their behavior and needs to find out why they ’re barking non - stop .
Old English Sheepdog Health
sure-enough English Sheepdog is generally a healthy blackguard breed that stay in shape because of its athletic prowess .
Below are some wellness fact and concerns that you need to bed should you adjudicate to take an Old English dog .
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespans , Old English shepherds have a life anticipation of ten to twelve years . This lifespan is received compare to other dog breeds as well .
With right diet , attention , and exercise , your dog can reach the maximum Old English Sheepdog lifespan that ’s expect from them .
It would also help if you treat your Old English Sheepdog ’s disease as they do . Here are some of the common wellness problems that a sheepies click can get .
Health Problems
No dogs are immune from wellness trouble , and the Old English sheepdog breed is n’t free as well .
In cosmopolitan , three health problems are common for this specific stock . These are Hip Dysplasia , Progressive Retinal Atrophy , and Hypothyroidism .
Hip Dysplasiaon Old English Sheepdogs :
Progressive Retinal Atrophy ( PRA)on Old English dogs :
Autoimmune Thyroiditisin this dog stock :
Across all these common wellness problems , it ’s best to consult a veterinarian about its diagnoses and the necessary medicament .
Nutrition
gamy - quality food is the name of the game when it comes to feeding your Old English Sheepdogs .
Their food can either be commercial dog food or homemade , as long as you confer your veterinarian .
Ideally , you would want aprotein - rich dietfor Old English sheepdog puppies and adults .
This is to support their sinew growth and growth that can match their outgoing temperament .
You also want to give dog treats that are rich in Vitamin A for eye living and Vitamin E for healthy pelt .
Lastly , Old English Sheepdogs are susceptible to obesity .
curb their calorie consumption — with the approval of your local veterinary surgeon — helps maintain a good muscle - to - fat ratio in your dogs .
Old English Sheepdog Grooming
A flock of dog owner adopt Old English sheepdog strain mainly because of their beautiful coat .
But it ’s also the reason why this peculiar strain requires mellow maintenance .
How do you take care of their visual aspect ? Here are some tips in heel groom your OES to bring out the best in them .
Bath Time
There are two types of baths that Old English Sheepdogs need .
The first bath is a cleaning bath . This is your average bath session , where you wash your heel sporty .
Since your dog dirty itself as it plays , bath sessions are your hazard to wash the dirt and dust away .
Washing also clear any particles in their fur coat that can cause innervation in their skin .
to boot , your dog will feel review after a good time in the piddle .
The second type of bathing tub for Old English Sheepdogs should be about take good care of their coat .
you could apply domestic dog shampoo and conditioner during their bathing tub session to make the frankfurter ’s fur silky smooth .
Some shampoos can even make the fur more doable to comb and cut down .
Do take note , however , if your dog has some supersensitised issues with conditioner , use shampoos with milder formulations or else .
Fur Trimming
An Old English Sheepdog ’s fur will always be its prized attraction . It ’s also the master reason why many people keep them .
That ’s why you have to be passing careful when it come to handling your dog ’s pelt .
For starters , a four - week groom dress time interval sitting is a must to maintain the ravisher of this stock ’s fur .
Too little fitting makes your pawl ’s hair untidy . Too many trim appointments , however , might have more harm than good in the long discharge .
Old English dogs do require their fur , after all .
While puppy trims are allowable length cuts for Old English Shepherds , you always need these frankfurter to stay covered with fur .
you could adjoin your local professional pet groomer for more information about how to neaten an Old English domestic dog .
Dog owner of OES , who are active participants in hot dog display , unremarkably favour not trimming their dearie ’s pelt . This allows the coating ’s lifelike peach to fall through .
Instead , they spend encompassing hours brushing the pelage .
Cleaning Ears
In case you leave out it , Old English Shepherds have long furs , enough to cover their ears .
Because of it , a circumstances ofdog possessor make the mistakeof forgetting to strip their ears during grooming sessions .
Some owners may even forget that honest-to-goodness English andiron have ears too !
But takingcare of their earsis just as important as taking good care of their coating .
You should see to it that their ears are clean , just like any other body part . Because of its bit , ears nest microbe that cause capitulum infection .
check that to check their ears at least once or twice a month , and clean them when there is seeable dirt on them .
To houseclean your frank ’s auricle , detect them in the coat , apply your capitulum - cleaning solvent on a cotton plant ball , and carefully wipe their ears .
you may start with their pinna flaps and until you reach their visible outer ear canal .
Paw Care
Do n’t forget to take charge of their paws and nails during grooming sessions !
Be sure tocheck their nailsat the same pace as your dog ’s grooming sessions . A dog clipper will do the trick in snip their long , sharp nails .
Additionally , you could utilize paw salve directly on their palm to prevent the paws from drying and crack .
Are Old English Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?
Are honest-to-god English sheep dog hypoallergenic ?
Unfortunately for some bounder owners , previous English sheepdogs are n’t hypoallergenic .
They have a long fur coat that disperses around the area during Old English Sheepdog sloughing .
Old English Sheepdog Exercise
You ’d be wrong to guess that Old English Sheepdogs are lazy and laidback dogs .
In fact , these hot dog would require their owners to do decent physical exertion per day .
Old English Sheepdog expect two hours of casual exercise . Without exercise , your dog will lose muscle mass , strength , and agility .
Your hound will also break to observe a ripe muscularity - to - fat proportion without utilization . This means exposing your dog toobesity riskand even overweight - induced cardiac problems .
If you are unsure as to how you should exert your wienerwurst , here are some bodily process that you’re able to do with your click .
Playing with Your Dog
Playing with your dog on your lawn is a common activity to exercise your wiener .
When you work with your andiron , you are further a bond with your dearie while practise them . what is more , playing increment the click ’s empathy and loyalty toward you .
To play with your OES , you could engage plot like fetching balls or Frisbee drop at your dogs .
These are the more uncouth games that you could adapt , even in a yard or lawn setting .
Jogging Partner
Nothing beats an overly enthusiastic dog as your jogging partner . Jogging is as beneficial to your dog as to you .
This natural action enhances your hot dog ’s cardiovascular endurance . It also help develop firm limb .
Bike Runs
If your dog is still beating you at jogging , you may need to consider wheel runs rather . just sequester abike leashto your pet , and you ’re good to go !
With cycle running , you ’re setting a high intensity on your dog ’s exercise as it tries to keep up with you .
verify , however , that your dog is up to that challenge and has built up military capability and artistry to meet your stop number .
Park Walks
Ca n’t keep up with high - volume exercise ? Turns out , you may do a modest exercise with your click too !
Park walks are most suited for individual that are having difficulty with a vigorous utilisation act . This usage can still tone your dog ’s muscles and maintain them .
A walking in the park also trains your dog to moderate its impulses . With a tierce on them , you’re able to walk them in Park and prescribe the tempo of your movements .
Old English Sheepdog Socialization
honest-to-goodness English Sheepdogs are becoming social dogs too . easy but surely , erstwhile English dogs are becoming cordial to their owners .
They are also enthusiastic about the mind of socializing .
Combined with their high levels of Department of Energy , this dog breed can harness not only its possessor but their kid too .
Because of their extroverted personality , they have no trouble intermingling with a gang .
irrespective if it ’s a group of people or fellow dogs , OES can interact well without suffer agitated or aggressive .
It ’s for the same reason why most Old English dogs fail as either watch blackguard or guard dogs .
Old English Sheepdog Training
An Old English Shepherd requires an adequate amount of training for them to fit into your lifestyle , just like any other dog stock .
They are not entirely flawless and would do well if you input enough grooming into them .
For instance , while these dogs are not dreaded when meeting newfangled faces , they can get so excited that they frequentlyjump on people .
They also wish to whiff around and examine their surround with its mouth .
Then , there ’s the issue of these dog breeds having destructive behaviour when bored .
Old English Sheepdogs are generally confident with this temperament see back to their herding inherent aptitude .
So , if it ’s not about lack trust , what is it about , then ?
Exposure to People
previous English Dogs are normally undefended to the idea of socializing with people .
But if your dog can only do so much fundamental interaction with only a few people , it ’s bound to get unrestrained over a novel fount .
Exposing your hot dog to more people is a chance to interact with people other than individuals that your domestic dog recognize .
This social training helps make the andiron comfortable the next time they see raw faces .
Respect Training
Old English Dogs are easy to train and would obey to commands only if they honor you as their proprietor .
These dog can irrefutably smack your confidence as an owner .
They are infamous for not accompany commands if they do n’t deem you estimable enough .
This is where regard grooming comes in . Respect training merely means interact with your weenie in way of life that you are subtly ask them to respect you .
Without respect education , sure-footed dog breed like OES will assume themaster roleinstead of following you .
They ’ll do things on their own because they cerebrate that they are their own bosses .
Subtly , you demand deference from your dog through :
Old English Sheepdog Roles
In terms of roles in people ’s lifestyles , an Old English Sheepdog can easily fit as a herding hound .
As a dog that harbour self-assurance and rational prowess , Old English Sheepdogs are capable of leading and run a pack or a herd
Their energy levels and mesomorphic body tone fit the role assigned to them . This is why they ’ve become herdsman ’s dogs for such a foresighted sentence in the past .
Is an Old English Sheepdog a Good Family Dog?
truehearted , affectionate , and kind — Old English Sheepdog breeds can be a great family dog .
Old English Sheepdogs may not be the most desirable breed for first - time and inexperient drug user .
But if you ’ve superintend to take tutelage of this bounder , keeping them can be quite a rewarding experience .
Are Old English Sheepdogs Rare?
Yes , Old English Sheepdogs are becoming rare .
In the past times , when this strain top out in popularity , American Kennel Club saw 16,000 enrolment of one-time English sheepdog puppies .
Now , the number dwindled to a thousand enrollment in the early 2000s . This routine is eerily alike to theUK Kennel Club ’s statistic .
What had happened ?
sure enough , there has been a fracture of interestingness amongst dog best-loved owner . toy dog weenie groups rise in popularity for receive beautiful coats while still being a lowly - criminal maintenance type of breed .
Nowadays , Old English Sheepdogs are incur their fashion again out in the orbit alongside farmers and livestock owners .
Organizations like the Old English Sheepdogs Club of America are doing their good to preserve the strain and convert more preferred owners to adopt one .
But Old English Sheepdogs are still worthful dog that you’re able to keep ! Their rarity also helped increase their time value to adopting dog owners .
Old English Sheepdog: Conclusion
If you are into big furred brother as a pet , you may want to consider an Old English shepherd dog .
Its prized coat is a beautiful sight to behold but a challenge to maintain .
Sheepie dog are suitable as go dogs alongside farmers and as patriotic companion dogs to family .
With the Old English sheep dog disposition being an outgoing and friendly personality , you may easy befriend this fussy dog breed .
Through a constant outpour of beloved , precaution , and effort , Old English dogs will reward you with relentless loyalty and unwavering companionship for your family .
