Other Names- Bobtail, Dulux Dog

Height- males (25-27 inches), females (20-22 inches)

Weight- males (65 pounds +), females (60 pounds+)

Life Expectancy- 10 to 12 years

Group- Herding (AKC)

Recognized By- AKC(American Kennel Club), CKC(Canadian Kennel Club), FCI(Federation Cynologique Internationale), ACR(American Canine Registry), APRI(American Pet Registry Inc.), NKC(National Kennel Club), KCGB(Kennel Club of Great Britain), ANKC(Australian National Kennel Council), CKC(Continental Kennel Club), NZKC(New Zealand Kennel Club),

Although there is many debates about the breeds that contributed to the creation of Old English Sheepdogs, it is widely accepted that the origin of this breed is England. The breed was developed for the purpose of herding and driving cattle to markets. Farmers also made use of the dogs coat by shearing them in the spring, and making blankets and garments.

The Old English Sheepdog has a large muscular body, square in proportion. The coat is abundantly shaggy, and comes in two layers. The outer coat being a bit course, shown in colors of grey, blue, blue merle, and often times shown with white markings. The water resistant undercoat is very soft. The sheepdog' coat acts as an insulator in both hot and cold weather.

Much like a oversized teddybear, the Old English Sheepdog is a great family companion. Protective and intelligent, they can be trained quite easily. The one thing you have to watch for is a bit of stubborness, and the idea that there way is better. Firm training and lots of praise will help them to understand what you expect of them, and when. They are good with children, very loving and playful, but as with any large breed, should be monitored around small children, which they may accidently push down.

Sheepdogs, like most other herding dogs, require alot of mental and physical exercise, and would do best in a house with a yard for them to run in. However, they can do well in apartments if you can provide them with a regular exercise routine.

Old English Sheepdogs can be prone to the following health problems:

• hip dysplasia
• cataracts
• IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)

If time and patience for grooming is not your thing, then this breed may not be a good choice. A regular brushing and combing is needed to prevent matting of their profusely dense coat. In April or May you may notice they shed quite heavily. You may want to seek a professional for clipping. Its also a good idea to begin grooming routines at an early age, so that they get used to the idea, making things much easier for both you and your dog.