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Group: Herding Group
Purpose of Breed: Herding Sheep
Country of Origin: England
Average Size: Range from 20-24 inches and 60 to 100 pounds depending on sex.
Color(s): Gray, grizzle, blue, blue merle with or without white markings.
Coat Type: A thick, shaggy , hard-textured coat with an undercoat of water-proof pile.
Grooming: The Old English Sheepdog's profuse shaggy coat needs a minimum of 3-4 hours a week of grooming. Their coats are often sheared in the summer months to prevent them from overheating. This breed is a heavy shedder-especially from April to May. This breed requires standard care for ears, pads and nails. Eyes should be examined regularly for problems.
Exercise Needs: Old English Sheepdogs love to play and run and require at least a medium-sized yard fenced yard to stay safe. They love to take long walks with their owners and games featuring fetch.
Temperament: This breed is affectionate and playful, preferring to spend time with his "flock." Old English Sheep Dogs can be a bit possessive and territorial, but they are not aggressive, merely protective. This breed makes an intelligent, loving pet that is even- tempered, although at times a bit stubborn, and easy to train.
Common Ailments: Prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts.
Life Expectancy: Averages 10-12 years.
Trivia: Old English Sheepdogs have a gait similar to the shuffle of a bear.
More Information: The Old English Sheepdog of America, Inc.
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