Are you up for an adorable dog that is capable of working the farm? The Old English Sheepdog is a breed that surely fits the description. Upon looking at this dog, you could easily notice its beautiful appearance, with a coat that is usually present only in toy dogs. Despite having a magnificent coat, its body size says otherwise. The Old English Sheepdog is not your typical hairy dog; it uses its dense coat to protect itself from the harsh environment. A true hardworking dog, the Old English Sheepdog, is sure to make the job on the farm a lot easier.
Besides the Old English Sheepdog’s beautiful appearance, several other features make this dog a real dog lovers’ delight. It is a strong and gentle creature that is perfect even for new fur parents. In this article, we are going to look into the characteristics and origin of the Old English Sheepdog.
Origins of the Old English Sheepdog
Just from the name itself, there is no surprise knowing where this dog originated. It is one of the most remarkable English breeds, which was also known as the “Bobtail.” The Old English Sheepdog boasts its incredible ancestry as one of England’s finest breeds.
Appearance is not the only thing that we can find interesting in the Old English Sheepdog; it is also known for its fascinating history. At first, we might come to think that we could trace back the origins of the OES to the ancients times, but this is not entirely true. The Old English Sheepdog only existed during the late 18th century, making it a not-so-old dog compared to other old breeds.
In addition to the breed’s birth date, the OES does not also fit its name, mainly because of its various ancestry. Despite being called an English dog, the OES is known to have descended from different European breeds, including Scotch and Russian. The OES may have English blood, but it is not safe to say this breed is a pure descendant of English dogs. Lastly, the Old English Sheepdog does not prove its worth as a reputable sheepdog. It is undoubtedly an excellent worker and could work on various types of canine tasks, but its primary job was not herding flocks. Ever since its early existence, the OES gained recognition as a cattle driver, moving cattle from pasture to town markets.
Besides working in the field as a cattle driver, the Old English Sheepdog also excelled in other activities. Changes in society also shifted the breed’s employment; it was later introduced to the show ring, wherein it earned a reputation as a great show dog – thanks to its beautiful coat, substantiality, and positive nature.
Characteristics of the Old English Sheepdog
Height: 21 – 22 inches
Weight: 60 – 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Hypoallergenic: No
At first glance, we might probably see the Old English Sheepdog as an adorable breed similar to small and charming toy dogs. However, the OES is not as charming as it seems; it is quite a large breed that could stand up to more than twenty-two inches and weigh up to a hundred pounds. This incredible size of the OES is what makes it capable of working in the field as a cattle driver.
In terms of its appearance, it is no doubt that the OES possesses an elegant coat. It has a thick double coat that is usually long enough to cover its eyes. Underneath its thick coat is a muscular body perfect for rigorous field works. The OES might not look like the hardworking type of dog, but history proves it is sturdy and effective in the field.
Moreover, the Old English Sheepdog always makes sure to showcase its exceptional skills when it comes to working. Its versatile nature allows it to work in different types of canine tasks; it is an incredible cattle driver, show dog, athlete, herder, and so on. It is gentle to its family, which makes it an ideal pet even for new fur parents. Another feature of the OES is its superior intelligence, which proves to be extremely useful in the field. Overall, the Old English Sheepdog is known for its great combination of power, looks, and wits, making it a genuinely lovable breed.