BREED INFORMATION

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed of dog used for herding livestock, and as a pet. They are best known for as their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including eyes, which leads to some casual observers to wonder how they can see.

In some areas, they are know as Dulux dog, as a result of their prolonged use in advertising Dulux paint

Appearance - Their long coat can be any shade of grey, grizzle, blue, or blue merle, with optional white marking. The undercoat is water resistant. The Old English Sheepdog's abundant coat is an effective insulator in both hot and cold weather. A strong compact-looking dog of great symmetry; absolute free of legginess; profusely coated all over. All round he is a thick-set, muscular, able-bodied dog, with a most intelligent expression, free of all Poodle or Deerhound character.

Characteristics - The dog stands lower at the shoulders that at the loin. When walking or trotting has a characteristic ambling or pacing movement. His bark should be loud with a peculiar "pot-casse" ring to it.

Temperament - This breed is intelligent, funny, social and adaptable, although they sometimes seem to not bee all that intelligent on first impressions. It generally gets along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and visitors.

Like all herding breeds, it requires plenty of exercise, both mental and physical.

They are bubbly and playful, and some times may be stubborn, depending on their mood. Sheepdogs are excellent, intuitive and loving companions, even earning the title "babysitter" or "Dear Nanny" around young children.

These dogs are tender and catch on quickly to things like boundaries and little things such as doing a trick for a treat. These animals are gentle with other dogs and are always willing to play.

Care - The long coat requires thorough grooming at least weekly, preferably from the base of the hairs to keep the thick undercoat hair mat and tangle free. Brushing only the top of the longer outside (guard) hairs can compact the undercoat and promote mats. The dense undercoat between the pads of the feet, behind the ears, and at the base of the legs are especially prone to matting. Trimming the hair between the toes and the ball of the foot is especially important. Matting of the dog's coat is uncomfortable and can even be painful for the animal. For those who can not devote so much time to grooming, and are nor really interested in showing their dog, trimming the dog's coat in the springtime with a professional electric shear is a great solution, and helps the dog stay cool during the summer months. 6 mm or 12 mm are practical lengths, and will take the coat down to the soft hair beneath the matting. The dog will also become very excited and frisky after shedding his heavy winter coat. By the time winter comes around, the coat will be completely full again for protection against cold weather.

Matting of hair inside the ear canal is normal, and can easily be removed by veterinarian. Clean the inside of the ears and under the ear flaps regularly with a recommended solution.

Some people save their Old English Sheepdog's hair from grooming and have spun into yarn.

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