OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG Breed Standards
Although the origins of the Old English Sheepdog are not exact, it is widely acknowledged that the breed can be traced to the early 19th century. It was most likely developed in the west of England, in Devon and Somerset counties. The breeds from which it was produced are unknown, but there are many theories. Some believe that the Bearded Collie is a large component of the breed’s family tree, while others insist it descends from the Russian Owtchar.
Writings from the 1800s refer to the Old English Sheepdog as a “drover’s dog”, being used to herd sheep and cattle to market. These dogs were considered working dogs, not family companions, and were thus exempt from taxes; this loophole in the tax law gave rise to the custom of docking the Old English Sheepdog’s tail, as it was an easy way for farmers to display the dog’s tax-exempt status. Initially, there was concern that docking the dog’s tail would inhibit its ability to steer its body, since many animals use their tail as a counter balance. As it turns out, the Old English Sheepdog’s maneuverability was not affected by a docked tail.
In the late 1880s, a prominent Pittsburgh industrialist by the name of Wade first started promoting the Old English Sheepdog in the US, and the dog’s popularity grew in higher social classes. During the 1904 Westminster Show in New York, the Old English Sheepdog ring was dominated by the pets of five of the ten wealthiest families in America: the Morgans, Vanderbilts, Goulds, Harrisons and Guggenheims. Since its recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1904, the Old English Sheepdog has continued to guard its reputation as a hard working and determined breed with prestige and elegance to spare.
SKILLS: A strong, compact, square, balanced dog. Taking him all around, Old English Sheepdog, is profusely, but not excessively coated , thickset, muscular and able-bodied. These qualities, combined with his agility, fit him for the demanding tasks required of a shepherd's or drover's dog. Therefore, soundness is of the greatest importance. His bark is loud with a distinctive "pot-casse" ring in it.
SIZE: Height (measured from top of withers to the ground), Dogs: 22 inches (55.8 cm) and upward. Bitches: 21 inches (53.3 cm) and upward. Length (measured from point of shoulder to point of ischium (tuberosity) practically the same as the height. Absolutely free from legginess or weaselness.
COAT: Profuse, but not so excessive as to give the impression of the dog being overly fat, and of a good hard texture; not straight, but shaggy and free from curl. Quality and texture of coat to be considered above mere profuseness. Softness or flatness of coat to be considered a fault. The undercoat is a waterproof pile when not removed by grooming or season. Ears coated moderately. The whole skull well covered with hair. The neck well coated with hair. The forelegs well coated all around. The hams densely coated with a thick, long jacket in excess of any other part. Neither the natural outline nor the natural texture of the coat may be changed by any artificial means except that the feet and rear may be trimmed for cleanliness. Color - any shade of gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle with or without white markings or in reverse. Any shade of brown or fawn to be considered distinctly objectionable and not to be encouraged.
CARE REQUIRED: To properly maintain your dog's coat you will need some basic grooming supplies. These include a good quality steel pin brush, coarse steel comb, soft slicker brush, nail clippers, a good pair of trimming scissors, and a hemostat (to remove the hair from inside the ears). A grooming table will make your job a lot easier and prevent your back from aching. Once you have the proper equipment, you will need to learn the correct method of brushing. Many reputable breeders will offer you assistance in learning correct coat care.
CHARACTER: An adaptable, intelligent dog of even disposition, with no sign of aggression, shyness or nervousness. The Old English Sheepdog(OES) is a playful, affectionate, fun-loving 'clown,' who delights in frolicking with his family and neighborhood children. In fact, adolescence in the OES often extends to approximately age three and your adult OES will retain his playful demeanor well into his golden years. An intelligent breed, the OES is a quick learner, always looking for something interesting and fun to do. OES are capable of performing numerous tasks - herding, agility, obedience trials, and search and rescue.
EXERCISE: This breed requires significant physical exercise as well as mental exercise. If your pup does not receive enough of either, you may come home to find the mischief he has so enjoyed in your absence.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: A properly bred OES will be good-natured and kind and this is what makes the OES an excellent children's companion and great family dog. An old description of the breed refers to the OES as a 'Nanny.' This term of endearment arose because of numerous stories surrounding the role of the OES in the family. Some have said that the OES will supervise a young child by insuring that the child will remain in a particular area by herding him into it. Others have described the OES who acts as a means of support to the toddler learning to walk. Although the OES is excellent with children, it is extremely important to note that children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, regardless of breed or temperament.
TRAINING: Basic obedience training can start when the puppy is first brought home. Don't wait until the dog is six months old or you may have a lot more work on your hands! A small piece of food held just-so over the pup's head and a light push on the rear while you say 'sit' will achieve the result you want. The food will help ingrain in the puppy's fully developed brain what the word 'sit' means. To teach 'down,' place a piece of food on the floor between the pup's front paws and pull forward while gently pushing down on the shoulders and simultaneously saying 'down.' To teach 'come,' one member of the household calls the puppy with a treat as a reward and then another person calls the puppy back again. This will teach a nice, fast response.
