The Old English Sheepdog originated in western England during the late 1700's, although their exact history is a bit unclear. They were not actually used as sheepdogs, but drover dogs that would lead cattle to and from market. Some farmers would even shear their dogs once per year to make yarn from their fur. It is widely accepted that the Bearded Collie is in the Old English Sheepdog's ancestral lineage, and less widely accepted that the Russian Owtchar is also present.