Old English Sheepdog
Herding Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 21+ in, Males 22+ in
Weight
60-100 lbs
Life Expectancy
10-12 yrs
History
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.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Old English Sheepdogs share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★☆☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
★☆☆☆☆
Intelligence
★★★★☆
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★★☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★★☆
Exercise Needs
★★★★☆
Energy Level
★★★★☆
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★☆☆☆☆
Prey Drive
★★★☆☆
Shedding
★☆☆☆☆
Common Traits
Comical, fun-loving, easy-going, and adaptable
Protective of their family and house, making them great guard dogs
Mature slowly, taking about 3 years to grow out of "puppyhood"
Highly intelligent, easy to train, and require lots of mental exercise
Very people-oriented and can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time
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