Old English Sheepdog
A big grey-and-white teddy bear, the Old English Sheepdog is a jolly, patient family dog, but very poorly suited to strong heat.
History and origins
The Old English Sheepdog, or Bobtail, was developed in western England to drive sheep and cattle to market. Its nickname comes from the short tail seen in many dogs.
Its teddy-bear look made it famous in advertising and cinema.
Temperament
Cheerful, affectionate and humorous, the Old English Sheepdog is usually very patient with children. It sometimes keeps the instinct to round up its family.
Intelligent but a little independent, it needs consistent training and plenty of company.
Health
Hip dysplasia, some eye diseases, hypothyroidism and, in some dogs, sensitivity to certain drugs (the MDR1 mutation) should be monitored.
Its thick coat can hide skin problems, so inspect it regularly.
This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.
Feeding
Good-quality large-breed food in measured portions suits it. Its coat easily hides excess weight.
Two meals a day are recommended.
Exercise
It needs about an hour of daily activity: walks, games and short training sessions.
It enjoys company and family games.
It needs a house with a shady garden rather than an apartment.
Grooming
Its long, profuse, shaggy coat is one of the most demanding: deep brushing several times a week, or a regular short clip at a groomer.
Keep the eyes and the area under the tail clear and clean.
