Old English Sheepdog
Also called Bobtail and Shepherd's Dog
- Great with kids
- Needs space
- Sheds a lot
- Lots of grooming
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed of herding dog from England. These dogs are large in size, with a thick double coat of fur to protect them from the cold. They have a gentle and affectionate demeanor, making them excellent companion and working dogs. They are highly trainable and intelligent, with an instinct to herd and protect their family and property. They are loyal and devoted to their family, with an independent nature that makes them well suited for herding and guard work.
- Weight
- 60–90 lb (27–41 kg)
- Height at the shoulder
- 21–24 in (53–61 cm)
- Life span
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- About 60 minutes a day
- Coat
- Long, Double
- Origin
- England (19th century)
Traits
Family and friends
- Children: Great with children
- Other dogs: Good with other dogs
- Strangers: Friendly with strangers
Home and activity
- Energy: Moderately active
- Apartment living: Needs space
- Barking: Barks sometimes
- Training: Easy to train
Care
- Grooming: Lots of grooming
- Shedding: Sheds a lot
- Drooling: Drools a little
Temperament
Coat colours
Black, blue, blue merle, grey, grizzle and white markings
Males and females
| Measure | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 71–90 lb (32–41 kg) | 60–79 lb (27–36 kg) |
| Height | 22–24 in (56–61 cm) | 21–23 in (53–58 cm) |
Recognized by
American Kennel Club (AKC), Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC), New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)
Caring for an Old English Sheepdog
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Breeds of a similar size
All large breedsSources
- Official AKC Standard of the Old English Sheepdog (opens in a new tab)
- Breed Standards: Old English Sheepdog | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab)
- Old English Sheepdog - Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)
- AKC Breed Standard - Old English Sheepdog Club of America (opens in a new tab)
- Old English Sheepdog Dog Breed and Characteristics (opens in a new tab)
- Old English Sheepdog | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab)
Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).