The Old English Sheepdog - Jolly, Amiable and Energetic

If you’ve ever gotten a chance to play with an Old English Sheepdog, you already know that their fluffy, soft fur matches their sweet demeanor and their intelligent personalities.

Although these dogs are known to be very hard workers, they have adjusted very well to lives as family pets. Sheepdogs are very friendly and when given the proper love and attention, and they provide excellent companionship to their human families. Take a look at some information for this sweet-tempered breed, and you can easily see why they are so popular both in the country and in the cities.

Old English Sheepdog History:

They were developed in western England during the early part of the 1900’s. As the name states, this dog was bred for the herding and protection of sheep. It can be seen that the breeders succeed, having created a dog that intelligent, hardy, and protective of its charges.

Old English Sheepdog Temperament:

Due to their hardy ancestry and their working roots, they need plenty of exercise, both in terms of being able to run around outside as well as being stimulated mentally. When they are in high gear, they are extremely playful and sweet, and they are excellent companions for children and other dogs. Given the fact that they are quite intelligent, you can also expect that they can sometimes be a little bit headstrong and stubborn about things.

Old English Sheepdog Care:

Because they were originally intended to herd and protect sheep, these are dogs that are quite dependent on having something to take care of and be with. They have naturally loving temperaments, but they will suffer if they are neglected. Old English Sheepdogs thrive and do their best when they are surrounded by loving attention, so make sure that you are ready to give it the care it needs

Old English Sheepdog Grooming:

Despite their long, fluffy fur, taking care of this dog breed’s coat is not much more difficult than taking care of a dog with a shorter coat. When they are young, the puppies should be brushed regularly to help them get used to this action. When they are adults, they will need a thorough weekly brushing. Because this can take upwards of an hour, many people simply clip their Sheepdog’s fur down to half an inch and let it grow back in for winter.

Overall, this is a great family dog if you have a large yard or have plenty of time to give this dog the exercise they need.