These Are Facts About Old English Sheepdog

By Richard Howard


Sheepdog is a term that is generally used to refer to all breeds of dogs that are used to herd sheep. There are several breeds of dogs that fall under this category, including border collie, Hungarian Puli, Tornjak, and Shetland, Icelandic, Cumberland, Croatian, Maremma, Old English, and Polish Lowland sheepdogs among others. This article specifically talks about the Old English sheepdog.

Old English sheepdogs are big with athletic gaits. Their shaggy coats are very distinctive. History has it that early farmers used them in driving cattle to different places including the market. They have since transitioned from their traditional role to domestic pets. The change in their roles has seen to it that they live in comfortable homes and are used once in a while in competitions. They participate in herding, conformation, obedience and agility trials.

Character-wise, these dogs are very playful. Puppies enjoy playing with small kids, pets, and other dogs. Their playful nature usually make the age od adolescence to extend into three years. Even after they grow beyond adolescence, adults still remain playful all their lives. Because of this sort of temperament, these dogs coexist with other pets and dogs and can be raised in homes without any worry.

The puppies are quick learners. Generally, these breed is a very intelligent dog that does not need a lot of repetition to master a skill or trick. When left on their own, they always try to find something interesting to keep themselves busy. They are capable of performing several different mental and physical exercises, including obedience, herding, search and rescue, and agility.

A lot of physical and mental exercise is required to deal with their playful nature. Ensure that adults and puppies alike are exercised and walked every day. Avoid leaving them on their own and lonely. Proper development of Old English puppies is greatly dependent on human companion. It is both good and vital for them.

A puppy can grow to be a kind dog if nurtured properly and given enough care. They have the ability to be good family dog and a good buddy to a child. They may be a good family dog or the best dog for companionship but this breed does not make good watchdogs. These dogs mingle with strangers without any introduction and they hardly bark at strangers. There have been incidences where they to protect their family from strangers.

OES are usually most active when they are still young. If the energy they have is not channeled properly through exercise, they may become destructive. They will run around the house and chew on furniture and other items they come across in order to release energy. One must therefore find approved methods to exercise and keep them busy.

The canines have thick coats which make it necessary to ensure they are kept cool. Only exercise with them when the weather is cool and not when it is hot. Proper behavior including obedience should be instilled in them are a young age through training. Hire a licensed dog trainer to walk them through obedience training. When experienced enough then obedience training can be done by the dog owner without assistance.




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