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The Old English Sheepdog
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Sometimes called Bobtail, Old English Sheepdog's
origin can be traced to the early 19th century or at least 150 years
back. It is thought that the breed was first developed in the west of
England, in the counties of Devon and Somerset and the Duchy of Cornwall.
In the beginning of the 18th century, Old English Sheepdog was known as a
drover's dog. It was used for driving sheep and cattle into the markets of
metropolis. The drover's dogs were not taxed and to prove that they were
docked. Some believe that this is where the nickname "bobtail" came from.
Although some people believe that an Old English Sheepdog is difficult to
care for, it is not harder to care for it than any other longhaired dog.
Because of its home loving, intelligence and affection Old English Sheepdog
makes a great house pet.
Breed Standard
General Appearance - A strong, compact, square balanced dog. He is
profusely coated, muscular and able-bodied. These qualities, combined with his
agility, fit him for the demanding tasks required of a shepherd's or a drover's
dog. Therefore soundness is of greatest importance. His bark is loud with a
distinctive ring to it.
Size, Proportion, Substance - Type, character and balance are of greater
importance and on no account to be sacrificed alone. Size - Height
(measured from top of withers to the ground), Males: 22 inches (55.8 cm) and
upward. Females: 21 inches (53.3 cm) and upward. Proportion - Length
(measured from point to the point of ischium) practically the same as height.
Absolutely free from ligginess or weaselness. Substance - well muscled with
plenty of bone.
Head - A most intelligent expression. Eyes - brown, blue or one of
each. If brown very dark is preferred. If blue, a pearl, china or wall -eye is
considered typical. An amber or yellow eye is most objectionable. Ears -
medium sized and carried flat to the side of the head. Skull - Capacious and
rather squarely formed giving plenty of room for brain power. The parts over
the eyes are well arched. The hole well covered with hair. Stop - well
defined. Jaw - Fairly long, strong. square and truncated. Attention is
particularly called to the above properties as a long, narrow head or snipy
muzzle is a deformity. Nose - Always black, large and capacious. Teeth -
Strong, large and evenly placed. The bite is level or tight scissors.
Neck, Topline, Body - Neck - Fairly long and arched gracefully.
Topline - Stands lower at the withers than at the loin with no indication of
softness or weakness. Attention is particularly called to this topline as it is
a distinguishing characteristic of the breed. Body - Rather short and very
compact, broader at the rump than at the shoulders, ribs well sprung and brisket
deep and capacious. Neither slab -sided nor barrel-chested. The loin is very
stout and gently arched.
Tail - Docked close to the body, when not naturally bob tailed.
Forequarters - Shoulders well laid back and narrow at the points. The
forelegs dead straight with plenty of bone. The measurements from the withers to
the elbow and from the elbow to the ground are practically the same.
Hindquarters - Round and muscular with well let down hocks. When
standing, the metatarsus are perpendicular to the ground when viewed from any
angle.
Feet - Small and round, toes well arched, pads thick and hard, feet
pointing straight ahead.
Coat - Profuse, but not so excessive as to give the impression of the dog
being overly fat, and of a good hard texture; not straight, but shaggy and free
from curl. Quality and texture of coat to be considered above mere profuseness.
Softness or flatness of coat to be considered a fault. The undercoat is a
waterproof pile when not removed by grooming or season. Ears coated moderately.
The whole skull well covered with hair. The neck well coated with hair. The
forelegs well coated all around. The hams densely coated with a thick, long
jacket in excess of any other part. Neither the natural outline nor the natural
texture of the coat may be changed by any artificial means except that the feet
and rear may be trimmed for cleanliness.
Color - Any shade of gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle with or without
white markings or in reverse. Any shade of brown or fawn to be considered
distinctly objectionable and not to be encouraged.
Gait - When trotting, movement is free and powerful, seemingly
effortless, with good reach and drive, and covering maximum ground with minimum
steps. Very elastic at a gallop. May amble or pace at slower speeds.
Temperament - An adaptable, intelligent dog of even disposition, with no
sign of aggression, shyness or nervousness.
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