THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG - More Than Just a Hard Worker - a Loyal and Loving Pet

Vince DeMattia


Sloping emerald hillsides, early morning sheep gently waking, children racing down the stone steps of a farmhouse to play, followed by a big shaggy sheepdog... what a picture! The mere mention of Old English Sheepdogs brings scenes like this to mind. With their mild temperaments and cuddly stature, the sheepdog is a perfect family member. According to most all breeders and exhibitors of Old English Sheepdogs, this breed is an excellent pet.

Owners of this breed comment on how they fell in love with the combination of the its even temperament and strong physical build and love the fact that they are such powerful working animals, yet they are so gentle -and all agree... they're definitely a family dog. When not working the flocks, the dog played with the children and guarded the family

Originally bred for herding in Gre

at Britain, the Old English Sheepdog was brought to America at the turn of the century. Today the sheepdog can be found all over the United States, as well as in Great Britain. They are sturdy dogs, standing about 24 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 60 to 70 pounds. They have heavy gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle coats, but while their coats are thick and shaggy, they are not limited to cooler climates. In fact, they fare much better in the hot southern regions than most other large, thick-coated dogs.

According to breeders, these dogs are very well insulated - they have a much higher resistance to heat then some of your Huskies and St. Bernards. Some folks also assume that sheepdogs shed a great deal. Don't worry! That long, shaggy coat doesn't pose a problem for those who hate cleaning up after long-haired dogs. The sheepdog does, however, require thorough daily grooming. These sheepdogs have three different coat layers - the under coat, the guard coat, and the outer coat - and it is those long layered hairs, that makes regular grooming necessary. But, instead of constantly shedding their hair, they tend to produce hairballs that are easily brushed out.

Their warm personality is not strictly directed to people, for these dogs get along well with other pets too. Whether its cuddling up with the cat or playing fetch with the kids, this dog makes a great companion. They can keep up with the spunkiest of playmates, for they love to romp and definitely need room to stretch their legs.

Yet, when they return home, they eagerly take on the responsibilities of the family watchdog. Both dependable and loving, the Old English Sheepdog is a great addition to any home... even if you don't have any sheep!

(Vince DeMattia is a former Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety staff reporter and former Las Vegas Jazz radio announcer.)