Old English Sheepdog 311

Although the Old English Sheepdog has an unmistakable and iconic appearance, the breed’s exact history is a bit of a mystery. This dog breed was developed in England and is likely a descendant of the bearded collie. Records of this beautiful, fluffy dog don’t appear until the nineteenth century. At that time, it was named the “Bobtail”, or “Bob”, for its cropped tail. The cropping of the tail was designed to communicate that it was a drover, which was a dog responsible for herding sheep or cattle. This was done in order to tax the working dog. Across the pond, the Old English Sheepdog’s popularity grew rapidly among the upper classes. Not long after being imported into the United States in the 1880s, the OE Sheepdog was being bred and shown by half of the wealthiest families in U.S.

With its face covered with long, shaggy fur and its comical, ragdoll gait, the Old English Sheepdog is a sweet and affectionate “clown.” Yet, this unique personality belies the fact that they are one highly intelligent and innately competent worker. The OE Sheepdog’s magnificent double coat makes it a staple at dog shows. The breed has also been featured as the lovable family pet in countless movies and television shows. Yet, despite its obvious appeal, the Old English Sheepdog is not currently very popular; it ranks about 75th on the American Kennel Club’s popularity list.