How to Identify an Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are members of the herding group. [1] Although they do share some characteristics with other dog breeds, they have several distinguishing characteristics as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is an Old English Sheepdog.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Body Structure

  1. Old English Sheepdogs are relatively large dogs overall, with males being 22 inches (56 cm) or more in height and females being 21 inches (53 cm) or more in height. Both male and female Old English Sheepdogs generally weigh anywhere from 60–100 pounds (27–45 kg). [2]
  2. Old English Sheepdogs typically have a capacious, relatively square-shaped skull, with the area over the eyes appearing well-arched. [3]
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  3. Old English Sheepdogs should have a relatively long, square-shaped jaw that appears strong and truncated. [4]
  4. Old English Sheepdogs should either have brown or blue eyes, or one of each. If the dog's eyes are brown, they should ideally be a very dark brown color. If they're blue, the eyes are usually a wall-eye, pearl, or china color. [5]
  5. Old English Sheepdogs should have ears that are carried flat to the side of their head and medium in size. [6]
  6. When Old English Sheepdogs do not naturally have a bob-tail, their tail is typically docked close to their body. [7]
  7. Overall, Old English Sheepdogs should appear compact, balanced, strong, and square. When the dog is galloping, their gait should appear elastic. When they're trotting, their gait should appear powerful, free, and effortless. However, if the dog is moving slower, they may appear to amble or pace. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noticing the Coat

  1. Old English Sheepdogs may have a coat that is any shade of grizzle, gray, blue merle, or blue. The dog may or may not have white markings, and this coloring may be in reverse. [9]
  2. Old English Sheepdogs have a coat that is known for being profuse yet not excessive. [10]
  3. Overall, Old English Sheepdogs should have a coat that appears shaggy without any curl. The coat should also have a hard texture to it. [11]
  4. Old English Sheepdogs have a very big grooming need. They'll have to visit the grooming salon often, and grooming at home will likely take longer than with many other breeds. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

  1. Old English Sheepdogs are known to be protective, of both their home and their family. [13]
    • However, although they are protective, they are not known to be good watchdogs. [14]
  2. Old English Sheepdogs are known to have a puppy-like, playful personality until around the time they are 3, and they may retain this trait as they get older. [15]
  3. Although they are playful and puppy-like, Old English Sheepdogs are known to be relatively easygoing as well. [16]
  4. If this dog is left alone for too long, they may become aggressive, unhappy, or suffer from separation anxiety. [17]
  5. Although they are generally known to be polite around strangers, some Old English Sheepdogs may be shy around strangers, meaning early, frequent socialization is key to mitigate any timidity or skittishness. [18]
  6. Old English Sheepdogs require frequent exercise, through things like games of fetch, or daily walks. [19]
  7. Old English Sheepdogs have been known to drool and shed frequently. They may also trap dirt and debris in their coat. [20]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/OldEnglishSheepdog.pdf
      3. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog#/slide/1
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/old-english-sheepdog-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/old-english-sheepdog-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/old-english-sheepdog-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog#/slide/1
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/old-english-sheepdog-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/old-english-sheepdog-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog#/slide/1
      11. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog#/slide/1

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