Old English sheepdog training, grooming and health problems.

The Old English Sheepdog (OES) is a large dog breed that was developed in the 19th Century from the English herding dog types.



The English Sheepdog is also called a Bobtail or a Bob since its tail was traditionally bobbed (amputated). This dog has a humongous coat and a squarely proportioned, muscular, and agile body. It has a coarse outer coat and a water-resistant undercoat.



The outer coat needs constant attention and care to be in good condition. It's also important to thoroughly brush or comb the dense coat at least thrice a week to prevent matting, skin problems, and the presence of parasites. Since its coat is so dense, brushing can take one to three hours each time.



So, even though English Sheepdog puppies are very cute and adorable, the amount of grooming required often deters a person from buying them. Moreover, the grooming regime has to be started right from puppyhood as the dog may take some time to get used to it.

The OES is gentle, affectionate, lovable, even-tempered, protective, and adaptable to different situations. This is a family dog that very affectionate towards children and because of its herding nature, it often mistakes that it has to herd the family as well. So, one will sometimes find the dog bumping children. So, not herding humans becomes a part of the sheepdog training. The dog is obedient and good at taking instructions. However, sometimes it anticipates commands and does its own thing if it thinks that it is superior to humans or that it has to herd humans. So, it's necessary that the dog has firm, confident, consistent, and patient leadership. The rules that the dog is meant to follow have to be etched out clearly in a manner that it will comprehend.

One can rely on the OES to complete almost any demanding task as this is a hard working dog. A peculiar thing about the OES is that it will be quite youthful and agile for many years and then suddenly age rapidly. The OES is prone to health problems like hip dysplasia, thyroid problem, diabetes, deafness, allergies and skin problems, glaucoma, and cataract. The dog gets used to filtered sunlight from the hair around it eyes, so snipping it off may cause damage to its eyes. If at all, the hair must be trimmed constantly from puppyhood. Its ears must be kept clean and the matted hair in the ear canal must be removed often.