A strong, compact-looking dog of great symmetry; absolutely
free of legginess; profusely coated all over. All round he is a thick-set, muscular,
able-bodied dog, with a most intelligent expression, free of all Poodle or Deerhound
character.
Characteristics
The Old English Sheepdog is a strong, muscular, compact, thick-set, square,
balanced, able-bodied dog. The sum of these qualities, combined with his
agility, make him able to meet the tasks required of a shepherd's or drover's
dog.
Temperament
The dog stands lower at the shoulders than the loin. When walking
or trotting has a characteristic ambling or pacing movement. His bark should be loud with a
peculiar "pot-casse" ring in it.
History
The Old English Sheepdog is a relatively young breed, being not much more
than 200 years old. Its use as a herding and droving dog and its physical
appearance suggests relation to the Bearded Collie and the Polish Owczarek
Nizinny. The required bobbed tail of the breed has its roots in the British
tradition of docking the tails of working dogs for identification, as there was a
tax exemption for all dogs that worked for a living.
Origin
UK
Utilization
-
Classification
Sheepdogs
Size
Large
Height
56 cm (22 ins) and upwards for dogs, slightly less for bitches.
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