Old English Sheepdog

The breed's exact origins are debated, but it is generally believed to have developed in Devon, Somerset and the Cotswolds in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, likely from a mix of drover and herding breeds. Its dense, shaggy coat protected it while working outdoors in wet West Country weather, and it was used both to herd sheep and cattle and to drive them to market over long distances, sometimes having its tail docked as a mark of a working drover's dog exempt from tax. Its distinctive bear-like, rolling gait made it recognisable even from a distance in the fields it worked.

Living with an Old English Sheepdog means living with a large, exuberant, sociable dog that genuinely wants to be part of family life. It is playful, affectionate and generally very good with children, often taking on a herding role within the household, gently nudging family members into groups. It needs regular training and socialisation, as its size and enthusiasm can be overwhelming without some structure, particularly for young children or elderly visitors.

The dense double coat is the breed's defining and most demanding feature, requiring brushing several times a week to prevent matting, plus regular trimming around the eyes, ears and feet. Owners who cannot commit real time to grooming, either themselves or via a professional groomer, will find the coat quickly becomes matted and uncomfortable for the dog. Exercise needs are moderate to high, and the breed enjoys long walks and has more stamina than its shaggy silhouette suggests.

Today the Old English Sheepdog is kept almost entirely as a companion and show dog, its herding work largely a thing of the past, but its friendly, clownish nature has kept it popular with families willing to manage its considerable grooming needs.