Old English Sheepdog Gifts

Old English Sheepdogs belong to the pastoral group and are now popular for companionship, showing and obedience trials. We stock a lovely selection of Old English Sheepdog Gifts including Old English Sheepdog Cushions, Throws and Shoulder Bags.

Click on the following link to view our full range of Old English Sheepdog Gifts:

http://www.abentleycushions.co.uk/products.asp?search4=old%20english%20sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog Products Currently Available

Old English Sheepdog Tapestry Cushion http://www.abentleycushions.co.uk/detail.asp?pID=1312

Old English Sheepdog Shoulder Bag http://www.abentleycushions.co.uk/detail.asp?pID=1833

Old English Sheepdog Shoulder Bag http://www.abentleycushions.co.uk/detail.asp?pID=1834

Old English Sheepdog Tapestry Cushion http://www.abentleycushions.co.uk/detail.asp?pID=735

Old English Sheepdog Throw http://www.abentleycushions.co.uk/detail.asp?pID=1832

Old English Sheepdog Throw http://www.abentleycushions.co.uk/detail.asp?pID=1844

General Information On Old English Sheepdogs

Old English Sheepdogs are distinctive the world over with their long, shaggy coats covering thickset bodies. Their eyes appear to be totally covered but their vision is never impaired. From behind, their walk is a bear-like roll and when trotting show effortless extension with a powerful drive from the hindquarters.

Old English Sheepdog Bitches measure 56cms at the withers, Old English Sheepdog dogs 61cms; there are no upper height limits. Bitches´ weight starts at 30kgs, dogs at Old English Sheepdog36kgs. Again no upper weights can be given, it will depend on the size of the animals.

Despite the name ´Old English´, records do not confirm that the breed is either ´Old´ or all ´English´. The breed emerged in England in the mid 1700´s and it seems likely, given its characteristics, that it is linked to ancient herders, including the Bergamasco, the Bearded Collie, the Briard and the Armant. The nickname ´Bobtail´ is significant in its history. In England in the 18th century, tax exemption was granted to drover dogs, which helped drive the herds to market. To mark these dogs, their tails were docked. OES´s were excellent at this job because of their eagerness and weather-resistant coats. However no one in these days groomed the dogs and they were sheared annually along with the sheep. The farmers´ wives spun the Old English Sheepdog shearings as well as the sheep´s wool into warm clothing. In 1873, the Old English Sheepdog made its first appearance in a British Show and demand was soon to follow in America, Canada and other countries around the world.

The Old English Sheepdog is an intelligent breed who needs firm handling during training to overcome their strong wills. However, they do want to please their handler. Early training is imperative to control the breed´s boisterous behaviour.

Old English Sheepdog pigmentation should be black. Their coats should be shaggy without being curly and have a hard texture, with a water-resistant undercoat. The head should be rather square with a well-defined stop. The jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be set well apart and can either be dark or wall, although two blue eyes are acceptable. Old English Sheepdog´s ears are small and carried flat against the head. The neck should be fairly long, strong and gracefully arched merging into well laid back shoulders. The shoulders should not be loaded. The Old English Sheepdog should stand lower at the withers than at the loin with a rather short back. The forelegs should be perfectly straight with plenty of bone and the loin sturdy and broad. The second thigh should be long and well developed. The feet should be small, round, and tight. The tail should be docked as close as possible to the body.