The Old English Sheepdog, often referred to as the "Sheepie" or "Bobtail," is known for its distinctive shaggy coat and lovable personality. They are generally friendly, adaptable, and intelligent dogs with a playful and affectionate nature, but can also be strong-willed and need consistent training.
Here are some key personality traits of Old English Sheepdogs:
Affectionate and Family-Friendly: They are generally affectionate and devoted to their families, making them excellent companions, especially for households with children. You may notice your sheepdog "babysitting" your children. Because of their herding instincts, they make great watchdogs over your little ones, but PLEASE never leave a sheepdog in place of human supervision.
Intelligent and Trainable: Sheepdogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with patience and positive reinforcement.
Playful and Energetic: They are energetic and enjoy playing outdoors and engaging in activities such as long walks, agility training, and herding games. They need a significant amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They believe they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so don't be surprised if your Sheepie jumps onto your lap when he's reaching close to 100 pounds. Oh yes, and love to play with you with their paws.
Herding Instincts: Bred as herding dogs, they may exhibit herding behaviors, such as nipping or circling, especially with children or other pets.
Protective and Loyal: Old English Sheepdogs are known for being loyal and can be protective of their families. They have a distinctive loud bark, often described as a "pot-casse," which they may use to alert their owners to approaching strangers.
Prone to Separation Anxiety: They can become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods due to their strong bond with their owners.
Adaptable: While adaptable, they are not ideally suited for apartment living due to their size and exercise needs. They require a large, securely fenced yard to run and play.
Grooming Intensive: This is something every new OES future owner needs to consider before getting their OES pup. Grooming is VERY time-consuming and needs to be done daily. Their beautiful coats do not look so beautiful when their grooming is neglected. If you plan to pay for grooming, OES are on a groomer's high-end price list! IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. You still need to keep up with maintenance in between grooming. This is a significant commitment for prospective owners.
One great thing about Old English Sheepdogs is that they don't shed! Yes, you read that correctly. This breed does not shed. All that beautiful hair doesn't end up all over your home, clothes, or car.
Enjoy Routine: They can be creatures of habit and thrive on consistent routines.
In essence, Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent, affectionate, and playful dogs who make wonderful family companions. They are perfect dogs for families with children. They truly just want to be loved, and they exude the love right back tenfold!
The OES is by far one of the most unique dog breeds! Don't be surprised when you all of sudden own 2, 3, or 4 of them. When all you talk about is your dog to other people. They are amazing dogs! They will add so much fun and joy to your family.