Old English Sheepdog (OES)

What is an Old English Sheepdog?

The Old English Sheepdog (OES), also known as the “Bobtail,” is a smart and shaggy herding dog developed in 18th-century England. Originally bred as a “drover” to move livestock to market, the breed is characterized by its compact, muscular build, bearlike gait, and a profuse, weather-resistant double coat that is typically gray or blue-gray with white markings.¹²

Historically, the breed’s tail was docked to signify its status as a working dog to avoid luxury taxes, a practice that persists today. Known for a unique bark often likened to the sound of clanging metal pots, the OES is a gentle, protective, and loving family companion. However, its thick coat requires significant maintenance, including routine brushing to prevent matting, and the breed demands regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior.¹

The OES has long been a popular breed, famously owned by figures such as Paul McCartney and featured in Walt Disney films.¹

What does the Old English Sheepdog look like?

The Old English Sheepdog (OES) is a compact, muscular, and shaggy herding dog with a distinct appearance. Key physical characteristics include:

• Build and Gait: It has a compact frame and a unique, shuffling, bearlike gait often described as an amble. Notably, the dog is higher in the rump than in the front.¹
• Coat: The breed possesses a profuse, weather-resistant double coat that is long enough to cover the eyes. The coat is typically gray or blue-gray, with or without white markings.¹³
• Tail: Often called the “Bobtail,” the breed is historically known for having a docked tail. This practice originated in 18th-century England to signify the dog was a working animal and thus exempt from luxury taxes; docking remains common today.¹²
• Size: The breed stands approximately 21–22 inches (53–56 cm) at the withers and typically weighs between 60 and 100 pounds (27–45 kg).¹

Because of their thick, shaggy fur, owners often need to manage facial hair with a barrette to ensure the dog’s vision is not obstructed.¹

Where did the Old English Sheepdog breed originate?

The Old English Sheepdog (OES) originated in west England during the 18th century. The breed was developed from dogs of Scottish and Russian ancestry to serve as a “drover,” a working dog tasked with driving sheep and cattle from pastures to market.²

While the breed is famously associated with 18th-century English agricultural life, it gained significant popularity around 1900 among wealthy families and has since become a well-known companion animal.²

What were Old English Sheepdogs originally bred to do?

Old English Sheepdogs were originally bred to serve as “drovers,” a role that involved driving sheep and cattle from pastures to market.¹

Beyond their primary work as livestock drivers, these dogs were also valued for their utility in other ways. Shepherds would shear the dogs annually, utilizing the profuse clippings as yarn to create clothing.¹