Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog originated in the western part of England and is thought to be connected to the Russian Owtcharka or the Bearded Collie. At one time, the Old English Sheepdog's sole purpose was to defend flocks and herds from being attacked by wolves. The Old English Sheepdog is considered to be a happy-go-lucky canine that is both gentle and well mannered. They tend to be a bit comical and on the jolly side.

By the middle part of the 19th century, Old English Sheepdogs were being used to drive sheep and cattle to market. They were considered working dogs, therefore the owners were exempt from paying dog taxes. And to prove that these dogs were actually used for work, their tails were docked. This tail docking has remained a custom even into modern times, which is the reason for the dog's nickname “Bobtail”./p>

Although it took some time for this dog to become popular as house pets, the 1970s proved to be a booming period for many households bringing the Old English Sheepdog in as an added member of the family. This thrust in popularity was mainly the result of commercials and other media outlets which depicted Old English Sheepdogs for various roles and in advertising.

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