Old English Sheepdog

Bobtail (Starý anglický ovčák)

Old English Sheepdog – head — Photo: User:Squigman, Public domain, source

Old English Sheepdog – front view — Photo: Bobtailotake, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Old English Sheepdog – in motion — Photo: Sheila Sund, CC BY 2.0, source

Key facts

FCI group	1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Category	Large
Height at withers	56–61 cm
Weight	27–45 kg
Life span	10–12 years

Recognition features

Massive shaggy grey-blue and white coat covering the eyes
Square, stocky build and a rolling gait
Short or absent tail (no longer docked in many countries)

Purpose

An English drover's dog that moved cattle to market; the docked tail once identified a working dog exempt from tax.

History

Developed in the west of England for driving cattle to market. First shown in 1873; the grey-and-white colouring was fixed over following decades.

Coat

Profuse, harsh shaggy coat with a waterproof undercoat.

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.