Herding Dog Group - Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog, or Bobtail, has been developed through the crossing of the Briard with the Russian Owtcharka, which is related to the Hungarian sheepdogs. In the past it was used as a drover's dog and for defending flocks of sheep. In recent years the breed has enjoyed overwhelming popularity as a pet and show dog, owed in part to its frequent appearances in commercials.

Coat: Profuse but not excessive, and a good harsh texture.

Color: Any shade of gray, grizzle, or blue is acceptable.

Features: Head in proportion to body; eyes set well apart; small cars carried flat to the side of the head; short, compact body; tail docked close to body.

Size: Height at withers: dogs 22 in, bitches 21 in. Minimum weight: 66 lb.

Care: Needs sufficient space and adequate amount of exercise.

Character: A kindly dog of sound temperament, which gets on well with people, children, and other animals. Parents of young children who wanted a dog "like the one on television" have sometimes found the breed too much to handle because it is fairly large, heavy, and exuberant.