Old
English Sheepdogs are affectionately called the "Bobtail", so named because
of their lack of a tail. The Old English Sheepdog is an affectionately loyal
dog, protective of those they love. A natural protector, they were originally
the guardian of flocks and this instinct is displayed in their tendency to
adopt young animals and children. Known as the "nanny dog" from Peter Pan,
Old English Sheepdogs do not make good guard dogs. Old English Sheepdogs are
very playful and enjoy a good romp. They are kind, friendly and get along
well with many other types of species. They are good with other people and
other dogs. The Old English Sheepdog makes good watchdogs, but are too friendly
for the protective owner. Their coat requires quite a bit of care, especially
if they are in the show ring. Some grooming for the Old English Sheepdogs
can take hours, but if they are just a regular pet, daily brushing should
suffice. The breed does very well at performing, even with fur hiding their
eyes. They can have brown or blue eyes, with a black nose and grey coloring
on their white bodies. Puppies have naturally softer and fluffier fur, while
the adults have a harsh and profuse coat. For the owner who wants a big "cuddly
teddy bear" type of dog, the Old English Sheepdog is the breed suited for
this very purpose.
