The Old English Sheepdog is not as old as it might sound, but it can be traced as a distinct breed back over 200 years. There are conflicting ideas as to its origin, but it is believed to have been developed in the west of England in the counties of Devon and Somerset, and the Duchy of Cornwall. There were dogs known as "drover's dogs" used to drive sheep and cattle to market. To prove their occupation as working dogs, their tails were docked; thus, their owners were exempt from taxes placed on dogs kept as pets.
The Bobtail was first found in the show ring in 1873 at Birmingham, England, while the first Old English Sheepdog Club was founded, and a scale of points for the breed laid down, in 1888. The Old English generally has a happy, rough and tumble disposition; he is always ready for action. He makes an ideal house pet not usually given to roaming. If your preference is for an outdoor dog to be left pretty much to fend for itself, this is not the breed for you. The OES is a hardy, intelligent herding dog, which prefers to spend his time with his family.
The massive coat of the Old English Sheepdog may serve as a deterrent to some who feel they may not be able to undertake the responsibility for its care; however, once a week thorough grooming will keep the dog relatively mat-free. The combings can be collected and spun into an excellent yarn suitable for either knitting or hand weaving. Without regular grooming, the dog can quickly become dirty, matted, and unpleasant to have around. The coat of an unkempt dog is a trap for dust, debris, fecal matter, urine and moisture - an unhealthy condition
