Although the origin of the breed is uncertain, the Old English Sheepdog has existed in England for at least two hundred years. The breed likely descended from other European herding dogs that made their way to the British Isles on visiting ships. In earlier times, the breed's temperament was less than sterling which made it a good herding dog in areas where wolves were a threat to flocks of sheep. However, as the Old English Sheepdog 's role changed from herder to drover. They were best known for DROVING New Forest Ponies to market. So did the temperament. The Old English Sheepdog is hardy, intelligent and is still a good worker in some rural areas of England. The English Kennel Club recognised the Old English Sheepdog in the 1870's. This beautifully-tempered dog enjoys life in the country over that of the city.

Appearance
The Old English Sheepdog is a strong, muscular, compact, thick-set, square, balanced, able-bodied dog. The sum of these qualities, combined with his agility, make him able to meet the tasks required of a shepherd's or drover's dog. Males generally weigh 70 to 100 pounds; females, 60 to 80 pounds. The Old English Sheepdogs stand around 22 inches at the withers.

Character
Old English Sheepdogs are protective, alert, faithful and gentle. Old English Sheepdogs were originally used as herding dogs but nowadays make sweet-tempered family pets. They are sometimes couch potatoes but love nothing more than to play with children. Described as lovable teddy bears Old English Sheepdogs make excellent family pets and may even try to herd children by gently bumping them. Old English Sheepdogs are excellent, intuitive and loving companions, even earning the title "babysitter" or "Dear Nanny" around young children. The herding instinct that has been carried down through the generations is still astonishing. An example of how this instinct would apply to modern times would be when recently a group of 8 young children were playing in the sand on a beach. The children had staked an 8' diameter plot for their endeavors. The Old English Sheepdog male, not knowing any of the children quickly assesses the situation. When one of the children gets up and tries to leave the group, the Old English Sheepdog, constantly vigilant, circles the group and barks at the children, intimidating the standing child. The child becomes frustrated as he seemingly cannot overpower the Old English Sheepdog, quickly tires of the situation and resumes making mud pies with the others. The Old English Sheepdog then lies down, one eye open to continue watching the children.
 

Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is intelligent, funny, social, and adaptable, although they sometimes seem to not be all that intelligent on first impressions. It generally gets along well with other dogs, other pets, and visitors. Like all herding breeds, it requires plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. The Old English Sheepdogs are bubbly and playful, and some times may be stubborn, depending on their mood. The Old English Sheepdogs are tender and catch on quickly to things like boundaries and little things such as doing a trick for a treat. These animals are always willing to play.

Exercise/Training
The Old English Sheepdog needs daily exercise, either a moderate to long walk or a vigorous romp. It particularly enjoys herding. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Old English Sheepdog will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The long coats of the Old English Sheepdogs can be any shade of gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle, with optional white markings. The undercoat is water resistant. The Old English Sheepdog's abundant coat is an effective insulator in both hot and cold weather.

Grooming
The long coat of the Old English Sheepdog requires thorough brushing at least weekly, preferably from the base of the hairs to keep the thick undercoat hair mat and tangle free. Brushing only over the top of the longer outside (guard) hairs can compact the undercoat and promote mats. The dense undercoat between the pads of the feet, behind the ears, and at the base of the legs are especially prone to matting. Trimming the hair between the toes and the ball of the foot is especially important. Matting of the Old English Sheepdog's coat is uncomfortable and can even be painful for the animal. For those who can not devote so much time to grooming, and are not really interested in showing their Old English Sheepdogs, trimming the dog's coat in the springtime with a professional electric shear is a great solution, and helps the dog stay cool during the summer months. 1/4" or 1/2" inch are practical lengths, and will take the coat of the Old English Sheepdog down to the soft hair beneath the matting. The Old English Sheepdog will also become very excited and frisky after shedding his heavy winter coat. By the time winter comes around, the coat of the Old English Sheepdog will be completely full again for protection against the cold weather.

A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Old English Sheepdog as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Old English Sheepdog should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.