Description:
How gorgeous is the puppy!!!! I love him! Watson is a pure bred Old English Sheepdog. He was given as a gift to a family that turned out to be allergic to him. Well, let's face it ~ that's a lot of hair to be allergic to! He is very energetic, as should be expected in any puppy. But he is going to be big, so if you are fastidious about your home, this isn't the dog for you! I tried to convince my husband that he was the dog for us but he wanted to know which of our pets we were going to trade in. Party pooper.....
According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, there are a few theories about the origin of the Old English Sheepdog. One is that it is related to the Barbone and the Deerhound. The second, that it is related to the Briard and the Bergamasco. And the third theory is that the breed is descended form a hairy Russian dog called the 'Owtchar' that was brought to Great Britain on ships from the Baltic. It also may have been created through crosses between Bearded Collies and animals brought to England from Russia, the Baltics, or France. The Old English Sheepdog was developed in England's West Country by farmers who needed an agile cattle driver and sheep herder to take their animals to market. By the 19th century, the breed was widely used in agricultural areas. Sometimes called "Bobtail," the Old English Sheepdog's tail was customarily docked in the 18th century as a way of identifying tax-exempt herding dogs. Farmers sheared their dogs each spring when they sheared the sheep, and then used the dogs' hair to make warm blankets and clothing. Some of the Old English Sheepdog's talents include: retrieving, herding and watchdogging. The Old English Sheepdog is a fine herding dog, but he has also been used for reindeer herding because he tolerates cold weather so well. It was first shown in Britain in 1873.
Several generations ago, the breed was described as fierce and untrustworthy, but their characteristics have long since disappeared. The Old English Sheepdog is a gentle, loving and lovable teddy bear. Even-tempered and adaptable. They are friendly, intelligent, faithful and protective. It has a strong herding instinct and may try to herd the family, especially the small children, by bumping, not nipping, but is otherwise excellent with them. Wanting to play more then anything else. The Old English Sheepdog likes to stick close to home; they make good couch potatoes! It is very much part of the family but also wants some time alone. They can be strong-willed, so this breed needs firm training. The Old English Sheepdog is very good at herding and taking instructions, but tend to anticipate commands or do it their own way if they think their way is better. Motivational methods work best. The bark of the Old English Sheepdog sounds like a cracked bell. This breed remains "young" and active for many years, then suddenly becomes old. The Old English Sheepdog makes a fine family companion, because he loves children. They have a life expectancy of about 12 years.