The Old English Sheepdog was originally developed for herding sheep and cattle. It is a large breed, and a grown Old English Sheepdog is often even bigger than an adult Husky. Its heavy coat frequently covers the eyes, which helps protect them from injury. Because of its fluffy appearance, the breed often looks like a giant stuffed toy and is undeniably adorable.
Playful personality
Young Old English Sheepdogs are lively, active, and full of energy. When people are at home, they can be so well-behaved that you almost forget they are there. They rarely bark unnecessarily. While you are busy, they may quietly watch from the side or lie on their back and sleep soundly. But if no one is home, they may rebel. Their destructive ability can be astonishing when boredom sets in. They may try tearing up objects simply to entertain themselves. This can be frustrating for people who do not have enough time to train them, but if you approach training as a game, you may discover a lot of joy in the process. As a breed originally developed for work, the Old English Sheepdog usually performs well in obedience training.
Gentle and friendly
The Old English Sheepdog usually approaches life with an optimistic and cheerful attitude. It strongly wants to please people, is full of affection, and shows deep love and loyalty toward its owner and family. If the owner is often busy and unable to spend time with it, this gentle and sensitive dog may feel lonely very easily. When you return home, the dog often comes running at full speed to greet you and may enthusiastically lick you all over to show how happy it is that you are back. No matter how long you were away, its warmth usually does not diminish. When you are doing something, it may quietly stay nearby and keep you company. Outdoors, it fits naturally into family activities and especially enjoys being around children.
When dealing with unfamiliar dogs, the Old English Sheepdog is generally very friendly and even quite gentlemanly. However, if attacked, it can immediately switch into self-protection mode and respond quickly. Because this is a large breed, it also eats a substantial amount. No matter what pet you choose, you should always consider your actual circumstances and resources before raising it.