Page 58 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | WORKING DOGS

Old English Sheepdog

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Gray
22–24in 60–99lb Over 10 years Any shade of gray or blue. Body and hindquarters
(56–61cm) (27–45kg) of solid color, with no white patches.

This good-tempered and intelligent dog needs frequent
THE DULUX DOG
grooming to maintain its shaggy coat
To many English-speaking people around the
world, the Old English Sheepdog has become
Native to southwest England, the Old recently it has fallen out of favor; in 2012
synonymous with Dulux, the international paint English Sheepdog is descended from large, only 316 new dogs were registered with
brand. The first Dulux advertisements featuring
strong dogs used to guard livestock against the UK’s Kennel Club, prompting the Club
the dog appeared in 1961; it was felt that the big,
fluffy dog would give the film sets an appealing wolves, as well as from the Bearded Collie to put the Old English Sheepdog on its
family home feel. The dogs have been the stars of (opposite), and, possibly, breeds such as the watch list of endangered breeds.
the shows for over 50 years, and some even had South Russian Shepherd Dog (opposite). This big, strong dog requires a great deal
their own chauffeurs. They and the brand made
By the mid-19th century the dogs were of exercise. The coat always has been dense
each other world famous; today, Old English being used to drive livestock to market. It and shaggy; in the old days shepherds would
Sheepdogs are often recognized as
was customary to dock the tail (bob it), to shear their dogs as well as the sheep and use
“Dulux dogs.”
show that the animal was a working dog and the hair to make cloth. However, modern
thus exempt from tax; the alternative name animals’ coats have become so thick that
of Bobtail Sheepdog is still sometimes used. they need constant care to prevent them
The breed was highly popular in the from becoming tangled and matted.
1970s and 80s, due to its use in movies
and advertisements, but more
Eyes obscured
by coat

Small ears
covered by coat

Deep, relatively
short body

Longer coat on
hindquarters

Very thick,
shaggy coat
with white
markings

Blue
White markings on
head, neck, and chest

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