Old English Sheepdog: The Shaggy History of the Bobtail Breed

Picture, if you will, beautiful rolling hills in the idyllic English countryside. A pleasant, gentle breeze blows, and the grass waves back and forth like the flowing sea. In the distance, a herd of bright white sheep grazes, peacefully nibbling the grass. The herd moves collectively down the hillside, moving to a fresh patch of clover, with the sound of playful bleating carrying through the air. But a few stragglers stay behind, continuing their grassy meal on the hill. Nearby, watching closely, is a large, shaggy dog, its eyes almost totally obscured by its fur hanging. As the herd moves further away from the stragglers, the dog stands on all fours. It is alert, mindful, and dead set on keeping these animals where they are supposed to be. Gently at first, it trots around behind the stragglers, never taking its eye off of them. Picking up its pace, the dog starts directly toward the remaining sheep, resembling the bouncy gait of a bear. One of the sheep spies the dog coming at them, and darts down the hill, joining the other group. The remaining sheep quickly follow suit, and happily nibble on the tasty clover. The dog sits atop the hill, once again taking its place as the sentinel and protector of the herd.  

If you haven’t guessed, this dog is the Old English Sheep Dog. But how “old” and how ”English” are they really? We are going to find out today, on Doggone History!

The Old English Sheepdog is well-known and revered for its shaggy coat and friendly nature. Its strength, durability, and intelligence is well-suited for protecting livestock as well as enduring rough terrain and harsh weather. 

The modern origins of the breed likely come from the Southwestern Counties of England in the early nineteenth century. While its original breeding history is a bit murky, it is widely believed the breed was derived from either the Scottish Bearded Collie, the Russian Owtchar, or possibly both, giving the English breed its shaggy, long coat. 

The breed excelled at herding all manner of animals, and became highly prized by farmers and animal herders alike throughout the nineteenth century. During that time, they also earned the reputation as solid, reliable dogs for family and farm. Not only were they first-class working dogs in the field, but adored as an affectionate and gentle companion.

In the August, 2002, Issue of Dog News, Nick Waters wrote, "The history of the Old English Sheepdog is intertwined with the bygone days of the drovers...... The type of dog a drover needed was one with stamina, steadiness and the temperament that would see off any predators, would stand its ground against any rogue beast and would see off an attack by a bull or ox intent on mischief towards the drovers." Another journalist called the early sheepdog, “a laborer—bred for mud, weather, and miles of open road.” Their thick, double coat was not ornamental at first, but protection against cold rain, briars, and the unpredictable weather.

As the industrial revolution reduced the need for droving dogs, the Old English Sheepdog increasingly became a companion and exhibition animal rather than a working partner. Its intelligence and herding instincts remained, but its purpose shifted.

Breed historians often note:

“Few breeds have undergone such a dramatic identity shift—from indispensable farmhand to decorative aristocrat of the dog world.”

Henry Arthur Tilley was an early promoter of the breed, and founder of the Old English Sheepdog Club in England. He and his brother William were pioneers in establishing standards for the breed, creating the “Shepton" kennels of Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England. Descendants of the Shepton dogs can be found in many of today’s Old English Sheepdogs worldwide. Tilley’s published work, The Old English Sheep Dog, is still considered to be the definitive work on the breed.

The breed was formally recognized by the Kennel Club in 1888. But this transition changed the dog dramatically. Selective breeding emphasized coat volume, symmetry, and presentation over raw working ability. As one Victorian-era dog writer famously observed: “In the show ring, the sheepdog ceased to be a laborer and became a living monument of hair and motion.” This transformation marked the beginning of the breed we recognize today.

As the Old English Sheepdog flourished in popularity in England, the breed was being championed in the United States by Pittsburgh industrialist William Wade in the late 1880's. Through the influence of Wade, some of the wealthiest families in America had become owners and enthusiasts of Old English Sheepdogs, including the Morgans, Vanderbilts, Harrisons, and Guggenheims. 

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1885, helping establish its presence in competitive dog shows. American breeders further refined the coat and structure, favoring the dense, profuse look that became iconic in the 20th century. 

As one dog-columnist once wrote:

“No breed invites admiration quite so immediately as the Old English Sheepdog, whose silhouette appears like a moving cloud.”

Their increased popularity resulted in the formation of the Old English Sheepdog Club of America in 1904. The prominence and influence of those showing their dogs that year at the Westminster Kennel Club show, led to the show’s superintendent to privately remind the judges, "take plenty of time; the dogs in the ring are the property of some of our leading Americans".  The rugged, working class dog had risen to aristocratic status.

The Old English Sheepdog has unmistakable physical traits. Its appearance is described by the American Kennel Club as, “profusely, but not excessively coated, thickset, muscular and able-bodied.” They are a stout breed, standing 21 to 22 inches high at the shoulders, weighing 60 to 100 pounds, or 27 to 45 kilograms, and have a life expectancy of ten to twelve years.

Its thick, double coat can be Grizzle and white, blue and white, blue gray and white, or gray and white. Their iconic coat requires significant grooming, and their size demands space and attention. Its coat tends to hang over its eyes, sort of a “peak-a-boo hairdo.” As for temperament, you couldn’t ask for a better family dog. Extremely affectionate, excellent with children, good with other dogs. Their herding instinct may actually result in them playfully herding young children and other animals.

These dogs are also intelligent, easy to train, and adaptable, but can be somewhat protective and have a loud, ringing bark.

Despite their cumbersome look and bear-like gait, they are quite nimble and agile. Friendly and playful, Old English Sheepdogs require regular exercise, and mental stimulation.

Its tail has traditionally been docked, or bobbed. This most likely was simply for practicality. Its long, shaggy tail could get stepped on, caught in gates, or become filthy and matted. However, another popular story stems from being a "drovers dog", used for driving sheep and cattle to market. Because of their working status, it is believed the dogs were exempt from being taxed as property. To indicate the working class status of the dogs, and prove their tax exempt status, it is thought, perhaps, their tails were bobbed. Whatever the reason, this feature led to the dogs sometimes being called “Bobs” or “Bobtails.” Unlike the purpose of a Labrador Retriever’s tail to serve as a rudder in the water, the Old English Sheep Dog was unhindered by its bobbed tail. The cropped tail became less a style and more a badge of the working class dog.

But this practice has declined since the Royal Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club no longer require a bobbed tail as part of the breed standard. However, some owners still choose to have this done, while other dogs have been bred to have shorter tails.

By the mid-20th century, the Old English Sheepdog had become a cultural symbol. Paul McCartney was often seen with his sheepdog, Martha in the 1960’s. One of the breed’s most famous appearances is in branding for the paint company Dulux, where it became a symbol of warmth and domestic comfort.

In film and media, the breed’s association with loyalty and gentleness was reinforced, such as in the 1959 film, The Shaggy Dog, and its 1976 sequel, The Shaggy DA. As of 2025, the Old English Sheepdog is ranked #87 in popularity by the American Kennel Club. My personal favorite is from the Looney Toons cartoons. Sam, a sheepdog, and Ralph, a wolf, punch a timeclock to start work, idly chatting like friends. Zany hijinks ensue as Sam prevents Ralph from making off with any sheep, and then they punch out for the day, and say goodnight. 

Through the years, despite changes in breeding, function, and style, the Old English Sheepdog’s many working traits remain: a strong herding drive, independent decision-making, and high endurance

While still capable of herding, most live far from the fields that created them. Their affectionate temperament, intelligence, and often clownish behavior make them a stellar choice for a classic family dog. 

If you are interested in owning an Old English Sheepdog, or adding any pet to your home, please contact your local SPCA, Humane Society, rescue organization, or other animal shelter near you. Millions of adoptable dogs and cats are waiting to find their forever home. And please, spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the homeless animal population.

Now, it’s time to announce the next dog to be featured on Doggone History…randomizer activated…and…it’s the German Shepherd! 

If you would like YOUR dog to be featured as the cover image of an episode of Doggone History, please follow doggone history podcast on Instagram, and send me a photo of your pooch! You can also follow Doggone History on BlueSky, Threads, Facebook and Instagram.

Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by me, Rich Napolitano. Original theme music is also by me. All episodes, show notes, and more can be found at doggonehistory.com. 

Please join me again next time. But until then, say hello to your dog for me, won’t you?