Old English Sheepdog

By: Nicole Gehrke

Anyone arriving at the Parrish household is welcomed with sloppy kisses from their beloved dog Laney, an Old English Sheepdog full of spunk and personality.  I was anxious to learn about Laney’s role in the family, and how her owners, Brian and Judy, felt about living with a Sheepdog.  After having done extensive research on the breed, I was pleased to discover Laney’s characteristics were consistent with what I had learned.  Brian and Judy spoke about Laney with such love and admiration that it didn’t take long to understand just how important she is to the Parrish family, but not all families are a good fit for the breed. 

Too often dog lovers are quick to take home puppies because of their cute and innocent nature, but when adding any pet to the family it is imperative to complete the necessary research.  Chris Larame, founder of the Old English Sheepdog Club of Southeastern Wisconsin believes the leading cause for Sheepdogs in foster care is due to lack of research on the owner’s part.  Sheepdogs are stubborn, very energetic and need proper care in order to develop to their full potential.  

The Sheepdog is easily recognized by its shaggy coat that usually drapes over the eyes.  As may be apparent by the name, the Sheepdog was bred by English herdsmen to herd and protect their sheep.  They were looking to create a dog that would demonstrate intelligence, self-control and strength.  The thick coat was necessary because it allowed Sheepdogs to withstand England’s rugged terrain and persevere through all weather conditions.  This sort of weatherproof outer shell also provided Sheepdogs with protection from predators.  The herdsmen chose to dock the tail as they believed this would keep the dogs less agile and more equipped for herding.  Today however, it is common to see a Sheepdog without a docked tail.

Along with the distinctive coat comes the extensive care it requires.  Sheepdogs need to be brushed several times per week and also professionally groomed every eight to twelve weeks to ensure a healthy coat.  Without proper care the coat may become matted which is unsanitary and can be painful for the dog.  Some owners prefer to keep their Sheepdog’s coat at a shorter length, or even shaved.  This certainly is a viable option, but keep in mind it will require more trips to the groomer and can become a bit more expensive.

Although owning a Sheepdog is accompanied by a large grooming commitment, it may be worth it once you get to know their outgoing nature and warm personality.

“Laney is very loving and very social.  She always needs to be where we are” describes Judy Parrish.  The Sheepdog is best suited to live in a family oriented environment where they will be provided with affection and companionship. 

Sheepdogs are often protective of human children, and may even herd them to safety by gently bumping them in the direction they need to go or by keeping them in a particular area.  Judy laughs, "Laney loves our daughter Lily.  She's always watching over her and even enjoys playing dress-up with her!"  It is no surprise the Sheepdog has earned the nickname “Nanny” of the family.  Judy agrees that the best part about living with this breed is their natural love for children.

Sheepdogs certainly are affectionate and fun-loving dogs, but this also means they have a high energy level.  When asked, “What are Laney’s exercise needs?” Judy and Brian immediately responded, “Daily walks or doggy daycare!”  Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, Sheepdogs can become rambunctious and may demonstrate destructive behaviors such as chewing through drywall, as Laney’s parents unfortunately experienced when she was just a puppy.  Their intelligence and high energy allows Sheepdogs to perform exceedingly well in activities such as agility, herding, search and rescue and even dance.  Since they are also good natured with other dogs, doggy daycare and dog parks are great options for socialization as well as an effective way to release some extra energy.  At home, a large fenced-in backyard is recommended to give Sheepdogs ample space to run.  But don’t be discouraged from owning a Sheepdog simply because you do not have a large yard.  They are highly adaptable, and if provided with proper exercise and mental stimulation, they can thrive just as well in an urban lifestyle.

When given adequate leadership and training, the Sheepdog becomes known for its “clownish” behavior or as Brian likes to proudly describe Laney, the “cartoon of the family.”  Brian and Judy laugh as they reminisce about a particularly funny memory where Laney shows off her intelligence and sense of humor.  The family cat, Tinsley, and Laney often engage in playful games of chase, but on this particular day it was Tinsley who was doing the chasing.  He had discovered a mouse and was diligently attempting to catch it.  All the commotion caught Laney's attention, and her Sheepdog instincts kicked into drive!  She joined the chase and her and Tinsley worked together to corner the mouse until Judy came to the rescue scooping it up in a trash can.  That’s the last mouse to ever set foot in the Parrish household! 

Brian and Judy explain to me that these memories are what make Laney such a special part of their lives.

As with any other dog breed, there are certain health risks that must be considered when owning this breed.  Hip dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma, thyroid problems, deafness, allergies and skin problems are some of the major health concerns associated with Sheepdogs.  The best way to avoid most of these health risks is to do your research and choose a reliable breeder or go through a reputable rescue. 

The Old English Sheepdog Club of Southeastern Wisconsin began in 1975, started its rescue program in 1978 and within the last ten years they have been very active in rescue.  The club is run by a group of about five people, and relies heavily on its members for support.  Rescue dogs are fostered out of the members’ homes as well as with foster families.  Everyone donates their time and money to travel and house these dogs who deserve a forever home.  The organization has fostered as many as five dogs at one time, adopting out about thirty dogs each year. 

When placing foster dogs with families, Chris from the Sheepdog Club believes the most important criteria is the effort and time one is willing to dedicate to the Sheepdog.  Owners must realize that dogs aren’t perfect and if raised correctly they can excel in any given situation.  Just take a look at Laney, Brian and Judy Parrish wouldn’t part with her for the world.


Online Resources

Old English Sheepdog Club of Southeastern Wisconsin
www.oescsw.com

Old English Sheepdog Community www.oes.org

Old English Sheepdog Club of America
www.oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org