The Old English Sheepdog breed has been around since at least the 1800's and achieved official breed status in 1873 with the founding of The Kennel Club in England. 

The first Old English Sheepdog came to North America around 1885 and achieved official breed status with the American Kennel Club in 1888. 

In the early 1900's, the Old English Sheepdog made its way into the hearts of people across most of Europe. 

The OES, also known as the Bobtail, had their tail 'docked' or 'bobbed' to signify that they were working dogs and therefore were exempt from taxes. Today the tail continues to be docked to preserve the tradition of the breed.
 

Height to the shoulder ranges between 21 to 25 inches, weight varies from 60 to 90 pounds and their average life span is 10 to 12 years. 

A double coat with a wiry, shaggy topcoat and a downy undercoat. It is important that the Old English Sheepdog is groomed weekly, to ensure that the coat does not become matted. 

Contrary to popular belief, Old English Sheepdogs can not see with the hair in front of their eyes.  The hair should be put into a 'topknot' or trimmed away from the eyes for visibility.  The breed originated with a much shorter and less dense coat than is seen today.  The longer, denser coat  is purposeful breeding for those characteristics and is not  a natural phenomenon. 

Old English Sheepdogs are not generally 'high energy' dogs but are exuberant family members and are happiest when included in family activities whether it be going for car rides or just spending quiet time together.   They like to be close to their 'pack' and follow family members from room to room, earning them the nickname of 'velcro' dog. Sheepdogs don't require a lot of space to run, but do need regular daily exercise.

Old English Sheepdogs do well with older children, but are not recommended for families with children under 5 years of age.  Sheepdogs are  large and exuberant and can easily take food out of the hands of smaller children and also tend to knock children over unintentionally.