Old English Sheepdog
An enormous, active dog breed with a characteristic shaggy coat is the Old English Sheepdog. The OES or Shepherd's Dog or Bob Tailed Sheep Dog, as devotees refer to the breed, was historically a drover, assisting farmers in transporting cattle and sheep to markets. This friendly dog still participates in conformation, obedience, agility, and herding trials while enjoying the convenience of home life today.
Breed Profile
Height
20-22
Inches
Weight
70-90
Pounds
Life Span
10 - 12
Years
Health
health
Cataracts
What is it?:
Canines, like people, get afflicted by cataract due to old age. A translucent layer of protein and water starts to form on the lens of the dog's eyes, which partially or completely blinds your dog. They can form over time or build up overnight in the case of diabetic dogs.
Clinical signs
Cloudy pupils in either or both eyes.
Scared to jump or climb.
Clumsiness.
Reluctance to enter dimly lit areas.
Scratching of eyes.
Changes in eye color or pupils.
Treatment
Once a cataract has begun to form in Old English Sheepdog, there is only one known treatment that can halt it: surgery. After cataract surgery, the major objective is to provide Bob Tailed Sheep Dog functional vision again.
Cataracts are removed surgically while the patient is sedated. The veterinarian removes the lens and replaces it with a plastic or acrylic lens. The veterinary ophthalmologist may need to operate on both eyes or simply one, depending on the circumstances.
In addition to testing for cataracts, veterinarians often look for underlying conditions that are known to exacerbate cataracts. It is crucial to address any abnormalities that can cause cataracts because doing so lowers the likelihood that they would do so.
Since diabetic dogs are more likely to develop cataracts, extra caution and care are required. As diabetes can exacerbate and speed up the development of cataracts at an unusual rate, you must actively watch out for the aforementioned signs in your dog. Cataracts can develop in diabetic dogs overnight and cause blindness.
The success rate for cataract procedures is astounding, ranging from 80 to 90%
Eligible vet bill
$5,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Elbow Dysplasia
What is it?:
Multiple elbow joint developmental anomalies are present in canine elbow dysplasia (ED). The radius, ulna, and humerus, which make up the elbow joint, are complicated joints. Due to aberrant growth patterns, the three bones may not fit together completely, which results in an uneven weight distribution on some joints, which can cause pain, lameness, and the onset of arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is much similar to hip dysplasia in dogs.
Clinical signs
Persistent lameness.
Popping and cracking sounds coming from joints.
Problems getting up.
Having trouble walking up the stairs, and getting into and out of cars.
Treatment
The severity of the elbow condition determines the course of treatment. Surgery is typically advised, however, if the condition is so minor or severe that the joint may not likely benefit from normal surgery, your veterinarian may suggest medication therapy. The main reason for elbow dysplasia will determine how it is treated. Although traditional open surgery can potentially be done, arthroscopic surgery is frequently the best option. Depending on the particular dog's elbow issue, surgery can entail:
Removing any remaining pieces of cartilage as well as the coronoid.
altering the elbow joint surgically to reposition weight away from injured areas
medial joint compartment removal or reassembly.
Joint step/incongruity correction.
In the event that the elbow is gravely ill, joint replacement.
Eligible vet bill
$5,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Watchful
Given their origins, OES are quite alert and keep an active eye around their surroundings at all times.
Kind
Bob Tailed Sheep Dogs are one of the most kindest breeds you’ll come across and this is very evident in their interactions with other pets.
Intelligent
Shepherd’s Dogs are an extremely intelligent breed, which makes them quite easy to train and a good guard dog as well.
Lifetime Care
Coat
Shepherd's Dog have a thick, shaggy coat that is neither straight nor wavy, and it has an abundance of hair. The breed has a double coat, consisting of a soft undercoat and an outer coat with texture.
Colors
Gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle, brown, and fawn are some of the colors, which are frequently combined with white markings.
Hypoallergenic
No.
Grooming
Bob Tailed Sheep Dog requires a lot of work to keep that wonderful coat in good condition. You may anticipate spending three to four hours a week taking care of your furry friend, so settle in with some Netflix and a selection of grooming products. With all the fur you'll wind up brushing out throughout each session, perhaps you could learn to crochet. It is safe to state that everyday brushing is required to maintain the skin's health and keep mats to a minimum.
Training
It's crucial to remember that Old English Sheepdog puppies have a herding tendency when teaching them. It's fantastic if you happen to have a flock that needs herding in your backyard. If not, playing games like hide-and-seek or triebball can satisfy your dog's natural need to herd and might even stop it from doing so around members of your family.
Old English Sheepdog Among Children
A dependable playmate for kids is a Bob Tailed Sheep Dog that has received proper training and socialization. Some claim that he will watch over and herd small children, keeping them in one place. Others claim that the OES supports the toddler who is learning to walk.
Unfortunately, some Shepherd Dog does not fulfill the stereotype of a loving nanny, as a result of bad breeding practices that have produced aggressive and neurotic canines. Ask to meet the puppy's parents and only purchase from reputable breeders. Furthermore, regardless of the breed or disposition of the dog, children should never be left unattended with a dog.
As long as he is properly socialized and trained, the sweet-natured OES gets along well with other dogs and animals.
Old English Sheepdog Nutrition and Diet
The recommended daily allowance is 2.5 to 4.5 cups of premium dry food.
OESs are particularly simple to overfeed because their fluffy coats make extra weight easier to conceal. It is crucial that you routinely check your dog's weight and use caution when giving him food.
Conclusion
OES are intelligent, self-reliant dogs. They can be stubborn and require a firm hand to lead them in the correct direction. They do have an amazing sense of humor and appear to relish their owner's surprise at some of their actions.
Some Bob Tailed Sheep Dog can be guard dogs, while not generally thought of as such. They bark loudly, and some of them start to bother people. Dogs who are not cognitively or physically challenged enough begin to chew and dig.
When offered early socialization with both people and other pets, Shepherd's Dog thrives. They have a tendency to be dog-aggressive, especially males. The breed suffered from a spike in popularity during the 1970s, and reputable breeders are putting a lot of effort into regaining the desired even temperament.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
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