A Future Pet Parent's Guide To The Old English Sheepdog
Getting a dog is a huge undertaking. It is always a good idea to look at the different breeds in order to tell which one is right for your family. One breed of dog that may be a great fit for your family is the old English sheepdog. These large, fuzzy canines make fantastic pets but there are a few things that you need to know before bringing a puppy home.
One thing to consider is their size. These are not small dogs. Fortunately, unlike other large breeds, an old English can do well in a smaller space but you do need to make sure that they have time to exercise and be active. If they can burn off energy they are less likely to destroy your home or develop negative behaviors.
Some people like dogs that are watchdogs and suspicious of strangers. If you want a dog that is more of a friendly companion instead then you are likely going to be happy with a sheepdog. This breed was bred to guard sheep but they are not overly aggressive. They tend to be outgoing and affectionate and may be a good choice for a family that has young children.
Of course, these dogs do have a lot of fur. Their distinctive shaggy coats were developed by breeders to give them shelter from cold, wet weather while they were out tending flocks. You may need to groom them a lot and if you are someone who doesn't like shed hair around their home this may not be the right dog breed for you.
Because they are not primarily guard dogs you may find that they bark less than some other breeds. This may help to make them a great choice for apartment dwellers as they are less likely to annoy people in other units. Of course, any dog will make a certain amount of noise and there is no way to escape that but this dog can be a great choice if you do not want a noisy dog.
Of course, there is always the chance your dog may suffer from health problems that are common to the breed. One main issue is hip dysplasia. This condition is painful and happens when a dog's hip joints don't form properly. Breeders tend to try and only breed dogs that do not suffer from this condition but there is always the chance a dog will develop it as it nears adulthood.
If you do get an old English it is important for you to make sure that you are feeding them properly. Because they are large breed dogs they need a food that will support rapid growth in their first year. A good quality large breed puppy food is essential and can ensure your puppy grows into a happy, healthy adult.
Although sheepdogs can be really fun and easygoing that doesn't mean you don't have to train them. They are fast learners and quite intelligent. This makes them great additions to puppy classes and obedience classes as well. You will be able to show your dog different dogs and people and train out bad habits like jumping and pulling before you have to deal with a large dog doing them.
One thing to consider is their size. These are not small dogs. Fortunately, unlike other large breeds, an old English can do well in a smaller space but you do need to make sure that they have time to exercise and be active. If they can burn off energy they are less likely to destroy your home or develop negative behaviors.
Some people like dogs that are watchdogs and suspicious of strangers. If you want a dog that is more of a friendly companion instead then you are likely going to be happy with a sheepdog. This breed was bred to guard sheep but they are not overly aggressive. They tend to be outgoing and affectionate and may be a good choice for a family that has young children.
Of course, these dogs do have a lot of fur. Their distinctive shaggy coats were developed by breeders to give them shelter from cold, wet weather while they were out tending flocks. You may need to groom them a lot and if you are someone who doesn't like shed hair around their home this may not be the right dog breed for you.
Because they are not primarily guard dogs you may find that they bark less than some other breeds. This may help to make them a great choice for apartment dwellers as they are less likely to annoy people in other units. Of course, any dog will make a certain amount of noise and there is no way to escape that but this dog can be a great choice if you do not want a noisy dog.
Of course, there is always the chance your dog may suffer from health problems that are common to the breed. One main issue is hip dysplasia. This condition is painful and happens when a dog's hip joints don't form properly. Breeders tend to try and only breed dogs that do not suffer from this condition but there is always the chance a dog will develop it as it nears adulthood.
If you do get an old English it is important for you to make sure that you are feeding them properly. Because they are large breed dogs they need a food that will support rapid growth in their first year. A good quality large breed puppy food is essential and can ensure your puppy grows into a happy, healthy adult.
Although sheepdogs can be really fun and easygoing that doesn't mean you don't have to train them. They are fast learners and quite intelligent. This makes them great additions to puppy classes and obedience classes as well. You will be able to show your dog different dogs and people and train out bad habits like jumping and pulling before you have to deal with a large dog doing them.
About the Author:
You can get a summary of the things to consider before choosing an Old English Sheepdog breeder at http://www.shaggeybarkoes.com right now.
>
0 comments:
Post a Comment