Though the Old English Sheepdog registry is listed as British, its actual ancestry is thought to be from the European Shepherd Dogs of the Owtcharka and Bergamasco types bred to sheepdogs of Britain. Now regarded as a native British breed, he is often called the Bob-Tail and is strong, compact and profusely coated. His coat is a distinctive feature and is weather-resistant, but means that this is not the dog for those without plenty of time and patience to devote to grooming.

Boisterous, lovable puppies soon grow into large, strong adults that require lots of exercise, so this is basically a country dog. Intelligent and friendly, he is protective of his family and friends and has a particularly resonant bark, sufficient to frighten off any intruder. His use as an advertising symbol has probably not been in the breed’s best interest.