Old English Sheepdog — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Old English Sheepdog — breed standard (AKC & FCI: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* A British herding breed (FCI Group 1, Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs, no working trial); also known as the Bob-Tail.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* AKC minimum height is 22 inches (55.8 cm) for dogs and 21 inches (53.3 cm) for bitches, with no upper limit.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* FCI minimum height at the withers is 61 cm for males and 56 cm for females.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Build is square, compact, thick-set and muscular; type, character and balance matter more than sheer size.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is very full but not overdone, of a hard, shaggy texture that is free of curl; an underlying waterproof pile is present.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Coat colour may be any grey, grizzle, blue or blue-merle shade, with or without white markings; brown or fawn tones are unwanted.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Temperament is adaptable, clever and even-tempered, showing neither aggression nor shyness.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifications: aggressive or excessively timid dogs, or any animal with obvious physical or behavioural defects.