There are hundreds of breeds of dogs and each one of them has their own personality and quirks. What makes a great canine companion for one family may not be the best choice for another. If you are considering an old English Sheepdog and are thinking about adding one to your family here are a few things that you need to think about before getting one.
If you want a small dog you may want to look for a different breed. These canines can weigh as much as one hundred pounds and males can reach up to twenty-two inches in height. Females are smaller but not by much. Surprisingly, though, they can do well in a small home or even an apartment. You will need to exercise them quite a bit but if they have a chance to be active with their family then they can handle living in a smaller home.
While these dogs were bred to work with shepherds and herd sheep they are not as suspicious and prone to guard as some breeds are. They tend to be very outgoing and friendly and are very affectionate as well. Of course, to make sure that your dog has these personality traits and is not afraid of people you will want to make sure to bring your dog to as many places as possible. Letting them see a variety of people will help ensure they are friendly, outgoing and non-aggressive.
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.
Once you have your pup there are a few ways that you can help make sure that your dog is happy and well-adjusted. Puppy classes can provide the opportunity to meet other people and dogs. Obedience classes can help you train your dog so that it does not jump up on people and so that it walks better on a leash.
If you want a small dog you may want to look for a different breed. These canines can weigh as much as one hundred pounds and males can reach up to twenty-two inches in height. Females are smaller but not by much. Surprisingly, though, they can do well in a small home or even an apartment. You will need to exercise them quite a bit but if they have a chance to be active with their family then they can handle living in a smaller home.
While these dogs were bred to work with shepherds and herd sheep they are not as suspicious and prone to guard as some breeds are. They tend to be very outgoing and friendly and are very affectionate as well. Of course, to make sure that your dog has these personality traits and is not afraid of people you will want to make sure to bring your dog to as many places as possible. Letting them see a variety of people will help ensure they are friendly, outgoing and non-aggressive.
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.
Once you have your pup there are a few ways that you can help make sure that your dog is happy and well-adjusted. Puppy classes can provide the opportunity to meet other people and dogs. Obedience classes can help you train your dog so that it does not jump up on people and so that it walks better on a leash.
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