Did you know that the shaggy, amiable Old English Sheepdog, often mistakenly stereotyped as merely an unwieldy hairball, is actually one of the most versatile breeds out there? Contrary to popular belief, it does far more than simply sit around looking cute. Among the many talents of this breed is its capability to serve as a reliable and loyal guard dog. But before we dig deeper into this perspective, let’s unravel the story behind this delightful, furry breed.
The story of Old English Sheepdogs, often affectionately known as OES, dates back to the early 19th century where they were primarily bred in the west of England. Like many breeds of their time, however, the specifics of their origins are hazy. What is known for certain is that they were primarily used as a ‘drover’ dog, whose job it was to steer cattle and sheep to the marketplace.
In fact, their historical function as a working dog dramatically influenced their physical attributes. Have you ever noticed the bobbed tail of an Old English Sheepdog, or rather, lack thereof? Well, this distinct trait was not born out of fashion or aesthetics. By docking their tails, owners could get a tax exemption for these dogs as they were considered “working” dogs. This led to their nickname, ‘Bobtail.’
However, contrary to their historical image as a working breed, Old English Sheepdogs have an incredibly gentle and friendly temperament making them superb family pets. Yes, they do come with a commitment to grooming due to their long, shaggy coats, but beneath the droopy hair and the flurry of fur lies a very intelligent, adaptable, and jovial companion that will reciprocate your love tenfold.
Now let’s clear out the main quest – are Old English sheepdogs effective as guard dogs?
The simple answer is, yes, they can indeed make good guardian canines. Before you rush off to transform your gentle, lovable OES into a formidable protector though, it’s important to understand what exactly makes a “good” guard dog.
Traditionally, guard dogs are defined by their ability to protect their home and family from intruders or threats. This requires the dog’s instinct to both alert their owners of an unfamiliar presence (often through barking) and defend their territory if necessary.
While Old English Sheepdogs might not initially seem like the archetypical guard dog, they possess several key traits that make them well-suited for such a role. Firstly, they are extremely intelligent and capable of learning quickly, two essential attributes for any effective guard dog. They also boast a robust and sturdy physical constitution that makes them more than capable of handling intruders if push comes to shove.
The real magic, however, lies in their potent combination of protective instincts and temperament. Old English Sheepdogs are incredibly loyal and will go to great lengths to protect their family. Their innate sense of alertness makes them excellent watchdogs, quick to bark when they sense someone unfamiliar entering their territory. At the same time, their inherently gentle disposition ensures they do not become overly aggressive or dangerous.
Of course, every dog is unique and individual temperament will always play a crucial role. Just like people, some dogs might naturally be more protective or inclined to guard, while others may be less interested. In general, it can help greatly to provide basic obedience and socialization training from a young age to ensure your OES remains a vigilant guardian and a well-rounded pet.
If you’re considering training your Old English Sheepdog as a guard dog, it is important to note that training a dog for such roles should always be done with a focus on control, socialization, and positive reinforcement. With proper training, an Old English Sheepdog can be a formidable yet gentle protector of your family and home.
In conclusion, while they might not fit the conventional image of a fierce, intimidating guard dog, with their powerful build, keen senses, and inherently protective nature, Old English Sheepdogs are a breed more than capable of serving as a lovely family companion and a trusty guardian rolled into one. They truly are more than the iconic ‘Dulux’ dog and are a testament to why we hold canines so close to our hearts and homes.
Remember, even if they’re guarding your home, they’re still your loving, loyal companion first. So, treat them with the tenderness they deserve, and they’ll repay you with a lifetime of unconditional love and unflinching loyalty.
