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.
Grooming can be an issue. These dogs have thick fur that helps to protect them against bad weather. Some people like to clip their dogs' fur short so that they do not need to worry about brushing it. If you are willing to do this it can really help keep the amount of shed fur to a minimum. If you want a dog with an easy-care coat, however, you may want to consider a different breed of dog.
If you are someone who cannot handle a dog that barks and barks then a sheepdog may be a good choice for you. They tend to be more on the quiet side than some other breeds are. This makes them a great choice for someone who may live in an apartment or condominium. You can always work on training your dog to bark when it detects a threat but you may find your dog to be quieter than other breeds may be.
You do need to be aware that there are some health conditions that this breed is prone to. Like other large breed dogs, they can have problems with their hips. Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that results when hip joints do not form properly. A good breeder will work to make sure their dogs do not suffer from it but it can take time for this condition to become apparent and by that time the dog will likely have been taken into someone's home.
Nutrition is very important for your dog. A large breed puppy has a lot of growing to do especially in their first year. The right puppy food can help them grow at the right rate and avoid growing pains or malformed joints. Your vet or breeder should be able to help you find the right food for your sheepdog.
It is also a good idea to attend puppy classes or obedience classes when your dog is young. Puppy classes will help socialize them and obedience lessons will help stave off unwanted behaviors like pulling on the leash or jumping up on people. These are two things that can be especially problematic when a large dog does them. That way your dog can be a fun and valued member of your family.
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.
Grooming can be an issue. These dogs have thick fur that helps to protect them against bad weather. Some people like to clip their dogs' fur short so that they do not need to worry about brushing it. If you are willing to do this it can really help keep the amount of shed fur to a minimum. If you want a dog with an easy-care coat, however, you may want to consider a different breed of dog.
If you are someone who cannot handle a dog that barks and barks then a sheepdog may be a good choice for you. They tend to be more on the quiet side than some other breeds are. This makes them a great choice for someone who may live in an apartment or condominium. You can always work on training your dog to bark when it detects a threat but you may find your dog to be quieter than other breeds may be.
You do need to be aware that there are some health conditions that this breed is prone to. Like other large breed dogs, they can have problems with their hips. Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that results when hip joints do not form properly. A good breeder will work to make sure their dogs do not suffer from it but it can take time for this condition to become apparent and by that time the dog will likely have been taken into someone's home.
Nutrition is very important for your dog. A large breed puppy has a lot of growing to do especially in their first year. The right puppy food can help them grow at the right rate and avoid growing pains or malformed joints. Your vet or breeder should be able to help you find the right food for your sheepdog.
It is also a good idea to attend puppy classes or obedience classes when your dog is young. Puppy classes will help socialize them and obedience lessons will help stave off unwanted behaviors like pulling on the leash or jumping up on people. These are two things that can be especially problematic when a large dog does them. That way your dog can be a fun and valued member of your family.
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You can get a summary of the things to consider before choosing an Old English Sheepdog breeder at http://www.shaggeybarkoes.com right now.
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