The Sheepies can eat a lot of meat, rice and cooked vegetables. Like the food pyramid for humans, each day the dogs need the largest amount of vegetables, a large portion of rice, and about a kilogram (2lbs) of meat. They also need raw fish, an egg yolk, or cheese twice a week, if not more. This is to keep the dogs in the best possible condition.

Because of their thick fur, it is easy for the dogs to overheat. To combat this, provide them with fresh water throughout the day.

Finally, be careful not to overfeed the Sheepies. Their fur tends to hide extra pounds, so frequently weighing the dogs will prevent them from becoming overweight. Also, monitoring their food intake is very important.

Remember Sheepies have large appetites and are easy to please, so give them the best diet possible, and they’ll be beautiful and healthy for years. The information party rocks on: Portraits of an Old English Sheepdog (& friend)

These dogs were originally bred to live in cooler climates. Their shaggy coats can make Texas heat unbearable and even deadly. Dogs can be clipped at the beginning of spring. If dogs are tolerant, owners can even purchase a set of clippers for do-it-yourself haircuts at home. This is also a great way to keep an eye on a dog’s skin condition. Fleas and other irritating parasites and skin conditions will be easy to recognize with a shorter coat. Skin issues should be addressed with one’s veterinarian immediately to ensure a dog is comfortable throughout the season.

Special considerations should also be given to the area where the dog is kept. It is advisable to keep Old English Sheepdogs inside the house during the summer. They will greatly appreciate the air conditioning. If they must be kept outside, a continuous supply of cool water is essential for survival. In addition, a shady, well ventilated area makes a huge difference in the comfort of one’s beloved pet.

The rescue programs are always looking for donations. They always have a need for dog food, flea medications and other pet related items. Rescue programs also need cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, laundry detergent and bleach. They can usually use collars, leashes, toys and dog bowls, but they prefer that these items be new to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites. You can save your old towels and blankets to donate too, as they use these for baths and pet bedding. Rescue programs are always happy to take monetary donations and they are tax deductible.

The rescue programs are grateful for any donation, no matter how small. Perhaps the best way to show your support is to adopt one of these homeless dogs. Be sure that you know the proper care involved with this breed, so that you can give the dog an everlasting home.

An Old English Sheepdog has an enormous amount of fur. You will either need to become familiar with grooming this breed of dog or be prepared to pay to take it to a groomer. Their hair is very long and will need to be brushed almost daily to keep it from knotting or matting. Also, a shorter haircut is more appropriate for the Texas heat, so the dog’s fur will need to be trimmed about every other month.

Old English Sheepdogs are a very large breed, so you will need a large yard or a place in which to walk it every day. Because of its large size, the life expectancy is very low for this breed of dog, so frequent vet visits may be necessary to keep the dog healthy.

Sheepdogs were originally bred for herding, so you may want to consider enrolling your dog into some type of agility classes. They like to stay active, so enrolling in herding events at agility trials may be the perfect way to burn off some of your dog’s excess energy.

The Old English Sheep Dog’s personality is very outgoing and loving, they do well with children because of the gentle nature that they posses. These animals need a lot of exercise because of their background of being raised hard working animals. This dog can do well in a smaller house hold if it was walked daily, or had a place to run around such as a backyard, open floor plan, etc.

This pet must be groomed regularly as the hair is very full and thick and could become mangy. If the hair becomes matted this dog could develop skin problems, making the susceptible to parasites. It also sheds, so if worried about furniture it would make a great outside dog! Check Spelling
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Some may be intimidated by their size but Old English Sheepdogs are also commonly referred to as a “Nanny” because of their care-taking characteristics towards children. Herding instincts course through this breed’s bloodlines and they have been known to actually help keep smaller toddlers in one place. They seem to sense that the supervision and the ensuring of the safety of their charges are part of their job.

Grooming is a big part of keeping this furry member of the family happy. To maintain their long coats, weekly grooming is a must. The benefits of having this gentle giant as a sidekick far outweigh the maintenance. Whether you ride the Texas range or walk the busy streets of Dallas, you’ll never lack for a companion to hit the trail with you.

An Old English Sheepdog will definitely keep your household active and enjoying life. This breed shows you that “more to love” means gaining even more love back.