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Early in the last century, in the English counties of Cornwall, Devon and Somerser, there developed a breed of hearding dog that combined the admirable qualities of loyalty, protectiveness, and affection. The Old English Sheepdog, or "bobtail", as it is affectionately known, is that dog and he enjoys today a remarkable popularity, owing to his good looks and his winning way around people. As hidden as the eyes of the breed are under long hair, so too are the breeds origines buried under the obscuring veils of time.

As with the case of many breeds whose beginnings were not closely documented and evolved as a natural progression, the precise origins of the Old English Sheepdog are clouded. Throughout the years different historians have offered their own theories but still one can point to any one shred of evidence and say "This is where and how and from what ancestry the Old English came from."

Some say the OES sprung from the Himalayan herd dog, but is much larger and more wolfhound like than ours. Then it was said to be an ancestor of the Russian Sheepdog, a larger breed but similar to type of coat and color.

The earliest claim of a bobtail's appearance is in a painting dated 1771 . It was in a "Gainsborough" work of an Old English Sheepdog type with the "Duke of Buccleuch". But then there is some controversy as to whether this dog is actully a bobtail.

Many breeds have been breed through definite plans; i.e. the Miniature Poodle, and the Doberman Pinscher. But there have those breeds that evolved naturally, performing specific functions for man. This breed is one such natural breed, originated quite simply from old stock adapting to the climates and tasks that they found themselves confronted with.

The natural instincts of protectiveness have been bred into this breed through the decades. Though never called upon much for this today, they retain the ability to act in a watchful capacity.

For more on the history and caring of the Old English Sheepdog, I highly recommend the book"Old English Sheepdogs, by Beverly Pisano and published by T.F.H. Publications Inc.

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