So, I have been doing a lot of research on future companions, and have fallen in love with OES! Has anyone here ver had one? I have seen one, when I first moved here in 2006, and the 2 years I knew him he was a goofy loveable boy, but from experience, and since you know what I am looking for, what would you think of this breed?
I have narrowed down potential breeders to Lac du Bonnet here, and have been in touch with her, she is very good at answering my question, and I like that she asks a ton! I know the breed can be bouncey and silly, but to me that is a dog!
And hello everyone, sorry I have not been around much, we are in our summer of bugs, so we have been getting our vit D through the open windows and hiding indoors while we wish for winter! I am going stir crazy without my usual walks, but since Jazz has been gone, I have not walked much at all.
I have chased a polar bear out of the yard and down a block tho! Teaches him for waking me up at 7am!! Hasn't shown his face back here since! I swear I let off anger hormones that keep them away

Hi Becky, how nice to have you back. I can not give any advice about the OES.

But I looked in the Wiki. Wonderful dog in his appearance.

Though they write: "Some diseases being investigated include hip dysplasia, (15) cataracts, glaucoma, entropion, thyroid problems, deafness, diabetes, HD, PRA, allergies and skin problems.". - "Cancer is a major cause of death amongst Old English Sheepdogs".

Sorry, I don't want to shock you and I have no idea to what extent this is true. Perhaps some of the experienced members here can say something about it.

Other Wiki comments:

The New Zealand Kennel Club adds that "they are sometimes couch potatoes" and "may even try to herd children by gently bumping them." This breed's temperament can be described as intelligent, social and adaptable. The American Kennel Club adds that the breed has "a clownish energy" and "may try to herd people or other objects."

"The Old English Sheepdog's long coat requires a thorough brushing at least once weekly, which may take one to three hours. Without regular care, the coat can become "a trap for dust, debris, fecal matter, urine and moisture."

My God, Becky, how can you chase a polar bear??? Sounds so frightening. Take care not to get into trouble.



MOD NOTE: Removed brackets to restore post

Edited by Connie Sutherland (07/15/2017 09:10 AM)
Edit reason: Mod fixed broken post

They do look wonderful don't they! The coat doesn't scare me, as my Emma needed to be brushed after every walk or she would mat easily! Health problems do not deter me either, as long as it is a happy busy pup I will be happy!
Both dogs do herding for fun, passed the Canina Good Neighbor with flying colors and have been training to be Certified Therapy Dogs. She has only 3 dogs, and they all live in the home with her.
A quick phone call to her area confirmed that she is well known and loved there, and actually does meet and greets with the breed at our yearly Red River Exhibition!
And I chase bears on the quad not crazy enough to chase them on foot yet! Lol! Tho I have chased off a wolverine on foot in the winter!

Becky you''re really amazing me. You'r living in completely diffent susrroudings, which I actually can't imagine. I must admit i have no clue about all this. But it's extremely fascinating. Nevertheless I'm still afraid encountring a bear, althoguh I love them incredibly from save distance. Only from TV. I'd never dare to confront one.
Though I'd be loving love to. I know how they're threatened from all ojur environment. So fascinatiing what you're telling . Sorry, I think you be terribly crazy to follow a bear. This is an awfull lack betwen our cultures

Hope to hear a lot more abput your dogs and bears and don't knpw what other creatures. Have you ever been able to cuddle a bear puppy? I know , stupid idea from a pesrson who's seen bears sonly in zoos.

Like to hear about you. So interesting to open the horizon about another culturre,
wow, tell me about yourbnext puppy annd your next bear puppuy. Would adopt you one?

Go on telling. Kiss.

Bears are only admired from afar here! Unless your a crazy tourist!
I do what I have to to protect my property especially with my kids home all summer

I won't be getting a pup until winter, possibly even next year, plenty of time to read up and prepare!
I mostly wanted to hear stories / experience from anyone whom has owned an OES I look forward to those!
We are in full blown bug season so I have plenty of time to research!
Hope everyone is well!

Hi Becky I don't want to insist. But I'm simply wondering how you succeed to make a bear leave your property. I guess it's not done with running and shouting after him. I understand fully you want to hear experiences from people who have owned an OES.
Sorry for the intrusion. I will understand if you don't answer. It consumes time and you've got other things to do. So, no problem. I am just fascinated.

Actually it is minus the running! If he is in the yard I pop out start up my 4 wheeler than chase the sun of a gun while calling him foul names and revving the engine if he was to go on my deck, I would pull out the rifle and he would get one warning shot

With wolves, I just chase them on foot. They are actually quite chicken here if you see them before they see you! A pack I would shoot a few warning shots, I have never had to kill yet!

How stunning. I'm sick already when reading this, go figure how I'd act in reality. I'm asking myself where you've got that courage from. And how amazing you never had to kill a bear or a wolf.

I hope you will going on well in future and keeping yourself out of danger. I already read that people were killed from bears, not only polar bears also brown bears. I don't mean tourists but people from those regions. But probably they've done it the wrong way.

I will let you now in piece with my curiosity. Thanks a lot for answering.
Hope you'll soon get an answer from a person who is experienced with those lovely OES.

A buddy of mine had one some 30 yrs ago.

All I can recall was the dog was a grooming nightmare.