All Dog Breeds >>Temprament of Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog (OES) is a sweet-tempered family pet. They are affectionate and devoted to their family and love to spend time with their people. They are adaptable, easygoing, fun-loving, and robust. They can be a bit clownish and OES owners claim they have a great sense of humor. They definitely want to be the center of attention and if they don't get enough attention and affection from their humans, this can negatively affect their temperament and emotional wellbeing.
These are large, boisterous dogs who can be a bit stubborn, so it is important to start with basic obedience training early. Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and do well in conformation, obedience, agility, and herding. They enjoy working and are happiest when they have a job to do. If they get bored, they can be destructive. They also need daily exercise, and like to spend time outdoors, though once they've had their jaunt around the neighborhood, they will also be your resident couch potato.
They will try to sleep in your bed, and probably try to sleep on top of you. They do well with children, are protective of them and love to play with them, but care needs to be taken with younger children, as an OES might try to herd "his kids" by bumping into them.
(They might also try to herd local ducks and cats.) Old English Sheepdogs are alert and protective but generally won't bark a warning if something unusual is happening, so they don't make good watchdogs. In short, these are athletic, bold, faithful, trustworthy, and gentle companions who will make it their job to be devoted to you.