Should we get an old english sheep dog???

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I've always wanted an Old english sheep dog. My mums friend had one when I was a child and I absoluitly loved him. My 6 year old daughter is an only child and would love a dog.
She is home educated so there will always be someone there to look after the dog. I also live in an area where there are a lot of fields for walking him.

I'm just not sure if he'd need a bigger house than ours, how much exsercise he'd need and what are they like for being on their own, if we had to go out for the day? Do they dig a lot? and are they well behaved?

I Sorry for all the questions, but I don't want to buy one until I know that it'd be the best thing for all of us.

If anyone could advise me, that would be great. Thanks.

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I don't know but they are gorgeous looking. You'd have to not mind hair though!

I wouldn't mind, my DH might though.

You sound like a pretty good home to me - try and use a rescue though! I'm biased of course as I have 3 rescue dogs and foster and homecheck for rescues too! I'd imagine they can be a bit strong on the lead as they are big dogs and a younger, excitable dog may be a little overwhelming for your daughter? Bets thing to do is try and meet some - perhaps contact the breed club (google it!)

Bets thing to do is try and meet some - perhaps contact the breed club

that's a good idea - when we were thinking about getting our dog we went to a dachshund show and met lots of dogs and breeders, it was a good start. And fun!

i would actually like either an older puppy or a fully grown dog. I'll have a look at the rescue centres and see if they have any but I'd imagine they would be quite rare. Good idea about meeting some with my daughter. She is a bit timid and only likes dogs if they basically leave her alone. She likes to stroke them and throw a ball etc but if they jump up at her or lick her she tends to freak out. This might be because she has co-ordination and balance problems and is easily knocked over.

I've already chosen a name for him.

Good idea. I didn't realise there were rescue centres for certain breads.

Thank you, that's brilliant! I've added it to favorites.

1 word - bumcrumbs.

OH!! That dosn't sound too pleasant.

I have one, he is on my profile. absoloutely gorgeous dog.

he is incredibly gentle, particularly with DS2 who has autism and does not like people or animals getting in his space.

we keep him puppy cut but i like it when we let him get a bit longer sometimes

he does not shed a huge amount actually - mostly on ds1s school suits and he likes to lie on him.

can't recommend them enough.

eeeew all that hair......and bum crumbs - bleaurghhhhh

Pagwatch he is GORGEOUS!!! I love the way he's cut too, much more managable.
What is he like with other dogs? My MIL has a westie and it'd be nice if he could come to her house.

I've shown my daughter your profile pic of your dog and she's said "aww, he's so cute, can I have him??" I said "I don't think Pagwatch would be too happy", to which she replied "that's a funny name!"

He is very sociable and friendly with other dogs.
We have noticed that small dogs can be aggressive with him- we think his size is a bit intimidating so they get defensive. But friends coming to stay/visit often bring their dogs and they always get on iyswim.

He is a sweetie. He was certainly a good thing to do re ds2 who is very fond of him.r

Pag he is adorable (as are your kids btw!)

Get one mummyloveslucy! My 8 year old ds is an only child and we got a black lab 2 years ago. Best thing we did - they adore each other.

love OES
we had a bearded collie which is similar-bit smaller

we also kept her with a puppy cut ,6-8 weekly groomer visit about £25
and the regular trimming of bum needed

I have a dog who is a bit Shetland collie - on an American Shetland site I learned the term 'poop chute' to describe 'trouser trimming' your dog . Please get a rescue dog, please!