Old English sheepdog

noun

1. one of an English breed of large working dogs having a long, shaggy, gray or blue-merle and white coat that hangs over the eyes, and a bobbed tail, originally developed to drive sheep and cattle.

Old English sheepdog

noun

1. a breed of large bobtailed sheepdog with a profuse shaggy coat

Word History and Origins

Origin of Old English sheepdog¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The Old English sheepdog/Scottish deerhound mix was frightened by loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks.

From Washington Post

The winners can’t be revealed until Sunday's airing, but it wasn’t the best day for Blue, an Old English sheepdog.

From Los Angeles Times

The firm, known for its Old English sheepdog mascot, is putting the money into its R&D site in Felling, Gateshead.

From BBC

This year the look was perfectly captured by Colton Johnson, who showed Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect, the Old English sheepdog that won the herding group.

From New York Times

Swagger, an Old English sheepdog, was a crowd favorite, The New York Times reported.

From Washington Times