Old English Sheep Dog Breed Quiz

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Question of
Which of the following colors/shades are considered distinctly objectionable by AKC breed standard?
- Grey
- Fawn
- Grizzle
- Blue
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> ANY shade of brown or fawn to be considered distinctly objectionable and not to be encouraged. - AKC Breed Standard </div>
Question of
What is Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) in Old English Sheepdogs?
- An inherited brain condition that affects coordination
- A skin condition that causes hair loss
- A heart defect present at birth
- An eye disease that causes blindness
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) is an inherited brain condition where certain cells in the cerebellum—the part of the brain that controls coordination—gradually die off. In Old English Sheepdogs, symptoms usually appear between 6 months and 4 years of age and progress slowly, causing problems with balance, walking, and coordination. It's caused by a recessive gene, so a dog only develops it if it inherits the mutation from both parents. Carriers show no signs, which is why the trait spread silently in the breed for years. Researchers have identified the exact gene (RAB24) responsible, and a DNA test now lets breeders avoid pairing two carriers—so responsible breeding can prevent the disease. </div>
Question of
What does the MDR1 gene mutation mean for an Old English Sheepdog?
- It makes the dog highly sensitive to certain common medications
- It makes the dog immune to all drugs
- It only affects the dog’s coat color
- It causes a painful, life-shortening disease
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The MDR1 gene mutation doesn't cause any day-to-day illness—an affected OES can live a completely normal, healthy life. But it removes the "bouncer" protein that normally keeps certain drugs out of the brain, so if the dog gets one of these medications, it can build up in the brain and cause severe problems like tremors, blindness, seizures, coma, or even death. The biggest dangers are the over-the-counter anti-diarrheal Imodium and high doses of ivermectin (like those used for mange)—though the low doses in monthly heartworm preventatives are generally safe. A simple cheek swab or blood test can tell you your dog's MDR1 status, so you and your vet know what to avoid. </div>
Question of
Which of the following breeds shares a common ancestor with the Old English Sheepdog for the RAB24 gene mutation that causes Cerebellar Abiotrophy?
- Irish Setter
- Gordon Setter
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Golden Retriever
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> Genomic research found that Old English Sheepdogs and Gordon Setters share an unusually long, identical block of DNA around the mutated RAB24 gene—the defect that causes Cerebellar Abiotrophy. Since it's highly unlikely for the same complex mutation to appear randomly in two breeds, scientists concluded that both descend from a common ancestral founder that existed before the herding and sporting lineages split. </div>
Question of
Why were Old English Sheepdogs’ tails docked in 18th- and 19th-century England?
- To identify them as working farm animals exempt from dog taxes
- To improve their balance while herding
- To prevent tail injuries during sheep herding
- To make them look more like other herding breeds
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> Old English Sheepdogs earned the nickname "Bobtail" or "Bob" because working drover dogs had their tails docked in 18th- and 19th-century England. British authorities taxed pet dogs, but working dogs—identified by their docked tails—were exempt. Farmers cropped the tails short to prove the dogs were actively driving sheep and cattle to market, not just sitting at home as pets. Today, many countries have outlawed tail docking, so seeing an OES with a long, feathered tail is very common. </div>
Question of
What is EIC in Old English Sheepdogs?
- A genetic condition that makes dogs collapse after strenuous exercise
- A heart condition that causes fainting during rest
- A joint disease that causes limping after long walks
- A breathing problem triggered by hot weather
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> University of Minnesota identified a mutation in the DMN1 gene that was highly associated with Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) in Labrador Retrievers. Further research confirmed that this same mutation is present in other breeds experiencing EIC, including OES - oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org </div>
Question of
According to the book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, by Stanley Coren, where does the OES rank in terms of working/obedience intelligence?
- 30
- 63
- 48
- 89
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The OES ranks 63rd in the book, generally meaning they will learn new commands after 40-80 repitions and follow the first command 30% of the time or higher. </div>
Question of
According to the C-BARQ data, where does the Old English Sheepdog rank among 124 breeds for attachment/attention-seeking behavior?
- 24
- 6
- 56
- 88
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The C-BARQ data ranks the Old English Sheepdog 6th out of 124 breeds for attachment/attention-seeking behavior—very high. This means OES dogs love being close to their owners, crave attention and affection, and may even get jealous when their owner gives attention to other dogs or people. They're a breed that truly wants to be by your side. </div>
Question of
According to the AKC, the Old English Sheepdog is a hypoallergenic dog breed.
- TRUE
- FALSE
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The OES is NOT of the AKC list of Hypoallergenic Dogs. </div>
Question of
According to the C-BARQ data, where does the Old English Sheepdog rank among 124 breeds for dog rivalry with familiar dogs?
- 33
- 13
- 100
- 66
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The C-BARQ data ranks the Old English Sheepdog 13th out of 124 breeds for dog rivalry—very high. This means OES dogs can be competitive and may act hostile or threatening toward other familiar dogs in the same household. They don't always get along well with other dogs, so supervision and training may be needed to keep the peace. </div>
Question of
As recorded by the AKC in Fast Cat running trials, what is the average running speed of OES?
- 22.03 mph
- 18 mph
- 20.12 mph
- 26.22 mph
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> AKC Fast Cat average running speed for the OES is 22.03 mph. The fastest time recorded was by a dog named Cheshire Accidentally In Love at 30.47 mph! </div>

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Old English Sheep Dog Breed Quiz

Which of the following colors/shades are considered distinctly objectionable by AKC breed standard?

What is Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) in Old English Sheepdogs?

What does the MDR1 gene mutation mean for an Old English Sheepdog?

Which of the following breeds shares a common ancestor with the Old English Sheepdog for the RAB24 gene mutation that causes Cerebellar Abiotrophy?

Why were Old English Sheepdogs’ tails docked in 18th- and 19th-century England?

What is EIC in Old English Sheepdogs?

According to the book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, by Stanley Coren, where does the OES rank in terms of working/obedience intelligence?

According to the C-BARQ data, where does the Old English Sheepdog rank among 124 breeds for attachment/attention-seeking behavior?

According to the AKC, the Old English Sheepdog is a hypoallergenic dog breed.

According to the C-BARQ data, where does the Old English Sheepdog rank among 124 breeds for dog rivalry with familiar dogs?

As recorded by the AKC in Fast Cat running trials, what is the average running speed of OES?

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