Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix

The Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Norrbottenspets and the Old English Sheepdog. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Norrbottenspets is known for being curious, happy, and energetic. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Norrbottenspets or the Old English Sheepdog? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix puppies for sale.

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Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Norrbottenspets History

The Norrbottenspets—also called a Nordic Spitz, Norbottenspitz and Pohjanpystykorva— originated in Sweden and Finland from Spitz type dogs. Originally a farm and hunting dog, the Norrbottenspets is now more of a companion than a working dog.

The male Norrbottenspets is more masculine looking than the softer female Norrbottenspets, but their demeanors are the same. The Norrbottenspets breed is know to be one of the softest, more gentle and affectionate of the many dog breeds. It is known for its loving and sweet nature, which makes a Norrbottenspets a perfect choice for any family.

The Norrbottenspets breed has been documented back as early as the 17th century and originated in Norrbotten, Sweden as well as Lappland/Kainuuland, Finland. There is still a feud among the two countries as to which was the original that homed the Norrbottenspets. Since the dog was prevalent in both countries at the same time; the debate will continue.

As a hunting dog originally, the Norrbottenspets breed was used for hunting different types of grouse as well as fox, marten and raccoon. After that, Norrbottenspets were taught to find squirrels in the beginning of the 20th century due to the high demand for squirrel fur.

As with many dog breeds in World War I, the Norrbottenspets almost became extinct. Because there was such a small number of Norrbottenspets, Sweden actually closed its studbook in 1948. Later, enthusiasts sought out remaining pets and started to breed them throughout the 1950s and 1960s to grow back the gene pool.

In 1966, after the breed came back strong, the officially name became Norrbottenspets. The Swedish Kennel Club accepted the breed in 1967, and in 1973, Finland accepted the standard and were called Pohjanpystykorva.

As of yet, the Norrbottenspets is not recognized officially by the American Kennel Club, but it is part of the Foundation Stock Service. This is an option recording service for purebred dogs that are not able to register for the American Kennel Club as of yet.

Old English Sheepdog History

The Old English Sheepdog comes from a breed of dog that originates in England. Names that are now obsolete for this breed include Shepherd’s Dog and Bob-Tailed Sheep-Dog.

The Old English Sheepdog was historically a drover which means it helped farmers drive cattle and sheep to the market. Today, they are more of companion dog than anything. They make great family pets are adaptable, intelligent, and very easy-going.

All around, the Old English Sheepdog is friendly; and although they are larger dogs, they would be as happy in an apartment as in a home. As long as they are with family, they would do well in most environments. Being not only kid and stranger-friendly, they are also dog-friendly.

The exact origin of an Old English Sheepdog is not known. There were dogs there were similar to the Old English Sheepdog, but there were no records that were kept. There is a small dog that looks similar to an Old English Sheepdog in a painting by Gainsborough in 1771 that many believe could be an earlier type of Old English Sheepdog. Then in the early 19th Century there was a dog called a Smithfield or Cotswold Cor that could have been an ancestor as well. The Bearded Collie is agreed to be among the original stock that was used in creating todays breed. Some think the Russian Owtchar was part of the ancestor list as well.

When the Old English Sheepdog was called the Shepherd’s Dog, it was first exhibited in 1873 in Birmingham, England. The breed was exposed to the United States in the 1880s, and by the 20th Century, the breed has been bred by five of the ten wealthiest American families.

Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix Size and Weight

Norrbottenspets
Height: 17 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 18 - 33 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Old English Sheepdog
Height: 20 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 60 - 100 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix Personality

The Norrbottenspets and the Old English Sheepdog are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Norrbottenspets mixed with the Old English Sheepdog might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Norrbottenspets Old English Sheepdog Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Norrbottenspets Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in