Old English Sheepdog Index Main page and Index of Breeds

Old English Sheepdog
Tobacco, Tea and Playing Cards

Old English Sheepdogs have a wonderful selection of both cards and stamps from around the world.
To check out the Old English Sheepdog Stamps from Around the World, click here.


This card was issued in 1961 by Horniman's Tea. On the back it says, "Not an old breed but certainly dates back to 1771, when Gainsborough painted one. Originally a drover's dog used to drive sheep and cattle to market, and as exempt from taxes had their tails docked to prove their occupation. Now some born without tails. A profuse coat, large skull, short powerful body, peculiar ambling gait like a bear's, and a loud hollow bark are the main characteristics of the 'Bobtail'."
Old English Sheepdog Card 1(Hornimans Tea, 1961)... $4.95 each



This card was issued by W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1937. The cards were intended to be inserted singly into packets of 10 cigarettes. On the back it says, "Faithful, intelligent and a good worker on sheep or cattle. Head massive and powerful. Ears small and set on side of skull. Eyes rather small, very intelligent-looking, usually dark brown, but one "wall-eye" (china-blue) often seen in lighter coloured dogs. Neck fairly long and arched, shoulders very powerful. Forelegs straight, heavily boned, with big feet. Hind legs big and slightly bent at hock. Body square and massive with powerful loins, shoulders lower than hindquarters. Coat very dense and shaggy, rather wavy but not curly; undercoat dense. Colour: dark blue, pigeon blue, and grizzle, with a few white markings. Puppies are born either without tail, or have it entirely docked."
Old English Sheepdog Card 2(Wills Dogs, 1937)... $4.95 each



This cartoon-like card was issued in 1988 by Cofton Collections. It is interesting to compare this more modern card with the older cards from the 1930's. On the back it simply lists the address of Crofton Collections in Birmingham, England.
Old English Sheepdog Card 3(Cofton Collections reprint, 1988)... $4.95 each



This lovely photograph is put out by a company called Service Line in Modena, Italy. The date of issue is 1996. There is nothing printed on the back of the card except the title of the series Dogs & Cats and the subject dog is not identified.
Old English Sheepdog Card 4(Service Line Modena Italy, 1996)... $4.95 each



This card is from a set called "Popular Dogs" issued in 1967 by George Bassett & Co. Ltd. On the back it says, "The Old English Sheepdog is singularly attractive in its coat of grey, grisle, blue or blue-merle with or without white markings. They are strong, hardy and extremely intelligent, the coat is of a hard texture not straight but shaggy and free from curl."
Old English Sheepdog Card 5(George Bassett "Popular Dogs", 1967)... SOLD OUT



Another beautiful real photographic card, this one issued by Carreras Ltd. in 1936 The title of the set is: "Dogs and Friend: A Series of 50 Described by Lady Kitty Ritson." On the back it says, "The Old English Sheep-dog has a fascination of its own, and foreigners are generally keen about it. It is a very attractive companion, and its coat is not as difficult to keep clean as might be imagined. The well-known composer, Dame Ethel Smythe, has had one Sheep-dog after another for many years, and Marion Cran, the great writer on gardens, is also very devoted to the breed. They are not often used for sheep in this country, the little working collie being considered better."
Old English Sheepdog Card 7(Carreras Dogs and Friend, 1936)... SOLD OUT



This lovely photographic card titled 'Bobtail Sheepdogs' was issued by Pattreiouex and enclosed in Senior Service cigarettes, There were 48 photos in the series (this card is no. 23) and were put out in 1939. On the back it says, "The Bobtail has a kind of deep wisdom, almost, at times, he seems to reason. His only fault, to ordinary folk, is his coat."
Old English Sheepdog Card 9(Pattreiouex Photographs, 1939)... $6.95 each



This last photographic card (card no. 43 from the same series as no. 23 above) was also issued by Pattreiouex titled 'Bobtail Sheepdog Puppy' and enclosed in Senior Service Cigarettes. On the back it says, "Though the old English Sheepdog is really more of a cattle dog he is sometimes born without a tail, at other times with a stump."
Old English Sheepdog Card 10(Pattreiouex Photographs, 1939)... $6.95 each



This adorable puppy is from a set that was originally printed by W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1940 but was never issued. As a result, the originals are very scarce and sell for well over $400! This reprint was officially authorized and was done by Imperial Publishing in 1990. The narrative on the back was done by the artist Lucy Dawson. "I found "Bob" one day, feeling rather warm in his thick coat, lying in the sun at one of the Zoos. He was for sale and I hope he was given a good home; he nearly persuaded me to take care of him, but just think of the room he would need when full grown! I hope he will find a home in the country, where all bob-tailed sheepdogs belong."
Old English Sheepdog Card 11(Wills Puppies by Dawson reissue, 1990)... $6.95 each



In 1940, John Player & Sons issued a wonderful set called Dogs Heads (Eire). In 1994, they issued a reprint since the others are so hard to find and the cards themselves were outstanding. On the back it says, "Old English Sheepdog. It is thought that the Scotch Bearded Collie had much to do with the production of the Old English Sheepdog, which originally was used for driving of sheep and cattle. It is customary to remove the tail, possibly a survival from the days when a shepherd's dog was immune from tax if its tail had been so treated. In spite of its profuse coat, it is not difficult to keep clean with regular grooming, and its shambling gait belies its bounding activity. The breed is now kept almost entirely as a show dog or companion, but some owners still work their dogs."
Old English Sheepdog Card 12(Players Dogs Heads Eire reproduction, 1994)... SOLD OUT



Old English Sheep Dog.
This card was issued by John Player & Sons in 1929 and was inserted singly into packets of cigarettes. It is card #31 in the series of 50. On the back is printed: "The Old Bob-tail Sheep Dog is picturesque. intelligent, and affectionate, equally admirable as a companion, or as a stock dog in charge of sheep, cattle, or New Forest ponies. The custom of docking the tail is said to have originated with drovers who adopted this method of distinguishing working dogs, which were exempted from taxation. One or two bob tails, however, often occur in a litter. The hard shaggy coat is grey or blue, often marked with white.
Height about 24 ins. bitches being rather shorter"
Old English Sheepdog Card 13(Players Dogs Heads, 1929)... $7.95 each



I think this is my favorite of all the smaller Old English Sheepdog cards because of the lovely scenic background. It was issued by John Player & Sons in 1925 and was inserted singly into packets of cigarettes. This card is #33 in the same series as the one above. The printing on the back is identical as the card above. It says, "The Old Bob-tail Sheepdog is picturesque, intelligent, and affectionate, equally admirable as a companion or as a stock dog in charge of sheep, cattle, or New Forest ponies. The custom of docking the tail is said to have originated with drovers who adopted this method of distinguishing working dogs, which were exempted from taxation. One or two natural bob-tails, however, often occur in a litter. The hard shaggy coat is grey or blue, often marked with white. Height about 24 ins., bitches being rather shorter."
Old English Sheepdog Card 14(Players Scenic, 1925)... $7.95 each




This beautiful painting of Champion Rag-Tag of Pickhurst is from a series of 25 Champion Dogs put out by ARDATH and STATE EXPRESS 333 cigarettes in 1934. The picture below is a copy of the back of the card giving the statistics for the Old English Sheepdogs for that era.



Old English Sheepdog Card 15(Ardath Champion Dogs, 1934)... $9.95 each



This wonderful card is from the series 'Top Dogs-Grandee' issued by Players in 1979. The following is shown on the back of the card
THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
"Surely the original "Shaggy Dog". Long coat, huge mop of a head, with plenty of room for brains; great soft paws, no tail, but instead a whole waggling body to show affection. Origin rather vaque but has been known in Britain for about 300 years and bears a strong resemblance to similar sheepdogs in Russia and Europe. Alternative name, "Bobtail" may stem from the time when shepherd's dogs were taxed if not docked. A large dog, deceptively agile with a tireless elastic gallop and a characteristic roll or amble when walking or trotting-exactly like a bear. Now rarely used for work, its coat is far heavier than when shepherds sheared their dogs with the sheep - and dipped them too. The profuse coat of today needs a lot of attention but has one advantage-a year's combings should give enough soft, hard wearing wool to make an exclusive home grown sweater. Height 22 inches and over for dogs. Slightly less for Bitches."
Old English Sheepdog Card 16(Players Top Dogs Grandee, 1979)... $9.95 each



This first card was intended to be issued by John Player & Sons in about 1940, however a paper shortage due to the outbreak of World War II prevented this. Fortunately, a number of the cards were printed and made available to collectors. On the back it says, "This is a breed of ancient if uncertain origin, and Flemish painters of the fifteenth century depicted dogs very similar in appearance to our modern Old English Sheepdog. It was, however, not until 1873 that the breed was exhibited in this country, and fifteen years later the Old English Sheepdog Club was formed. With its working ability all too seldom exploited, it is as a show dog that the breed is largely maintained today. Its long wooly coat, which covers head and body, is most attractive when properly groomed and, if freely exercised, the Old English Sheepdog is a most aimable companion."
Old English Sheepdog Card 17(Players Dogs Heads, 1940)... SOLD OUT



This lovely card was issued in 1938 by Gallaher Ltd. to be inserted in their packs of 10 cigarettes. On the back it says, "The Bob-Tail or Old English Sheepdog. The Old English Sheepdog is better known as the Bob-tail since the tail is removed during puppyhood. Its origin is obscure: it is believed to have been evolved from the old bearded Collie though the present Bob-tail with its long coat and colouring is totally unlike its supposed ancestor. Despite its size, it is very agile and absolutely tireless, with almost human intelligence, and the cleverness with which a Bob-tail works a flock of sheep is a remarkable sight. It is interesting to note the size of Bob-tail families -- a litter of ten puppies is no rarity."
Old English Sheepdog Card 19(Gallaher Dogs 2nd Series, 1938)... $9.95 each



"OUR PUPPIES"
Godfrey Phillips issued these puppy cards in a series called 'Our Puppies' in 1936. The following is printed on the back of the card:
OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG
"An intelligent companion and a fine worker on sheep, he is tailless and has a shaggy coat. Hindquarters should be higher than his shoulders."
Old English Sheepdog Card 21(Godfrey Phillips OUR PUPPIES, 1936)... $12.95 each



OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
Premiere Trading cards were made for use in vending machines manufactured exclusively by the Oak Manufacturing Company of Culver City, CA in 1950. The following is printed on the reverse side of the card: "It is presumed that the Old English Sheepdog had its origin in the West of England about one hundred and fifty years ago. This breed was developed primarily for use in driving herds of cattle and sheep into the market. He is a good companion dog, home-loving, not given to roaming or fighting. He is very agile and because of his intelligence, affection and lack of boisterousness, he makes a good house dog and an excellent watch dog. Ideal as a companion for young children. Besides its profuse coat, a marked characteristic of this breed is its gait, very much like the shuffle of a bear."
Old English Sheepdog Card 22(Premier Trading Cards, Oak Mfg. co., 1950)... $14.95 each



OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
Hignett put out this set of cards in 1936. The reverse side of the card has the following printed:
"The original purpose of this breed was the guarding of flocks against the raids of wild animals, and breeds of a similar kind are so used in many European countries to-day. The Bobtail is not used very much as a working sheepdog in this country nowadays and appears chiefly as a show dog. Some pupies are born with tails, others without. The Club's standard demands that tails removed entirely, an operation that was perhaps performed originally in the interests of cleanliness. or possibly to avoid taxation from which sheepdogs without tails were at one time exempt."
Old English Sheepdog Card 24(Hignett Dogs, 1936)... $19.95 each



The original of this card was issued by W.D.& H.O. Wills in 1914 and an officially authorized reproduction was done by Victoria Gallery in 1987. On the back it says, "The Bob-tail Sheepdog takes its name from its almost absence of tail, which is of the shortest possible dimensions. They are remarkably active, faithful, and affectionate, and are possessed of much resource and endurance. As a working dog they have no superior, their endurance of cold and fatigue, and their ability as sheep-drivers, making them favourites with shepherds. They are remarkably adept at driving, rounding up and turning flocks, and show great intelligence when separating members of the herd under their charge from those of any other herd they chance to meet during their journey. Their qualifications as sporting dogs are also excellent. They make capital retrievers, being easily controlled, light-mouthed and sagacious, and are capital dogs to shoot over. In colour, they should be grey, grizzle, or blue; about 22 inches being the average height."
Old English Sheepdog 25(Wills Dogs A Series ORIGINAL, 1914)... $24.95 each
Old English Sheepdog Card 25X(Wills Dogs A Series reproduction, 1987)... $6.95 each



Sheep Dog
(Old English),
Moustafa Tobacco co. issued these lovely headstudies by artist Leo Chambers in 1924. The following is printed on the back of the card:
"To start with, this dog must be taught to respect the sheep, and with care he can be taught some really marvellous feats in the matter of driving and herding sheep. He is an excellent companion of the very intelligent and gentle type. He is shaggycoated and walks with a distinct "bear-like" roll. He should have a big. square head, small ears and entire absence of tail. Feed on spratt's Dog Cakes and "Rodnim."
Old English Sheepdog Card 26(Moustafa Leo Chambers Dogs Heads, 1924) ... $24.95 each



Edwards Ringer & Bigg issued a Klondyke Dog Series in 1908. These wonderful cards are over 97 years old and the one shown here is in nearly perfect condition. On the back it says, "Old English Sheep-Dog. Its origin is of great but uncertain antiquity, and, though long neglected from a show-dog point of view, is now coming more into favour. Has square-built, compact, muscular body, with docked tail (hence called Bobtail), profuse long shaggy coat of grey, grizzle, or pigeon blue color, with or without white markings. Numerous as farm dog in Midland and Southern Counties. Height 22 inches upwards. Weight about 50 lbs."
Old English Sheepdog Card 27(Ringers Klondyke, 1908) ... SOLD OUT


This is not an antique tobacco or tea card, but was issued a couple of years ago as a trading card. On the back it says, "Old English Sheepdog. Character: The Old English Sheepdog or Bobtail is an extremely popular breed, being a devoted friend and guardian of children with a sound, sensible temperament. It will live contentedly in a fairly small house despite its bulk. Coat: The coat should be of a good hard texture and needs daily grooming down to the skin to prevent mats forming. The body colour can be any shade of blue-grey, set off by the white markings on the head, chest and front legs. Size: 25-30 lg. Country Origin: Great Britain."
Old English Sheepdog Trading Card... SOLD OUT

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Old English Sheepdog Post Cards
Old English Sheepdog Post Card 1... $7.95 each



Old English Sheepdog Post Card 2... $9.95 each



Old English Sheepdog Post Card 3... $9.95 each



Old English Sheepdog Post Card 4... $9.95 each



The path trod by man and dog winds back to the dim caves of history. They have traveled far, these two, working and playing together as only best friends can do. And nowhere does the story of this lifelong companionship unfold with more heartfelt emotion and delightful humor then in Great Britain. Where the Englishmen long ago formed the habit of taking his dog wherever he went...from pub to pew.
Appropriately, on February 7, 1979--in celebration of the world famous annual Cruft's Dog Show--Great Britain released four stamps honoring the best-known and best-loved native British dogs; West Highland Terrier, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Old English Sheepdog, and Irish Setter. For this important First Day of Issue, Fleetwood commissioned Peter Barrett, the British artist who designed the stamps, to create original works of art for the "Magic of Man's Best Friend Collection". You get the stamp AND the card for one price. Don't miss out on this First Day of Issue for your own collection. I have only one. Since 'someone' has printed an address on the back of the card we have reduced the price for this beautiful work of art.
Old English Sheepdog Post Card 5(Artist Peter Barrett's Rendition of the Old English Sheepdog)... $14.95 each

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Old English Sheepdog Envelopes


A first day of issue envelope issued dated Feb. 7, 1979 . It has 4 remarkable Great Britain stamps affixed to the front of the envelope, an Irish Setter, a West Highland White Terrier, a Brittany Spaniel and an OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG. The front of the envelope has an drawing of an English Setter. An awesome piece for your collection. ONE ONLY. Don't miss out on this rare find.
United Kingdom, constitutional monarchy in northwestern Europe, officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the largest island in the cluster of islands, or archipelago, known as the British Isles. England is the largest and most populous division of the island of Great Britain, making up the south and east. The capital of the United Kingdom is the city of London, situated near the southeaster tip of England. The term England should never be used to describe Britain, because England is only one part of the island. The United Kingdom is a small nation, roughly the size of Colorado or Oregon. The climate, in general, is mild, chilly, and often wet. Rain or overcast skies can be expected for up to 300 days per year. In general, British subjects belong to one of the more affluent states of Europe and enjoy a high standard of living compared to the rest of the world. Britain has been important in the arts throughout modern times.
Old English Sheepdog Envelope from Great Britain 1... $24.95 each



For more details on the united Kingdom, see the envelope above
Another first day of issue envelope issued dated Feb. 7, 1979 with a Bulldog drawing taking front and center. This envelope also features 4 remarkable Great Britain stamps affixed to the front of the envelope, an Irish Setter, a West Highland White Terrier, a Brittany Spaniel and an OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG. not to be missed piece for your collection. ONE ONLY.
Old English Sheepdog Envelope from Great Britain 2... $24.95 each

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Old English Sheepdog Playing Card

Sorry, we don't have any complete sets of playing cards. These were from collections of antique cards and there is no way of knowing how old they are or where one might find more of them. They are certainly a part of Old English Sheepdog history.


This deck of cards was produced in Japan several years ago. There are several breeds in the deck and each breed is sold as a single card separately. The Old English Sheepdog in it is the Three of Clubs.
ONE ONLY.
Old English Sheepdog Playing Card 1... $6.95 each

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Old English Sheepdog Cigar Bands


Old English Sheepdog Cigar Band... $7.95 each

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To check out the Old English Sheepdog Stamps from Around the World, click here.

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* We can take visa, mastercard, discover, or PayPal. We try to keep all cards in stock, so we probably have the ones that you are looking for.

* Truly one of the cheapest unique treats for yourself or a friend (great for club trophies as well!)

* It is absolutely true that you will often find some of these cards at very reasonable prices. On the other hand, if you add in the gas, hours, and hassles that it has taken to find them, you may find it easier to just get them from us while we have them :*) I don't always count on getting more in the near future. I get them when I can find them and the stock is not always constant.

* I do have other breeds available. Let me know and perhaps I can do a page for your breed.

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~*~ Francie Stull ~*~
729 Mercer Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101
Toll free (800) 658-6699, (270) 777-0744

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