Jere Marder
1. My name is Jere Marder, and I’m a breeder/owner-handler of Old English Sheepdogs. I’m presently on OESCA’s (Old English Sheepdog Club of America) Judges’ Education Committee and am the Breeders’ Education Committee Coordinator. My husband, Michael, and I moved almost 20 years ago to Valparaiso, Indiana, so we’d have more room for the dogs after living in a condominium in downtown Chicago, Illinois, for 40 years. My first bobtail, “Bridgette,” came to us in 1969 as a Christmas present from my husband. I started showing in 1977 and breeding in 1982, producing and/or owning over 20 Best in Show dogs and over 130 champions, the majority under the “Lambluv” prefix.
2. Hallmarks of any breed are of the utmost importance; otherwise, what is there to grade a breed’s quality? In relevance to Old English Sheepdogs, several key hallmarks are what make a bobtail, a bobtail. For example, specimens should be square, thickset, and compact. The topline carries a level back with a slight rise over the loin. The body should be pear-shaped, physically broader at the rear than at the point of shoulder. The 1953 Breed Standard called for 35 points out of 100 for the head, interpreting (making) the Old English Sheepdog a head breed. The head should be square, relatively flat, and broad, with a defined stop; wide-set eyes, dark brown or any shade of blue; and a fairly long, truncated muzzle with a strong underjaw. Our breed type is our Standard. The Standard’s verbiage is the blueprint for what we, as breeders, should produce and preserve. It is important to note, the hallmarks of the Old English Sheepdog should be found more appropriately through hands-on examination, NOT through a specimen’s silhouette.
3. Yes, there are still individuals who seek out responsibly bred, purebred dogs.
4. Social media has entirely changed the way we breed dogs. The new avenues of communication have opened a multitude of channels of genetics. Breeders now have access to “frozen” dogs across continents that previously may not have been as easily accessible. Our dogs now hold the ability to influence breeding programs domestically and internationally, thanks to new reproductive science. The Old English Sheepdog gene pool is not terribly large, so these advancements have aided in continuing the breed’s preservation.
5. Absolutely. Doodles have taken over a margin of society that once favored purebred dogs.
6. Old English Sheepdogs have progressively become a low-entry breed. This has made it very difficult to finish Championships. Since the introduction of the Grand Championship system, exhibitors in the breed are not buying puppies to show, but instead are continuing to show their Champion dogs to new tiers.
7. Changes or not in the sport, positivity stems from the exhibitors. It is our job as veterans of the sport to mentor and encourage new people. Our support is crucial for exhibitors who are just beginning their journey in this wonderful sport!
