Welcome to
the Old English Sheepdog Club of Victoria (OESCV)
About OESCV
The prime objective of the Old English Sheepdog Club of Victoria Inc. is not only to promote and encourage the breeding of purebred Old English Sheepdogs, but also to increase the interest in our breed and desire to have an Old English Sheepdog as a member of the family.
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Furthermore, to promote and encourage the caring, upkeep, socialisation, training, and general well-being of Old English Sheepdogs is a priority of the club, and at the forefront of all we do in educating our stunning breed throughout society.
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We are fortunate to have our breed as the Dulux Paint Group brand mascot (since 1961), and the Old English Sheepdog is often referred to as the “Dulux Dog”, hence our breed is popular and highly recognisable wherever seen around our communities.
The Accidental Icon: How the Dulux Dog Was Born!
In 1961, the advertising agency of Dulux (UK) was struggling to come up with a fresh idea for their new TV and print campaign. They needed a creative spark to make house paint feel exciting, but nothing was sticking.
One day, the Dulux Marketing Director stopped by the film studio with her Old English Sheepdog in tow. As she listened to the team bounce around the usual ideas, she offered a bold suggestion: “Why not include my dog in the commercial?” The agency scoffed, never work with animals, they said. But she stood firm. Her dog was charming, attention-grabbing, and always the centre of attention wherever they went. With nothing better on the table, the team gave it a go. The result? Sales soared.
Audiences adored the fluffy scene-stealer, and the Old English Sheepdog became forever known as the "Dulux Dog". The campaign gave the brand a new life and identity, helping Dulux stand out in a crowded market.​​
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Paul McCartney (The Beatles) saw a Dulux ad on TV and thought he'd love to have a dog like that. He got into his Aston Martin, drove to an Old English Sheepdog breeder, purchased a female puppy (it was a lot easier to get an OES in the mid 1960s!), and drove back home. He named her Martha and the other three Beatles embraced her accordingly. Martha inspired Paul McCartney's song Martha My Dear on The Beatles White album. The breed's popularity boomed! Paul still owns an Old English Sheepdog today.
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What began as a spontaneous idea turned into one of the most iconic brand mascots in advertising history, still loved and widely recognised worldwide.
The Dulux dog
We thank our Major Sponsor Dulux for keeping our beloved Old English Sheepdog breed relevant over the last 65 years. Having our breed as their iconic brand mascot offers us an unrivalled recognition in today’s world given the multitude of cues vying for our attention and support. We appreciate and value Dulux’s continual support as we do all our Sponsors.
About our breed
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, athletic breed, easily recognised by its unmistakable shaggy coat. Once fully grown, they typically weigh between 34–40 kilograms. Known as an “OES,” the breed was historically used as a drover’s dog, helping farmers herd cattle and sheep to market over long distances in the late 1700s and throughout the 1800s. To cover these miles efficiently, they developed a distinctive amble and gait that conserved their energy on the move.
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In the 1900s, the Old English Sheepdog became and dog for the aristocracy. From the 1960s, the breed, due to their exposure on TV through Dulux, seeing celebrities owning an OES, and watching various films and TV shows starring an OES, e.g. Disney's The Shaggy Dog etc., the breed became very popular as a family dog.
Today, the OES is valued not only for their working history but also for their personality. Adaptable and intelligent, this breed is known for their easygoing nature and affectionate temperament. They form strong bonds with all members of the family and, despite their fluffy appearance, their coats do not shed as heavily as many expect. Loyal, protective, and loving, the OES makes a wonderful family companion.
Behind that tousled coat and bear-like stride, the Old English Sheepdog remains a gentle, playful, and devoted dog, bringing warmth and character to every home.​ Take a look at our breed overview for some more information on our beloved OES'.
Looking for a puppy?
Demand for Old English Sheepdogs always outweighs supply. They draw attention wherever they go and are so often the most popular furry friend in the room. But they do require somewhat more looking after than some other breeds.
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Offering them your company, making them a cherished member of your family INSIDE your home, and looking after their coat is mandatory and necessary when you have an Old English Sheepdog.
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Though there may not be any puppies here in Victoria at the time you're looking to get a new puppy, there are breeders in all other Australian States.
We have developed a puppy register which is kept up to date with information on where and who to contact for your new friend.
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Learn as much as you can about what it’s like to own and love an Old English Sheepdog, and if you are still prepared to look after one of them, nurture and love them for their life, then contact us for information on available puppies. Alternatively, jump onto the Dogzonline website to search for reputable OES breeders in Australia.
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Why join OESCV?
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MIX WITH OTHER OES MEMBERS​
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HELPS INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF GETTING A PUPPY
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HELPS TO GET IN TOUCH WITH BREEDERS
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HELP, ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO MEMBERS WITH THEIR OES
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TRAINING AND SOCIALISING EXPERTISE
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DISCOUNTS AND SUPPORT THROUGH SPONSORS
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JOIN OESCV AND DULUX PROMOTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS
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EXTRA INCOME WITH THE PROMOTIONS TEAM
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JOIN CLUB EVENTS
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PROMOTE AND PRESERVE THE BREED
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QUARTERLY CLUB NEWSLETTER