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International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Authors

Michael W. Fox

Abstract

It is common for owners of Old English Sheepdogs to allow the dog’s facial hair to cover the eyes. This practice is often justified by a claim that Old English Sheepdog eyes are very sensitive to light because, when the hair is cut away, the dog may blink its eyes, and the eyes may water. However, any animal whose eyes are not exposed to daylight will demonstrate photophobia when the eyes are exposed. The hair screen over the eyes may also lead to chronic conjunctivitis. Finally, the dog often shows a significant positive temperament change when the hair screen is cut away. A dog who may have been shy, timid, and unpredictable changes suddenly into a tractable, responsive, and emotionally stable companion.

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