Old English Sheepdog: Your Complete Guide

The Old English sheepdog is famous for their endearing yet hilariously shaggy appearance… But make no mistake: Despite their goofy look, they’re exceptionally smart, adaptable, and resilient. They will go to great lengths to please their loved ones and can make truly wonderful family companions.

As herding dogs, Old English sheepdogs are energetic and work-driven. They’ll appreciate a family who enjoys spending time outdoors as much as they do. They also benefit from lots of mental enrichment, whether in the form of herding trials, games of tug-of-war, or obedience training.

If the Old English sheepdog’s unwavering devotion has won over your heart, we don’t blame you. However, it’s important to learn all you can about their needs before you look to adopt this pup. In this guide, we’ll explore the Old English sheepdog’s personality quirks, history, health, care needs, and everything else you need to know.

Quick Look at the Old English Sheepdog

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Old English Sheepdogs?

While the Old English sheepdog’s exact origins are relatively unclear, they are thought to have first emerged in the west of England during the late 18th century. Despite what their name may lead you to think, Old English sheepdogs were initially developed to be drover dogs, capable of moving cattle and sheep across long distances while keeping a watchful eye out for potential threats.

They were eventually exported to America, where their distinct, profuse double coat and warm, even temperament made them popular show dogs. The Old English Sheepdog Club of America was officially founded in 1904.

Since then, Old English sheepdogs have continued to surge in popularity — and not just as working dogs and show dogs. They have become the go-to family pet for people after an active, protective companion whose heart is just as large as their profuse double coat. These same qualities have also allowed them to become fluffy celebrities, with the breed featured in classic movies like “The Shaggy Dog, “The Little Mermaid,” and “101 Dalmatians.”

Here’s an interesting fact for you: Old English sheepdogs are also known as “bobtails.” This nickname pays homage to how they traditionally had their tails docked. Working dogs were exempt from local taxes in the past, and many owners chose to dock their tails to prove that they were working dogs and not family pets.

Fortunately, this practice has since fallen out of favor and is not a requirement under the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) breed standard. In many countries, tail docking has also been made illegal.

What Do Old English Sheepdogs Look Like?

The Old English sheepdog is easily recognizable because of their profuse, shaggy double coat. Their fur comes in various shades of grey, white, blue, and grizzle. However, the most common color combination is white and grey, with white forming the majority of the coat and grey being prominent on their back, legs, and tail.

Beneath their fluff is a dog who is powerful and athletically built. They’re well-muscled and heavy boned, with a defined, strong jaw and sturdy hindquarters. They also carry themselves confidently — evident by their effortless, striding gait. Like most working dogs, they also have a naturally intelligent, alert expression.

What Size Is an Old English Sheepdog?

The Old English sheepdog is a large, sturdy breed weighing between 60 and 100 pounds in adulthood. They also stand at least 21 inches tall at the withers, with males being slightly larger than females. They have a well-balanced, stocky build with no legginess in sight.

As is the case for every breed, treat this as a rough guide. Your Old English sheepdog’s exact size will depend on their genetics, upbringing, and health. If you’re looking to purchase a puppy, it’s best to meet the parents to gain a better sense of what their full-grown size is likely to be.

What Is an Old English Sheepdog’s Coat Type and Length?

The Old English sheepdog has a profuse, long double coat. The undercoat is dense and water repellent, which helps to keep them protected from harsh weather, while the top coat is formed of hairs that are harsh and shaggy in texture. Their hairs have a subtle wave and are never straight.

Their coat’s texture gives them a cloud-like, poofy look, though it is not excessive to the point that it hides their physique or appears unkempt. Expect moderate feathering on their ears, necks, and legs.

What Is an Old English Sheepdog’s Temperament?

The Old English sheepdog’s temperament has been shaped by their drover dog lineage. They’re protective, loyal, and even-tempered, with a naturally alert, curious side. They are also work-driven and can adapt to suit different families and homes. While they can be wary around unfamiliar people and other dogs, they’re incredibly loving with their families. They are known to be particularly nurturing toward children.

Bred to think on their paws, the Old English sheepdog also has an independent streak. This trait will need to be carefully managed with consistent training, as it can present as stubbornness if left unchecked. Their large size also means they’re best suited to experienced owners who can be firm but patient with them.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Good With Kids?

While large and powerful, Old English sheepdogs get along with kids tremendously well. They tend to instinctively see them as their “flock,” and go to great lengths to protect them and help them feel comfortable, loved, and safe. They’re also patient and tolerant of roughhousing.

Old English sheepdogs are gentle with kids of all ages. However, as a responsible owner, you’ll still want to supervise their interactions together as a precaution. This is especially the case around toddlers, who are still learning how to interact and play with animals safely and respectfully.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Good With Other Animals?

Old English sheepdogs are loving and affectionate dogs, and they can generally get along well with other dogs when properly socialized. However, they are large and known to play boisterously, which can rule them out if you have small, fragile toy breeds in your home.

For similar reasons, they typically aren’t good candidates if you have small pets like cats, rabbits, or hamsters. They also have fairly high prey drives and often chase prey-like animals, particularly fast-moving animals they aren’t familiar with. They should be kept on a leash around natural wildlife to prevent accidents.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Aggressive?

Old English sheepdogs aren’t more prone to aggressive behaviors like snapping or growling than any other breed. They are generally gentle and polite around everyone they meet. They can be vigilant and appear aggressive when they’re protecting their loved ones. However, this is primarily to deter potential threats and isn’t likely to lead to any “real” aggression.

Still, their large size and independent streak can make unwanted behaviors hard to deal with once they become a habit, so these will need to be managed quickly with consistent training and socialization.

Do Old English Sheepdogs Bark?

Old English sheepdogs aren’t known to be excessively vocal, though due to their lineage as drover dogs, they will often bark to alert you to the arrival of visitors and changes in the environment. They also often bark when they’re excited during play.

While their barking tendency is moderate, they still aren’t the best fit for neighborhoods with strict noise restrictions. Their barks are deep and loud, with a distinctive clanging (pot-casse), and can be heard from afar.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Affectionate?

Old English sheepdogs are affectionate, oversized lapdogs who love to play and cuddle. They’re happiest when they’re spending time with their loved ones, and will enjoy being included in all your family gatherings.

Old English sheepdogs tend to be protective of their family and those they consider their flock, which can make them wary around strangers. However, they’ll warm up quickly as long as a positive, gradual introduction is made.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Intelligent?

Absolutely! Old English sheepdogs were selectively bred to stay alert for hours, work independently, and make quick decisions without relying on their humans’ direction. These qualities all require phenomenal brainpower, and today the breed has earned a reputation as being one of the smartest dogs around.

That said, their high intelligence and strong work drive do mean they need to be given a job or purpose to feel happy. Without enough mental stimulation, they become bored quickly and may become destructive.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Energetic?

As you would expect from a drover breed, the Old English sheepdog is an extremely energetic dog. They’re best paired with people who lead active lifestyles. They need at least two hours of exercise each day, preferably in the form of vigorous activities like hikes and runs, with plenty of mentally-stimulating play in between.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Easy to Train?

The Old English sheepdog is intelligent and thrives when given a job, though that doesn’t exactly translate to “easy to train.” Their independent streak means they often prefer to do things their way, whether or not it aligns with their owner’s preferences. Considering this, they’re best suited to experienced owners who have a familiarity with similar, independent-minded breeds.

Old English sheepdogs will respond extremely well to positive reinforcement measures and a firm, consistent approach. With proper guidance, they can readily pick up complex tricks and even excel in dog sports.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Good Watchdogs?

Old English sheepdogs have been historically utilized as protective drover dogs, so they are more alert to their surroundings than other breeds. They are also likely to bark if they feel something is amiss. These qualities make them fantastic watchdogs, especially with socialization that helps them to distinguish threats effectively.

Better yet, they won’t just alert you to intruders; their imposing appearance is likely to deter them. They are also extremely brave and won’t hesitate to put themselves between you and a perceived danger.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Good Service Dogs?

The Old English sheepdog can be a good candidate for service dog work. They are alert, loyal, and intelligent, and appreciate being given a job. Their powerful physique also means no task is too physically demanding for them, whether that’s offering balance assistance or administering deep pressure therapy (DPT).

That said, whether or not the Old English sheepdog will be able to put service dog work into practice ultimately comes down to their individual temperament. They do tend to be stubborn, which means they can struggle to perform tasks consistently and reliably. It’s best to assess the Old English sheepdog’s temperament in person. Observe how they respond and react in different situations before choosing them for service work.

How to Care for an Old English Sheepdog?

The Old English sheepdog is a powerful, captivating breed who has plenty of lovable traits. They’re exceptionally loyal and will do anything to keep their loved ones safe and happy.

However, it’s important to show them the same dedication. You need to exercise them regularly, provide them with plenty of mental enrichment, and keep on top of their health with routine vet appointments. You should also feed them high-quality, nutritious dog food and groom them regularly to prevent mats from forming in their profuse double coat.

Do You Need to Groom an Old English Sheepdog?

Yes — the Old English sheepdog’s double coat is prone to matting and requires regular upkeep to maintain. You should brush them thoroughly at least three times a week with a slicker brush, and increase this frequency to daily when they blow their coat to tackle the excess fur. You should also make sure to work right down to their skin to prevent mats from forming in their undercoat layer.

Old English sheepdogs also require regular trims to keep their fur at a manageable, comfortable length. A professional groomer can help with this if you feel nervous around clippers. You should also ensure the feathering around their pawpads is kept well-trimmed. Pawpad feathering may be cute, but it picks up dirt quickly and can cause them to slip on hardwood surfaces.

Your Old English sheepdog’s grooming routine should also consist of regular ear cleaning, daily teeth brushing, and baths every four to eight weeks.

Do Old English Sheepdogs Shed?

Old English sheepdogs do shed moderately throughout the year. This increases during seasonal changes when they blow out their coat to cope with the changing temperatures. However, provided you keep on top of their grooming routine, you aren’t likely to be battling their fluff every second of your day.

What Health Problems Do Old English Sheepdogs Have?

Old English sheepdogs are usually robust, resilient dogs, though they are predisposed to certain health problems. The most common issues include hip dysplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy, congenital deafness, gastric dilatation-volvulus or “bloat,” and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

As a responsible Old English sheepdog owner, it’s important to monitor their health closely to ensure they live a healthy life for years to come. You should also provide regular vet appointments and work with a breeder who always conducts thorough health screenings on their breeding stock.

Bloat is a serious, life-threatening condition that you need to be alert for. If your Old English sheepdog shows any signs of bloat, such as dry retching, restless pacing, or a swollen abdomen, take them to a veterinarian immediately for urgent care.

You can help to minimize the chances of bloat by ensuring you avoid walking your Old English sheepdog immediately after mealtimes. You should also break their food down into smaller meals throughout the day.

How Long Do Old English Sheepdogs Live?

The Old English sheepdog’s lifespan is around 10 to 12 years on average. This is in line with what to expect of a breed of this size and build. However, many Old English sheepdogs can live for a lot longer, particularly if they receive proper care and come from good lineage.

What Should an Old English Sheepdog Eat?

An Old English sheepdog should be fed a diet that supports their overall well-being and gives them all the energy they need to play and exercise. Their diet should consist of omega fatty acids, high-quality lean protein sources, and complex carbohydrates, as well as a mix of vitamins and minerals. Many Old English sheepdogs also benefit from joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine, particularly as they reach their golden years.

Your Old English sheepdog’s exact dietary needs and recommended caloric intake will depend on their age, size, and activity level. However, most will require between 2 and 4 cups of dog food per day, split across two to three meals. Arrange an appointment with your vet for further dietary advice.

Is an Old English Sheepdog the Right Dog for Me?

Old English sheepdogs are energetic, loyal, and intelligent dogs who match best with owners who lead active lifestyles and can give them a strong purpose. They do need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and these needs must be met to prevent boredom and to stop behavioral issues from arising. Their coats are also high-maintenance and need regular grooming.

If you’re an experienced owner who can give this shaggy pup the care they need to thrive each day, then the Old English sheepdog is sure to make a wonderful companion. They’ll show their gratitude through endless affection and unfaltering devotion.