Old English Sheepdog Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Old English Sheepdog?

Historians have found it hard to pinpoint the exact origins of the Old English Sheepdog; however, it is generally thought that this breed has been around for about two hundred years. Originally bred in the British Isles to be able to cope with working outside in the cold English weather, it is no wonder that the OES breed has such a heavy, fluffy coat!

Sadly, back when the dogs worked on farms herding livestock, their tails were docked to prove that they were exempt from being taxed. Thankfully, tail docking is illegal in Australia and many other countries around the world.

Who are Old English Sheepdog dogs best for?

As well as requiring regular coat maintenance, the OES need daily exercise for around two hours and also needs a considerable amount of mental stimulation. This means that this dog breed is best for those who have enough time and energy to invest in their pet to make them feel loved and to keep them as healthy as possible.

While perfect for a family, it is important to note that due to the sheer size of the sheepdog and bearing in mind how playful they can be, this type of dog is best suited to families with older children.

How much grooming does a Old English Sheepdog need?

As touched upon earlier, in terms of grooming, Old English Sheepdogs are pretty high maintenance! Their gorgeous, thick coat requires regular brushing (daily grooming is optimal), and you will have to be prepared to have your house covered in fur from all of their malting!

The Old English Sheepdog coat will benefit from a visit to the groomers fairly regularly, as, without proper coat care, their fur can become matted and twisted, which will not be pleasant for your pup.

Do Old English Sheepdog bark much?

As noted in the OES breed standard, this dog breed has a noisy, ringing bark that can be quite distinctive and can be described as 'two pots clanging together'. If trained properly, however, you should not expect to hear an excessive amount of barking from dogs of this breed.

Do Old English Sheepdog bite?

The OES is not one of those dog breeds that are prone to biting regularly, especially if they have had early socialisation. That being said, due to their playful nature, it may be the case that an OES will nip at you now and again, but this will not usually be in an aggressive way at all.

What is the temperament & personality of a Old English Sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdogs have lots of energy and are very playful. While they love long walks and plenty of exercise, they also require regular mental stimulation as they can get bored very easily. You will usually find that your OES loves meeting other dogs on walks and making friends!

In terms of personality, OES breeds are loving and gentle and, despite their large and stocky appearance, will enjoy cuddling up on the sofa by the fire after a long day of chasing around birds!

One thing to bear in mind is that because this breed can grow so attached to its owners, it is not uncommon to find Old English Sheepdogs that have separation anxiety-related issues.

What is the weight & size of a Old English Sheepdog?

The OES is a large breed and, at adult age will range from 27 kgs all the way up to 45kgs. An adult dog will be 53cm or taller.

How much training does a Old English Sheepdog need?

As emphasised throughout this guide, the OES is an intelligent breed and therefore, it is essential that they receive training straight from puppy age. They are quick to learn new tricks; however, they can also be stubborn (and get too used to being a couch potato!), so it is important to start obedience training from a young age.

Due to their high energy levels, it is possible that your Old English Sheepdog will enjoy taking part in dog sports, especially if it means they get to make lots of furry friends and spend time playing! Due to the dogs' natural instincts, they are wonderful at driving sheep and therefore do well when competing in herding trials.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Old English Sheepdog?

Just like other purebred dogs, OES breeds are prone to a number of health conditions, the main one being hip dysplasia. This is where the thighbone doesn't fit correctly into the hip joint, and it will eventually lead to arthritis.

If you are looking to buy an Old English Sheepdog puppy, then it is best to look for a national breed club/ kennel club certified breeder, as this will make sure that the parents have been tested for this condition and have proved to be healthy.

Compared to other dogs, the OES are at more risk of dental disease. To combat this issue, it is important to brush your dog's teeth regularly to remove plaque. Feeding your dog the right type of food and using dental chews will also help avoid this problem.

Other health issues that are associated with this breed include eye problems, deafness and heart conditions.

What is the lifespan of a Old English Sheepdog?

Generally, the OES is considered a healthy breed and will likely lead a very happy life with an average lifespan of ten to twelve years.

How much should you feed a Old English Sheepdog?

As with other dogs that are large in size, it is common to find Old English Sheepdogs that are being overfed. The portion size will vary in age, but it is ideal for this breed to receive two meals a day, preferably at the same time to help create some sort of routine for the dog.

Treats can be really useful during training and socialising your dog; however, any treats should be taken into consideration when it comes to mealtimes, and quantities should be revised accordingly.

It is important to remember that due to the luscious and thick coat of the OES breeds, it means it can be hard to notice when your dog has put on some pounds! For this reason, it is always a good idea to get your dog's weight checked regularly.

What is the price of a Old English Sheepdog in Australia?

It is common to find dogs of this breed in rescue centres due to irresponsible dog ownership. These rescue organisations are a great place to look for your new pet, as you will have the knowledge that you are providing a loving home to a dog that otherwise wouldn't have one. In addition, you will find considerable cost savings if you do choose to go down this route.

If you are looking to purchase an Old English Sheepdog, then it is important to stay wary of those advertising dogs for a low price, as they may be from a puppy farm and are therefore being mistreated. It can be a good idea to check your local Old English Sheepdog Club for advice and for accredited breeders.