Old English Sheepdog Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

27-45 kg

Height

61 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Old English Sheepdog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

Looking for a large, loveable, and playful furry addition to the family? Then the Old English Sheepdog may be the perfect dog for you! One of the largest breeds of sheepdog, they make an ideal family pet because of their kind and gentle temperament.

For more facts on this breed, as well as information about how to groom, train, and care for an Old English Sheepdog, keep reading!

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 originated in England in the 1800s. These herding dogs were originally used to drive livestock. The breed’s substantial and plush coat is a testament to its purpose, serving to insulate the dog during the cold weather.

Back when the dogs worked on farms herding livestock, their tails were docked to prove that they were exempt from being taxed. Tail docking is now prohibited in many areas.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888, these dogs are now lovable family companions. After a concern about extinction of the breed in 2020, popularity is on the rise again.

What is an Old English Sheepdog breed?

The Old English Sheepdog, often referred to as OES, is a large and robust breed renowned for its distinctive double-layered coat. Comprising a soft undercoat and a denser, protective outer layer, the coat can range in colors from shades of grey to blue merle. Some of these dogs might exhibit striking white markings, while others may not.

Characterized by a loving and animated disposition, the OES often exudes enthusiasm, particularly during outdoor activities and playtime. This makes them an engaging and delightful companion for families willing to invest time in training and affection.

The breed’s abundant coat does require consistent grooming, leading to frequent appointments with professional groomers. Despite the high maintenance of their appearance, their warm and spirited personality tends to win the hearts of those fortunate enough to spend time with them.

As a member of the herding group, their historical roots are entrenched in driving livestock and farm work. Their size, intelligence, and agility made them suitable for these tasks, and though they are more commonly kept as pets today, these inherent qualities remain integral to the breed’s character.

Who is an Old English Sheepdog best for?

As well as requiring regular grooming and coat maintenance, the OES needs a moderate amount of daily exercise, as well as 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 size and playful personality of the sheepdog, they may be best suited to families with older children. They are serious working dogs and require a firm and patient hand, so are likely better suited to an experienced dog owner.

Old English Sheepdog Grooming & Shedding

As touched upon earlier, Old English Sheepdogs are pretty high maintenance in terms of their grooming needs! Their gorgeous, thick coats are prone to tangles and require daily brushing. You should also be prepared to have your house covered in fur, especially during shedding season! For this reason, many owners elect to shear the coat once or twice a year.

Do Old English Sheepdogs bark a lot?

This dog breed has a noisy, ringing bark that can be quite distinctive. Their tendency to bark is moderate. If trained properly, you should not expect to hear an excessive amount of barking from dogs of this breed.

What is the average weight & height of an Old English Sheepdog?

The OES is a large breed and the average height for an adult is 61 cm. The weight range is 27 to 45 kg.

Are Old English Sheepdogs easy to train?

The OES is an intelligent breed and therefore, it is essential that they receive training beginning in puppyhood. They are quick to learn new tricks; however, they can also be stubborn (and get too used to being a couch potato!).

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.

How do Old English Sheepdogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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 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 playing or working!

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 with separation anxiety.

Does the Old English Sheepdog have any common health issues?

Just like other purebred dogs, OES breeds are prone to a number of health conditions, including:

Hip Dysplasia: Malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis. Seek certified breeders who test for this condition.
Eye Problems: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to catch and manage potential eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, both of which can affect vision leading to blindness. Breeding dogs should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, GDV): A critical condition where the stomach twists on itself, often requiring emergency intervention. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and encouraging slow eating can be beneficial.
Deafness: Some Old English Sheepdogs may experience hearing loss or deafness, requiring attentive care and possible modifications to training and communication.
Heart Conditions: Regular monitoring and care are needed to manage heart health, as the breed may be prone to certain heart issues.
Thyroid Issues: Hypothyroidism can occur in Old English Sheepdogs. Regular veterinary screenings can help in early detection and management. Breeding dogs should also be tested.
Exercise Induced Collapse: This genetic disorder can cause physical collapse or weakness after intense exercise. Understanding the dog’s limits and working closely with a vet can help manage this condition. Breeding dogs should be tested.

What is the lifespan of an 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 does an Old English Sheepdog need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup. These large dogs require a lot of food to maintain their size and strength without straining their bones and joints. But be careful not to overfeed them – their thick coat can make it harder to notice if they are packing on the pounds.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. It is also important to feed a large breed puppy food to your growing sheepdog. As this breed is already prone to heart disease, it is especially critical to avoid grain-free diets, which have recently been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour.

As with many large deep chested breeds, bloat (twisting of the stomach also known as gastric dilitation and volvulus or GDV) is possible, so feeding smaller more frequent meals and encouraging eating slowly may be beneficial.

How much can you expect to pay for an 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. Not only will you be providing a home for a dog in need, but cost savings will be significant.

If you are looking to purchase an Old English Sheepdog the cost may range from $1800 to $4000. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Be sure to go with a reputable breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies. It can be a good idea to check your local Old English Sheepdog Club for advice and for accredited breeders.

Old English Sheepdog FAQs

Are Old English Sheepdogs rare?

In 2020, the OES breed was on watchlists for extinction as there had been a steady decline in the popularity of the OES. However, more recently, there has been a surge in OES puppy registrations, meaning there is no longer a worry of extinction.

Should I shave my Old English Sheepdog?

While you can shave your dog, it is not a requirement.

Are Old English Sheepdogs hypoallergenic dogs?

It’s unlikely that you will find any dog breeds that will be completely hypoallergenic. However, if you or someone in your household does suffer from allergies, then the OES breed is probably one you want to stay clear of due to their long profuse coats and regular shedding.

When should an Old English Sheepdog be neutered?

Traditionally, the recommended age for neutering has been 6 months. However, many vets now recommend waiting to neuter large breed dogs until they are fully grown (which may be around 12 to 18 months of age or later) in an effort to help prevent bone and joint issues later in life. You should speak directly with your veterinarian for specific advice for your Old English Sheepdog.