This shaggy dog is famously even-tempered, friendly and gentle. But don’t be fooled by all that fur, Old English Sheepdogs still need their fair share of exercise (and grooming!) to make them happy housemates.
Personality and temperament
Old English Sheepdogs (OES) are a sweet, loving breed who loves being a part of everything their human family does. They’re sociable dogs and get along with everyone they meet, including children, but playdates should be supervised simply because of their size. With lively bubbly personalities, Old English Sheepdogs know when it’s OK to play and be silly, and when to calm down and rest. It’s a useful skill in a family dog. Despite their size, these happy chaps are all heart and love be treated like one of the family.
Size and appearance
Old English Sheepdogs have an easily recognisable (and loveable) look. Their overly fluffy double coat covers every part of their body, and they have a distinct bear-like walk, making them look like a smaller dog in a sheep dog costume. But underneath all of that shaggy fur is a highly athletic and agile body designed for herding. They are also known for their naturally occurring ‘bobtails’ – very short tails – which many OES have. Males can weigh up to around 46kg (females slightly less) and can reach up to 56cm, so these charming dogs take up space! Their warm and welcoming expression, gentle eyes and floppy fringe make them irresistibly cute.
History
Despite their name, Old English Sheepdogs are neither an old breed (compared to other ancient herding breeds), nor an exclusively sheep herding dog. They’re also not just English. Talk about a misleading! OES actually date back to about the 18th century in rural England, where they were the result of mixing Scottish, European, and Russian breeds to create a droving dog used to wrangle cattle from pasture to market. By the 1880s Old English Sheepdogs were shown at dog shows in Europe and across the Atlantic in America, and a century later the breed became famous in Australia in the 1960s as the mascot for Dulux paint. After years of TV commercials, ‘the Dulux dog’ grew in popularity around the country. In New Zealand, the Old English Sheepdog was used in the cross breeding of the native Huntaway and Heading dog breeds, designed for the large Kiwi sheep stations.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Old English Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, however they can be prone to some common conditions, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (where the joints don’t form properly)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Eye conditions, including cataracts and progressive vision loss
- Inherited deafness
- Bloat (GDV) (life-threatening stomach twisting)
- Skin issues (their dense coat traps moisture)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Old English Sheepdog healthy.
Food and exercise
Like all large breeds, Old English Sheepdogs love their food. A nutrient-dense, high quality diet designed for large dogs will help them stay agile, but they can be prone to becoming overweight, so portion control is key. It can be hard to tell under all of that fur if they are putting on weight but a regular check in with your vet can help.
Being a working dog, Old English Sheepdogs need consistent, daily exercise. Around 45-60 minutes a day should do the trick. They’ll love brisk walks, play sessions with other dogs and their humans, agility training and herding-style games (got any sheep in your top paddock?). Avoid anything that puts too much strain on their joints and avoid exercising in the heat of the day as they can overheat – they’re wearing a thick fur jacket, after all!
Grooming and maintenance
With all that fur, Old English Sheepdogs shed lightly all year with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. How much they shed depends on their fur length and grooming routine.
- Bathe: every 6-8 weeks
- Professional groom: every 6-8 weeks (helpful for de-shedding)
How to groom your Old English Sheepdog
- Fur: brush every second day focusing on legs, tummy and behind ears (daily during shedding)
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly as thick hair traps dirt
- Eyes: wipe daily (long fridge can irritate eyes)
Training and space requirements
Old English Sheepdogs can be both fun and challenging to train. They’re eager to please and intelligent, but a strong stubborn streak requires patient and consistency. Short training sessions, positive reinforcement and treats work best.
As a large doggo, Old English Sheepdogs need space to run around and stretch their legs; they generally don’t thrive in apartments or small homes. A secure, fenced backyard will give them an area to run around, while a larger house can allow for their huge bed and their large body.
Best suited for…
Old English Sheepdogs are sweet-natured and full of love. They suit calm, active families (with or without kids), and anyone with enough space, time and patience to attend to their grooming and exercise needs.
