Dog breeds / Old English sheepdog
Photo: Mona (uploaded by Caronna 08:14, 15 Apr 2005 (UTC)) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Old English sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a sturdy, good-natured herding dog with a famously shaggy coat and a playful, people-oriented personality. Most are patient and affectionate with children and friendly toward other dogs, though their herding instincts can show up as nipping at heels or trying to gather a running toddler. They are happiest as part of the household rather than left alone in a yard, and they tend to be more sensitive than they look.
Day to day, they need regular walks, games, and time with their people, plus consistent, reward-based training started early. Their long coat needs frequent brushing to prevent mats, and they do best in homes where they are not left alone for long stretches. Mental stimulation like puzzle toys and short training sessions helps keep them settled.
Good for: Active families with a yard and time to groom
| Size | large |
| Height | 22–24 in |
| Exercise | about 90 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | England |
Their long coat needs regular brushing, and they bond so closely they can struggle when left alone for long periods.
Living with a Old English sheepdog
Exercise
Plan for a daily walk plus active play, such as fetch or a fenced yard run. Their herding background means they enjoy having a job and do well with training games.
Grooming
The double coat is long and dense and sheds moderately to heavily, especially seasonally. Plan on brushing several times a week, with more during shedding season, and bathing only as needed.
Health
Old English Sheepdogs are prone to hip dysplasia, deafness, and eye problems such as cataracts. Ask your vet about screening, and choose a breeder who health-tests breeding dogs.
- Hip dysplasia
- Deafness
- Cataracts
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Old English sheepdog
Weather
Watch above 72°F, stop at 82°F
Coat or short walks below 32°F. Big dogs overheat before small ones: water on every warm walk, and pavement checked with the back of your hand.
Right now
Latest dog food recalls
Aunt Millie s Bakehouse Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns 6" Sliced 2 OUNCE. 12 unlabeled 12CT PKGS per sale unit case, product code 7502. Net. Wt. 18lbs.
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Sep 13 · Undeclared sesame
Breadman Brioche products in plastic bags: Brioche Toast, 2 lb. (1 loaf/bag), Brioche Buns, 40oz (10 buns/bag), Brioche Sliders, 50oz (25 sliders/bag), Brioche Hot Dog, 40oz (10 buns/bag)
Breadbox Co. · May 16 · Undeclared Yellow No. 5
Our Family White Hot Dog Enriched Buns, 8 count 12oz. retail unit UPC 0-70253-75107-3
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Mar 21 · undeclared sesame
Questions owners ask
Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Yes, they shed moderately to heavily, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. Frequent brushing, several times a week, keeps loose hair and mats under control.
Can an Old English Sheepdog live in an apartment?
It is possible if they get daily walks and plenty of attention, but they are large and need room to move. A house with a fenced yard suits them better.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good with kids?
Many are gentle and patient with children they know well. Supervise young kids, since herding instincts can lead to nipping or bumping into small children.
Good picks for a Old English sheepdog
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