Old English Sheepdog

• ExerciseModerate

  A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• GroomingDaily grooming

  Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Cataracts · Hypothyroidism

The Old English Sheepdog is a big, bouncing, shaggy haystack of a dog with a bear-like shuffle, a heart of gold and a genuine sense of humour. Originally a drover's dog, it is playful, gentle, adaptable and famously good with children, and it bonds closely with its family and wants to be involved in everything. It has real herding energy and needs daily exercise and mental engagement plus consistent, positive training and early socialisation, and it can be an amiable clown or a bored, mischievous handful depending on how much you engage it. The most important commitment is the coat: that huge, dense, shaggy double coat mats badly and needs thorough brushing several times a week (realistically most days), or a much shorter clip — this is a serious, ongoing grooming job, not an optional extra. Health-wise, buy from a breeder who screens hips and eyes, and be aware of hip dysplasia, cataracts and other eye disease, hypothyroidism, congenital deafness, and bloat (feed measured meals and rest after eating). Commit to the grooming, give an OES exercise, training and family inclusion, and this comical, devoted sheepdog will be a loving companion for ten to twelve years.

• How much exercise does a Old English Sheepdog need?

  Moderate. A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• How much grooming does a Old English Sheepdog need?

  Daily grooming. Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Is a Old English Sheepdog suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Old English Sheepdog a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Old English Sheepdog live?

  10–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Old English Sheepdog?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Cataracts, Hypothyroidism. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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