Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed known for its shaggy fur and playful personality. They were originally bred in England to herd sheep and cattle.
Old English Sheepdog Breed overview
Old English Sheepdogs are affectionate and loyal dogs that require a lot of grooming and exercise. They are friendly with children and other dogs but may be reserved with strangers. Their thick coat requires regular maintenance, and they are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and skin allergies. They are not well-suited to hot weather and require a lot of space to move around. Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and adaptable dogs that excel in dog sports and other activities that challenge their physical and mental abilities.
Explore other breeds
What To Expect When Caring For a Old English Sheepdog
Health
Old English Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help to catch potential health problems early and ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy.
Exercise
Old English Sheepdogs require plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Daily walks, playtime in a fenced yard, and interactive toys can all help to provide the stimulation and activity that they need.
Training
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and trainable dogs, but can be prone to stubbornness and independence.
Consistent training and positive reinforcement methods can help to build a strong bond between you and your dog, and ensure that they develop into a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult.
Nutrition
Old English Sheepdogs should be fed a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Avoid overfeeding and be mindful of their activity levels to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming
Old English Sheepdogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats and tangles.
Frequent brushing, trimming, and bathing are all important to maintain their appearance and overall health.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.
Old English Sheepdog Traits & Characteristics
Old English Sheepdogs are a large breed, standing 21 to 26 inches tall and weighing between 60 and 100 pounds.
Their coats are a distinctive feature, long and shaggy with a soft undercoat. They come in a variety of colors, including gray, blue, and white.
They have a playful and lively personality, but can be prone to stubbornness and independence if not properly trained and socialized. They require plenty of exercise and attention.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Old English Sheepdogs are known to be affectionate with their families. They crave attention and love being part of daily activities. They may even follow you from room to room, wanting to be close.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Very good with children, Old English Sheepdogs are playful and gentle. They can tolerate a lot of activity and noise that comes with children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Old English Sheepdogs are sociable by nature and generally get along with other dogs. Early socialisation is recommended so they will be friendly even with unfamiliar dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Old English Sheepdogs are friendly by nature and love meeting new people. However, they tend to be reserved and can be wary of strangers until they get to know them.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Old English Sheepdogs are playful dogs that enjoy activities like fetching, running and jumping.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Old English Sheepdogs are alert dogs, but not aggressive. They are very loyal and protective of their family and their home.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Old English Sheepdogs are adaptable dogs that can live in a variety of settings, from apartments to houses with large yards. They adjust well to changes in routine, but can be sensitive to harsh training methods.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Old English Sheepdogs have a dense, thick, and long coat that requires regular grooming to avoid matting and tangling. They shed all year round and heavily twice per year, requiring extensive grooming during those periods.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Old English Sheepdogs are high maintenance when it comes to grooming. A long coat requires a lot of maintenance, including daily brushing to prevent matting, frequent bathing and haircuts.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Old English Sheepdogs do not drool excessively, but they do tend to drool a bit when they are thirsty or after eating.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Old English Sheepdogs are a large breed, weighing between 60-100 pounds and standing up to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. They require a lot of space to move around and are not well-suited to small living spaces.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Old English Sheepdogs are moderate-energy dogs, requiring daily exercise and playtime. They enjoy going for walks, but are also happy to relax on the sofa with their family.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Old English Sheepdogs require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports like agility or obedience.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Old English Sheepdogs have a long history as working dogs. They were originally used as herding dogs, and can excel at dog sports such as obedience and agility.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Old English Sheepdogs do not have a strong natural hunting instinct. However, they may enjoy playing games such as fetch and tracking.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Old English Sheepdogs are moderately energetic dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy participating in dog sports and other activities that challenge their physical and mental abilities.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Old English Sheepdogs are generally healthy, but they are prone to several health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help keep them healthy.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Old English Sheepdogs are prone to weight gain and obesity. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems such as joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Old English Sheepdog originated in England, where the climate is cool and damp. They have a double coat that insulates them from the cold and are well-suited to cold weather.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Old English Sheepdogs do not do well in hot weather and are prone to heatstroke. They should be kept cool and hydrated during hot weather and not left outside for extended periods of time.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Old English Sheepdogs are large dogs and require a lot of space to move around. While they can adapt to apartment living, they require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Old English Sheepdogs do not have a strong wanderlust instinct, but they do require a securely fenced yard and leash when out on walks, as they can be curious and easily distracted.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Old English Sheepdogs can be sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training or criticism. Positive reinforcement training methods work best for them.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Old English Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are prone to separation anxiety and can become destructive when left alone for too long.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Old English Sheepdogs are not excessive barkers, but they will bark to let their family know when someone is at the door or when they sense danger.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation. They enjoy learning new tricks and participating in dog sports like agility or obedience.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Old English Sheepdogs can be challenging for novice owners due to their stubbornness and high maintenance coat. Experienced dog owners will find them to be affectionate and loyal companions.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Old English Sheepdogs can be stubborn and difficult to train. They require consistent training and a lot of patience, as they tend to be independent and like to do things their own way.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Old English Sheepdogs are known to be affectionate with their families. They crave attention and love being part of daily activities. They may even follow you from room to room, wanting to be close.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Very good with children, Old English Sheepdogs are playful and gentle. They can tolerate a lot of activity and noise that comes with children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Old English Sheepdogs are sociable by nature and generally get along with other dogs. Early socialisation is recommended so they will be friendly even with unfamiliar dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Old English Sheepdogs are friendly by nature and love meeting new people. However, they tend to be reserved and can be wary of strangers until they get to know them.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Old English Sheepdogs are playful dogs that enjoy activities like fetching, running and jumping.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Old English Sheepdogs are alert dogs, but not aggressive. They are very loyal and protective of their family and their home.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Old English Sheepdogs are adaptable dogs that can live in a variety of settings, from apartments to houses with large yards. They adjust well to changes in routine, but can be sensitive to harsh training methods.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Old English Sheepdogs have a dense, thick, and long coat that requires regular grooming to avoid matting and tangling. They shed all year round and heavily twice per year, requiring extensive grooming during those periods.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Old English Sheepdogs are high maintenance when it comes to grooming. A long coat requires a lot of maintenance, including daily brushing to prevent matting, frequent bathing and haircuts.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Old English Sheepdogs do not drool excessively, but they do tend to drool a bit when they are thirsty or after eating.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Old English Sheepdogs are a large breed, weighing between 60-100 pounds and standing up to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. They require a lot of space to move around and are not well-suited to small living spaces.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Old English Sheepdogs are moderate-energy dogs, requiring daily exercise and playtime. They enjoy going for walks, but are also happy to relax on the sofa with their family.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Old English Sheepdogs require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports like agility or obedience.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Old English Sheepdogs have a long history as working dogs. They were originally used as herding dogs, and can excel at dog sports such as obedience and agility.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Old English Sheepdogs do not have a strong natural hunting instinct. However, they may enjoy playing games such as fetch and tracking.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Old English Sheepdogs are moderately energetic dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy participating in dog sports and other activities that challenge their physical and mental abilities.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Old English Sheepdogs are generally healthy, but they are prone to several health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help keep them healthy.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Old English Sheepdogs are prone to weight gain and obesity. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems such as joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Old English Sheepdog originated in England, where the climate is cool and damp. They have a double coat that insulates them from the cold and are well-suited to cold weather.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Old English Sheepdogs do not do well in hot weather and are prone to heatstroke. They should be kept cool and hydrated during hot weather and not left outside for extended periods of time.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Old English Sheepdogs are large dogs and require a lot of space to move around. While they can adapt to apartment living, they require daily exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Old English Sheepdogs do not have a strong wanderlust instinct, but they do require a securely fenced yard and leash when out on walks, as they can be curious and easily distracted.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Old English Sheepdogs can be sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training or criticism. Positive reinforcement training methods work best for them.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Old English Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are prone to separation anxiety and can become destructive when left alone for too long.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Old English Sheepdogs are not excessive barkers, but they will bark to let their family know when someone is at the door or when they sense danger.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation. They enjoy learning new tricks and participating in dog sports like agility or obedience.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Old English Sheepdogs can be challenging for novice owners due to their stubbornness and high maintenance coat. Experienced dog owners will find them to be affectionate and loyal companions.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Old English Sheepdogs can be stubborn and difficult to train. They require consistent training and a lot of patience, as they tend to be independent and like to do things their own way.
Similar breeds
History of the Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog was originally bred in England to drive and protect livestock.
They were popular among farmers as a versatile working dog, able to herd cattle and sheep as well as serve as a watchdog.
The breed nearly went extinct during World War II, but a concerted effort by breeders helped to revive the breed in the following years.
Old English Sheepdog Puppies
Old English Sheepdog puppies are born with soft, fluffy fur that will grow into thick shaggy coats as they mature.
They are playful and curious, but can be prone to mischief if not properly supervised.
Early socialization and consistent training is important to help them develop into well-adjusted and obedient adults.