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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

independent lovey-dovey

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.

not suitable for kids great with kids

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.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

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.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

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.

laid-back very playful

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

less alert very alert

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.

less adaptable very adaptable

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.

no shedding hair everywhere

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.

low maintenance high maintenance

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.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

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.

very small very large

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.

couch potato high energy

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.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

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.

not suitable for working great for working

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.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

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.

low-drive high vigor

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.

less healthy very healthy

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.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

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.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

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.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

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.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

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.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

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.

less sensitive very sensitive

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.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

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.

quiet very vocal

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.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

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.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

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.

difficult to train easy to train

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

independent lovey-dovey

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

not suitable for kids great with kids

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

not dog friendly very dog friendly

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

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

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

laid-back very playful

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

less alert very alert

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

less adaptable very adaptable

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

no shedding hair everywhere

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

low maintenance high maintenance

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

dry mouthed heavy drooler

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

very small very large

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

couch potato high 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

low exercise needs high exercise needs

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

not suitable for working great for 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

not suitable for hunting great for 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

low-drive high 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

less healthy very healthy

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

not prone to obesity highly prone to 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

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

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

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

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

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

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

less likely to wander very likely to wander

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

less sensitive very sensitive

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

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

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

quiet very vocal

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

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

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

not suitable for novice owners great for 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

difficult to train easy to train

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.

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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.

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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.