Old English Sheepdog
A large, shaggy English herding breed with a famously profuse coat. Affectionate, gentle and good-natured, but the coat is hugely demanding and it needs regular exercise.
Old English Sheepdog scorecard
Overview
The Old English Sheepdog is one of Britain's most recognisable breeds: a large, square, profusely coated herding dog whose shaggy grey-and-white coat famously hides its eyes and whose rolling, bear-like gait has made it a fixture of advertising, film and the show ring. Behind the cuddly image is a genuine working pastoral dog, bred to move and drove livestock over the rough country of the English West Country, and it carries the size, strength and stamina that job demands. Standing 56–61 cm at the shoulder and typically weighing 27–45 kg, it is a substantial dog that needs space, time and a committed owner.
Good-natured, affectionate and sociable, the breed makes a devoted family companion that is generally fond of children and tolerant of other dogs. None of that comes for free, though. The coat is among the most demanding of any breed, the dog has real exercise needs, and its instinct to herd can show up as gentle bumping or circling of family members. The Old English Sheepdog is best suited to owners who understand they are taking on hours of grooming a week and a big, bouncy dog that wants to be involved in everything.
Good to know — a Old English Sheepdog needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The breed emerged in the south-western and western counties of England in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as a drover's dog, used to move cattle and sheep to market. The traditional practice of docking the tail gave rise to the affectionate nickname "Bobtail." The Old English Sheepdog was among the breeds recognised in the early days of formal dog showing in Britain and is one of the long-established native breeds registered with The Kennel Club.
In recent decades registrations have fallen sharply, and the Old English Sheepdog has been monitored by The Kennel Club among native breeds whose numbers have declined to vulnerable levels. Despite its strong cultural profile, it is now a comparatively uncommon dog in UK homes.
Temperament & family fit
Old English Sheepdogs are typically gentle, even-tempered and affectionate, with a playful, clownish streak that endears them to families. They tend to be sociable with people and to get on well with children and other dogs, and they generally bond closely with their household, preferring to be in the thick of family life rather than left alone.
As a herding breed, the Old English Sheepdog can be watchful and will often bark to announce visitors, and some individuals retain a tendency to herd by nudging or circling people, including children. They are intelligent and biddable but can also be independent-minded. Early, ongoing socialisation helps produce the steady, confident adult the breed is known for, and because of their size their boisterous enthusiasm needs channelling from puppyhood.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
This is an intelligent breed that responds well to consistent, reward-based training, but it can have an independent turn of mind inherited from its working past. Short, positive, varied sessions hold its attention better than repetitive drilling. Early socialisation and basic manners are particularly important given the adult dog's size and strength; a 40-kg dog that pulls or jumps is hard to manage.
Focus early training on loose-lead walking, a reliable recall and calm greetings. Herding-type behaviours such as nipping or circling are best redirected into appropriate outlets rather than punished. With patience and fairness the Old English Sheepdog is a willing partner that enjoys having a job to do.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Old English Sheepdog typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming is the defining commitment of this breed. The dense, profuse double coat is highly prone to matting and requires thorough brushing and combing right down to the skin several times a week, often amounting to a few hours weekly, with many owners using a professional groomer or keeping the coat clipped shorter for practicality. Neglected coats quickly become painfully matted. Ears, eyes (often hidden by the fall of hair) and feet need regular attention, and the breed sheds, so loose coat must be removed during grooming.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's age, size and activity level, divided across the day, and measure portions to maintain a lean body condition, as excess weight strains the joints of a heavy breed. As a deep-chested, large dog the Old English Sheepdog may be at increased risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus); spreading meals and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately around feeding are sensible precautions. Always provide fresh water and discuss any specific dietary needs with your vet.
Old English Sheepdog health & costs
Before bringing a Old English Sheepdog home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
Old English Sheepdogs typically live around 10–12 years. Like other large breeds they can be affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, and responsible breeders use the BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow scoring schemes. Eye conditions and inherited deafness are also seen in the breed, and DNA tests are available for some conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and certain forms of progressive retinal atrophy.
As a deep-chested giant breed, bloat is a recognised risk that owners should know the signs of, as it is a life-threatening emergency. The breed has also been associated with certain immune-mediated and cancer-related conditions. Buying from a breeder who follows Kennel Club Assured Breeder health-testing recommendations, and keeping the dog at a healthy weight, are the best ways to support a long, sound life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint that can lead to pain and arthritis; screen breeding dogs via the BVA/KC hip scheme.
- Elbow dysplasia — developmental joint disease causing lameness; assessed under the BVA/KC elbow scheme.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a sudden, life-threatening twisting of the stomach seen in deep-chested breeds; seek emergency veterinary care.
- Progressive retinal atrophy — inherited degeneration of the retina causing gradual blindness; DNA testing available for some forms.
- Inherited deafness — congenital hearing loss can occur and may be checked by BAER testing.
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia — an inherited respiratory condition for which a DNA test is available in the breed.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Old English Sheepdog; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Old English Sheepdog puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Old English Sheepdog
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, affectionate family dog
- Sociable and good with children
Things to consider
- Very high-maintenance coat
- Large size and a tendency to herd
Compare the Old English Sheepdog
See how the Old English Sheepdog measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
How big does an Old English Sheepdog get?
The Old English Sheepdog is a substantial pastoral breed, standing around 56–61 cm at the shoulder and typically weighing between 27 and 45 kg. It is large, square and strongly built, with the size, strength and stamina of a genuine working herding dog. Because of this it needs space, and ideally a home with a secure garden rather than a small flat.
How much grooming does an Old English Sheepdog need?
Grooming is the defining commitment of this breed. The dense, profuse double coat mats very easily and needs thorough brushing and combing right down to the skin several times a week, often a few hours weekly. Many owners use a professional groomer or keep the coat clipped shorter for practicality. Ears, eyes and feet also need regular attention, and the breed sheds.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good with children and other pets?
Yes. They are typically gentle, good-natured and affectionate, and generally excellent with children and tolerant of other dogs, especially when raised with them. As a herding breed, some individuals may nudge or circle family members, including children, so this instinct should be redirected. Early, ongoing socialisation helps produce the steady, confident adult the breed is known for.
How much exercise does an Old English Sheepdog need?
This is a moderately energetic working breed needing daily exercise to stay fit and content, generally well over an hour a day for an adult split across walks and free running, plus mental stimulation. It enjoys space and activities that engage its herding heritage. Take care with growing puppies and in hot weather, as the heavy coat makes the breed prone to overheating.
What is the lifespan of an Old English Sheepdog?
Old English Sheepdogs typically live around 10–12 years, which is fairly normal for a large breed. As a deep-chested giant, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a recognised, life-threatening risk owners should know the signs of. Buying from a health-testing breeder and keeping the dog at a lean, healthy weight are the best ways to support a long, sound life.
What health problems are Old English Sheepdogs prone to?
Like other large breeds they can be affected by hip and elbow dysplasia, and responsible breeders use the BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow scoring schemes. Eye conditions and inherited deafness are also seen, with DNA tests available for some conditions such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and certain forms of progressive retinal atrophy. Bloat is a serious risk in this deep-chested breed.
Are Old English Sheepdogs easy to train?
They are intelligent and biddable but can be independent-minded, a legacy of their working past. Short, positive, varied reward-based sessions hold their attention better than repetitive drilling. Given the adult dog's size, early focus on loose-lead walking, reliable recall and calm greetings is important. Herding behaviours such as nipping or circling are best redirected rather than punished.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Old English Sheepdog need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Old English Sheepdog needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is daily / professional — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Old English Sheepdogs easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Old English Sheepdogs are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Old English Sheepdogs bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Old English Sheepdogs suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Old English Sheepdog really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Old English Sheepdog breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/pastoral/old-english-sheepdog/
- The Kennel Club — Vulnerable Native Breeds: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/vulnerable-native-breeds/
- British Veterinary Association — Canine Health Schemes (hip, elbow and eye testing): https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes/
- PDSA — Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in dogs: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/bloat-in-dogs
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.