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.
Overview
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.
Good to know — a Old English Sheepdog is 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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Old English Sheepdog is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
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
Coat upkeep is daily / professional and shedding is high. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Old English Sheepdog should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
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
Similar breeds
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
View breed guide →
Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
View breed guide →
German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
View breed guide →
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
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 a 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.
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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.