Old English Sheepdog
With its shaggy coat and lively, clownish charm, the Old English Sheepdog is hard to miss. This big herding dog is affectionate, people-focused, and happiest when included in family routines.
Expect steady daily activity, consistent training, and a real commitment to coat care to keep that signature fluff comfortable and mat-free.
How the Old English Sheepdog ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs were bred to work alongside farmers, and many still carry that “let’s do this together” attitude. They tend to bond closely with their people, greet friends with enthusiasm, and enjoy being in the middle of whatever is happening at home.
Under the fluff is a smart, athletic dog with a herding background. They often like having a job, even if that job is learning new cues, carrying a toy on walks, or playing gentle games with kids.
Their size and coat mean they fit best with owners who plan ahead for grooming and exercise.
History of the Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog developed in the working countryside of Britain, where versatile farm dogs were prized for stamina and problem-solving.
Rather than tending a small flock in one field, these dogs were commonly used as drovers, moving sheep and cattle along lanes and roads toward market towns.
A thick, weather-ready coat helped them work in damp conditions, and a bold bark could clear a path when livestock needed to keep moving.
The name “Old English Sheepdog” is relatively modern, and early dogs were described by function more than by a single standardized look.
Because farm dogs were bred for results, not paperwork, the Old English Sheepdog’s exact ancestors are debated.
Many writers connect it to shaggy herding dogs from Britain, such as Bearded Collie type dogs, and to larger continental drover dogs that may have arrived through trade routes.
Over time, breeders selected for a powerful, compact frame, a springy gait, and a coat that could handle mud and briars. The nickname “Bobtail” also stuck early, reflecting naturally short tails in some lines and the practice of docking in others.
By the Victorian era, dog shows and written standards began shaping many working breeds, and the Old English Sheepdog was no exception.
Early fanciers gathered dogs of similar type and started defining the shaggy silhouette and bear-like movement that people recognize today.
Even as the breed became more uniform, it remained valued on farms for its willingness to work in rough weather and its confidence around large livestock. Legends about tail docking and taxes circulate, but the larger story is practical identification for working dogs.
In the early twentieth century, the Old English Sheepdog traveled beyond Britain, finding admirers in Europe and North America.
The breed’s cheerful expression and dramatic coat made it a natural show ring standout, and many families discovered how affectionate and entertaining these dogs can be at home.
As popularity grew, different lines emphasized different strengths, from coat and outline to working drive and trainability. Responsible breeding programs often focused on sound structure and stable temperaments to suit life as a companion.
Today, Old English Sheepdogs are best known as devoted family dogs with a playful sense of humor, but their herding instincts have not disappeared.
Many still enjoy structured activities like herding trials, obedience, rally, scent work, and trick training, especially when sessions are upbeat and varied.
The breed’s history also explains its biggest challenge for modern owners: that working coat needs steady maintenance even when the dog’s “job” is mostly being a companion on the couch and on neighborhood walks.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, sturdy dog with a rounded, shaggy outline and a distinctive rolling gait. A dense, textured double coat forms the breed’s trademark look and can come in gray, blue, or grizzled shades paired with white.
The eyes may be partly hidden by hair, giving a soft expression, while the body underneath is muscular and surprisingly agile. Some dogs have naturally shorter tails, and in many places tails are simply left natural, which fits the breed’s practical, work-first origins.
Because the coat is insulating, these dogs often handle cooler weather well but can feel uncomfortable in heat unless you manage exercise timing and shade.
Coat care is the defining responsibility with this breed. Plan on thorough brushing and combing several times a week, using a slicker brush to separate hair and a metal comb to check down to the skin.
Focus on friction areas such as behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, and the rear, where mats can tighten quickly. Regular baths help, but a full dry and a careful line-brush afterward are what prevent tangles from returning.
Many owners keep feet tidy and trim hair around the eyes for comfort and visibility.
Old English Sheepdogs usually do best with moderate daily exercise plus mental work. Brisk leash walks, supervised play, and short training sessions can meet their needs, and many enjoy activities that use their brains, like scent games or learning tricks.
Because they were bred to herd, some may try to “organize” kids or other pets, so early socialization and consistent boundaries matter. For general care, keep nails trimmed, check ears after baths, and watch for skin irritation under the coat.
Like many larger dogs, they may be prone to joint issues or bloat, so talk with your veterinarian about screening and sensible routines.
Coat & Grooming: Plan for thorough brushing several times a week, plus regular baths and light trimming using a slicker brush and metal comb.
Shedding: Moderate to high; loose hair can stay trapped in the coat, so brushing and vacuuming are part of daily life.
Exercise Needs: Moderate daily activity such as brisk walks, play sessions, and short training games, with extra mental enrichment when needed.
General Health: May be prone to joint and eye issues, thyroid concerns, and bloat risk; ask your veterinarian about screening and preventative routines.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a large breed when kept lean, well conditioned, and supported with proactive care.
First-Time Owner Tips
If you are new to dog ownership, the biggest adjustment with an Old English Sheepdog is the coat. Start handling and brushing early, keep sessions upbeat, and teach your dog that grooming is part of normal life.
A consistent routine also helps you notice small issues such as tight mats, burrs, or damp skin after rain. Consider setting up a grooming station with tools and treats so you are not scrambling when the coat starts to tangle.
This breed is bright and eager, but it can be independent, especially if it has learned that pulling, jumping, or barking gets attention. Use reward-based training, keep lessons short, and practice polite greetings because a shaggy dog with momentum can surprise guests.
Provide daily activity that fits your schedule, and add mental enrichment on busy days. If you live in a smaller space, plan for regular outdoor time and a place indoors where your dog can dry off and cool down.
- Make brushing non-negotiable: quick daily touch-ups and deeper sessions prevent painful mats.
- Teach leash manners early; a strong, fluffy dog is easier to guide than to stop.
- Socialize thoughtfully with people, dogs, and noisy places to build confident calmness.
- Use enrichment that suits herders, like sniff walks, puzzle feeders, and trick training.
- Budget time for grooming appointments or invest in quality tools and a high-velocity dryer.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required costs usually include quality food sized for a large, active dog, treats for training, and routine preventatives your veterinarian recommends.
You will also budget for basic supplies like waste bags, shampoo, ear cleaner, and replacement grooming tools as they wear out.
Because this breed has a lot of coat, keeping the basics on hand makes day-to-day care easier, and it can reduce the chance you need to fix severe matting later.
Optional and variable costs are where Old English Sheepdog budgets can swing the most. Professional grooming, daycare, and training classes depend on your location and how much you do yourself.
Some owners choose pet insurance, while others set aside a monthly savings cushion for unexpected veterinary bills. Extra gear such as durable toys, puzzle feeders, and seasonal coat care products can add up, but you can scale them to your lifestyle.
Food & Treats: Required: $70-$150 per month, depending on food quality, treats, and activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: $30-$200 per month, based on DIY tools at home vs professional grooming.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: $25-$80 per month for routine preventatives and basic wellness items, varying by region and veterinarian plan.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: $0-$90 per month for insurance or a personal savings cushion, depending on coverage and comfort level.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: $15-$120 per month for classes, private help, and enrichment toys, depending on goals and schedule.
Old English Sheepdog FAQs
Are Old English Sheepdogs good family dogs?
They are often affectionate, playful, and people-oriented, which can make them wonderful family companions. Because they are large and enthusiastic, supervision with small children is important, and early training helps keep greetings gentle.
Some may try to herd running kids, so redirecting that instinct into games and training is helpful.
Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Shedding is usually moderate to high, but much of the loose hair gets caught in the coat instead of dropping to the floor. That can make shedding feel “hidden” until you brush. Frequent brushing and routine cleaning at home make a big difference.
How much grooming does an Old English Sheepdog need?
Expect regular, hands-on grooming. Most owners brush and comb several times a week to prevent mats, plus occasional baths and trimming for comfort. If you prefer a lower-maintenance look, a shorter trim can be easier to manage, but it still needs consistent upkeep.
Are Old English Sheepdogs hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and Old English Sheepdogs can still trigger allergies through dander and saliva. Their coat can trap allergens, which may help some people, but it can bother others.
If allergies are a concern, spend time around the breed before committing and talk with your medical professional.
How much exercise do they need?
Most Old English Sheepdogs do well with moderate daily exercise, plus mental stimulation. Brisk walks, playtime in a secure area, and short training sessions are usually a good fit.
In warm weather, plan activity for cooler parts of the day and offer plenty of water and shade.
Are they easy to train?
They are smart and can learn quickly, but they also have an independent streak. Positive reinforcement, clear routines, and short, fun sessions typically work best.
Early socialization and consistent boundaries help prevent habits like jumping, pulling, or nuisance barking.
Can an Old English Sheepdog live in an apartment?
It can be possible if you commit to daily exercise, training, and proactive coat care. You will also want a plan for muddy paws, drying the coat after walks, and managing barking.
Many do best when they have regular outdoor time and a calm indoor routine, regardless of home size.