Old English Sheepdog Breed Information: Traits, Facts, Care & More
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Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent, gentle, and affectionate working dogs best known for their shaggy double coat and iconic bear-like appearance. Originally bred in England to drive cattle and sheep to market, these dogs are hardworking at heart but have evolved into devoted family companions. Despite their large size, Old English Sheepdogs are playful, social, and famously good-natured, often retaining a puppy-like personality well into adulthood. They form strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship, making them especially suited for homes where they’re included in daily life. While adaptable, they do best with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent grooming to maintain their dense coats. With proper care and training, Old English Sheepdogs make loving, loyal pets for active families who appreciate a big dog with an even bigger heart.
- Breed popularity ranking: 66 of 202
- Club: Old English Sheepdog Club of America
- Population: Estimated 10,000–15,000 in the U.S.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, playful, loyal
- Price: $1,200 – $3,000
- Best for: Families or active owners looking for a friendly, people-oriented large dog that thrives on companionship and routine grooming
Weight
60–100 lbs
Height
20–24 inches
Lifespan
10–12 years
Breed Group
Herding Group
Old English Sheepdog Growth Chart
History and Origin
The Old English Sheepdog, a large and shaggy herding breed known for its intelligence and gentle temperament, traces its origins to rural England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Developed to drive cattle and sheep to market, these dogs were valued for their strength, stamina, and ability to work long distances alongside drovers. Their distinctive thick, weather-resistant coat helped protect them from harsh British climates while working in open fields and on long journeys.
Historically, Old English Sheepdogs—often referred to as “bobtails” due to their traditionally docked tails—were working farm dogs rather than companion animals. Their natural herding instincts, alertness, and cooperative nature made them highly effective at managing livestock. Over time, their friendly disposition and striking appearance helped them transition from working roles into family homes.
The breed gained wider recognition in the late 19th century and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Today, Old English Sheepdogs are admired worldwide as affectionate family companions and show dogs, cherished for their loyal nature, playful personality, and unmistakable silhouette.
Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Build | Large, muscular, and well-balanced with a sturdy frame and distinctive shaggy outline |
| Coat Type | Long, dense double coat with a waterproof outer layer and soft undercoat |
| Coat Colors | Gray, blue, blue merle, grizzle, with or without white markings |
| Facial Markings | Face often covered with hair; eyes may be partially hidden by long facial furnishings |
| Chest Markings | Typically white or lighter-colored chest, heavily coated with long fur |
| Tail | Traditionally docked very short; naturally long and feathered where docking is prohibited |
| Ears | Medium-sized, flat, and hanging close to the head, well covered with hair |
| Eyes | Dark or blue eyes with a gentle, intelligent expression, often partially obscured by hair |
| Nose | Large and black, broad with well-developed nostrils |
| Feet | Large, round, and well-padded with strong toes for stability and endurance |
| Overall Expression | Good-natured, confident, and bear-like with a friendly, clownish charm |
Coats Types & Colors
Old English Sheepdog Characteristics
The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).
| Trait | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | 9 | Cheerful, gentle, and good-natured, Old English Sheepdogs are known for their clownish personality and affectionate nature. |
| Sociability & Friendliness | 9 | Highly social dogs that thrive around people, children, and other pets when properly socialized. |
| Intelligence | 8 | Smart and perceptive, though sometimes independent-minded, especially when bored or under-stimulated. |
| Trainability | 7 | Trainable with consistency and positive reinforcement, but may show stubbornness if training becomes repetitive. |
| Energy Level | 7 | Moderately energetic; enjoys daily walks and playtime but is generally calm indoors once exercised. |
| Shedding Level | 9 | Heavy shedders with a dense double coat that requires frequent grooming to prevent mats and tangles. |
| Protective Instinct | 6 | Naturally alert and watchful, but more of a deterrent through presence and barking than aggression. |
| Loyalty | 9 | Deeply devoted to their family and known to form strong emotional bonds with their owners. |
| Barking Level | 7 | Will bark to alert or when excited, but excessive barking is uncommon with proper training. |
| Adaptability | 7 | Adaptable to various living environments, though best suited to homes that can manage grooming and exercise needs. |
Exercise & Activity Breakdown
Old English Sheepdogs are energetic, intelligent working dogs with a playful and social nature. While they don’t require the nonstop intensity of some high-drive herding breeds, they do need consistent daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and well-behaved. Without enough activity, they may develop issues such as restlessness, boredom-related chewing, or excess barking.
- Puppy (0–12 months): Old English Sheepdog puppies are curious, bouncy, and eager to engage with their people. At this stage, exercise should focus on short, structured play sessions, early socialization, and basic obedience training rather than long walks. Gentle games like tug, supervised fetch on soft surfaces, and interactive games help build confidence while protecting growing joints.
- Adult (1–6 years): Adult Old English Sheepdogs benefit from daily walks, open-space play, and mentally engaging activities. Herding-style games, obedience training, puzzle toys, and moderate agility (with low-impact equipment) help satisfy their working instincts. Many also enjoy activities like hiking, cart pulling, or canine sports that challenge both body and mind.
- Senior (7+ years): As they age, Old English Sheepdogs may slow down but still require regular movement to maintain joint health and muscle tone. Shorter walks, light play, and low-impact mental games help keep seniors comfortable and engaged. Maintaining a consistent routine supports mobility, cognitive health, and overall quality of life.
Old English Sheepdog Daily Activity Breakdown
Nutrition
Old English Sheepdogs need a high-quality, well-balanced diet that aligns with their life stage (puppy, adult, senior). As a large breed with a dense double coat and a tendency to mature more slowly, it’s important to choose food formulated for large or giant breed dogs to support steady growth, joint health, and long-term mobility. Proper nutrition plays a key role in maintaining healthy muscles, coat condition, and overall vitality.
Their diet should include a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to support skin and coat health, immune function, and joint strength. Because Old English Sheepdogs are prone to joint issues and weight gain if overfed, portion control and calorie-appropriate formulas are essential. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help support mobility and cognitive health as they age. Read our “Best Old English Sheepdog Food Guide” to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.
Nutritional Breakdown by Activity Level for Old English Sheepdog
Common Health Issues
Most Old English Sheepdogs are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:
*Epilepsy: EPSY*
Recommended Health Tests for Old English Sheepdogs:
Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Old English Sheepdog lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.
💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.
Care Requirements
| Grooming Task | Recommended Frequency | Importance | Tools Needed | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily (often 30–60 minutes) | Prevents mats and tangles, removes loose fur, and promotes healthy skin | Slicker brush, de-shedding tool, grooming mitt | Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush (View on Amazon) |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps coat clean, reduces odor, and helps control shedding | dog-safe shampoo , conditioner, towel, hair dryer (optional) | OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo (View on Amazon) |
| Nail Trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Prevents overgrowth, pain, and potential injury while walking | dog nail clippers , nail grinder, styptic powder | Coastal Pet Safari Nail Clipper (View on Amazon) |
| Ear Cleaning | Every 1–2 weeks | Prevents ear infections, especially in floppy-eared breeds | Ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or pads (no Q-tips) | Zymox Ear Cleanser (View on Amazon) |
| Oral Care (Brushing Teeth) | Daily or at least 4–5× per week | Reduces plaque and tartar buildup, prevents gum disease and bad breath | Dog toothbrush, enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews | Greenies Dental Care Chews (View on Amazon) |
Old English Sheepdog Trainability
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent, eager-to-please working dogs with a playful and independent streak. While they are quick learners, their strong personalities and occasional stubbornness mean training works best when it’s consistent, structured, and positive. Clear expectations, patience, and reward-based methods help keep them engaged and responsive. They respond particularly well to praise, food rewards, and interactive training that feels purposeful rather than repetitive.
When compared to other breeds, Old English Sheepdogs benefit from early socialization and ongoing training that channels their natural herding instincts. Their intelligence shines in environments where learning is varied and mentally stimulating. With calm leadership, repetition, and clear boundaries, they develop into confident, well-mannered companions who are both reliable and adaptable.
Intelligence
According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:
- Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
- Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
- Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.
IQ Comparison
Old English Sheepdogs are known for their strong working intelligence, problem-solving ability, and situational awareness—traits developed through generations of herding and farm work. While they may not always rank at the very top of obedience-based IQ studies that favor rapid command repetition, they excel in adaptive intelligence, showing an impressive ability to think independently and respond to real-world situations. Their intelligence shines most in environments that involve purpose, movement, and cooperation rather than repetitive drills.
Old English Sheepdogs perform best when training is engaging and goal-oriented. Though their independent streak can challenge novice owners, they learn quickly with patient guidance and consistent routines. Their combination of awareness, memory, and decision-making allows them to excel in obedience work, herding activities, and structured canine sports, making them highly capable and reliable companions when their intelligence is properly channeled.
Dog Breed Intelligence Comparison
Breeding
Old English Sheepdogs are valued for their intelligence, gentle temperament, and strong working heritage. Like many large purebred dogs, they can be prone to inherited health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, hypothyroidism, and certain autoimmune disorders. For this reason, responsible breeding is essential. Ethical breeders should perform comprehensive health screenings and genetic testing to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary conditions. Proper spacing between litters is critical to protect the health of both the dam and puppies, and only physically healthy, mentally stable dogs should be bred.
- Age: Old English Sheepdogs should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically between 24 and 36 months of age, as large breeds develop more slowly.
- Litter size: A typical Old English Sheepdog litter includes 6–10 puppies.
- Temperament: Breeding dogs should display stable, well-balanced temperaments—calm, confident, friendly, and reliable—with no signs of aggression, extreme shyness, or anxiety.
Is The Old English Sheepdog A Good Family Dog?
If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, an Old English Sheepdog could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.
✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended
| Suitability | Category | Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | Family Bonding | 9 | Extremely affectionate, loyal, and thrives as a close family companion. |
| ✅ | Child Friendliness | 8 | Generally excellent with children; best with supervision due to large size. |
| ⚠️ | Good With Other Pets | 7 | Usually friendly but may herd smaller animals without early training. |
| ⚠️ | Maintenance Level | 5 | Very high grooming needs; daily brushing required to prevent matting. |
| ⚠️ | Monthly Expenses | 6 | Grooming, food, and vet care can be costly due to size and coat. |
| ⚠️ | Home Size Compatibility | 6 | Best suited for medium to large homes; apartments require extra exercise. |
| ⚠️ | Lifestyle Match | 7 | Ideal for active families who can commit time to grooming and exercise. |
| ⚠️ | Trainability | 7 | Intelligent but independent; responds best to patient, positive training. |
| ⚠️ | Alone Time Tolerance | 5 | Does not like being left alone for long periods; can develop anxiety. |
| ⚠️ | Shedding & Drool Level | 6 | Heavy seasonal shedding; drooling is minimal. |
| ❌ | Hypoallergenic | 2 | Sheds heavily and produces dander; not suitable for allergy sufferers. |
| ⚠️ | Protectiveness | 6 | More friendly than protective; alert but not aggressive. |
| ✅ | Mental Stimulation Needs | 8 | Needs daily engagement, training, and problem-solving activities. |
| ⚠️ | Climate Tolerance | 7 | Handles cold well; thick coat makes hot climates challenging. |
| ⚠️ | Life Expectancy | 6 | Typically lives 10–12 years with proper care. |
| ⚠️ | Barking Level | 6 | Moderate barker; usually vocal when excited or bored. |
| ⚠️ | Travel Friendliness | 5 | Large size and grooming needs make frequent travel less convenient. |
| ⚠️ | Potty Training Ease | 7 | Generally reliable with consistent routines and early training. |
Average Score: 6.44 / 10
Annual Cost of Ownership
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Food & Treats | $700 – $1,000 |
| Routine Vet Care | $400 – $700 |
| Vaccinations & Preventatives | $250 – $500 |
| Pet Insurance | $400 – $700 |
| Grooming | $800 – $1,500 |
| Training & Socialization | $200 – $400 |
| Toys & Enrichment | $100 – $200 |
| Supplies (bed, bowls, leash, etc.) | $150 – $300 |
| Emergency Vet Fund (recommended) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Boarding or Pet Sitting | $400 – $700 |
$3,900 – $7,000
Best Places to Get An Old English Sheepdog
Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.
Rescue shelters: While Old English Sheepdogs are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.
Breeders: Finding a reputable Old English Sheepdog breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The American Old English Sheepdog Association’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource for finding ethical breeders.
Avoid breeders who:
- Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
- Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
- Have frequent litters with no waiting list
- Emphasize appearance over health and temperament
