Old English Sheepdog
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Old English Sheepdogs are shaggy, bobtailed herding dogs whose abundant coats and playful personalities create both charm and work. Bred to drive sheep and cattle to market in England, they're athletic dogs hidden under all that fur, needing substantial exercise and extensive grooming commitment that many owners drastically underestimate.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Herding
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Height
21-22 in
Weight
60-100 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 3 hours
Exercise
90 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #89
Herding context: Herding breeds were selected to move livestock. They are usually smart, energetic, and motion-sensitive.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Old English Sheepdog
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Old English Sheepdogs are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Old English Sheepdogs in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Old English Sheepdogs, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 90 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Old English Sheepdogs generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
High
~6h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
High
Moderate
High
High
Maintenance & Care
High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
High
High
Grooming & Coat
High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Old English Sheepdog originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Old English Sheepdog lines were developed for herding and farm management. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Herding. Herding breeds were selected to move livestock. They are usually smart, energetic, and motion-sensitive.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Old English Sheepdogs were developed in England to herd sheep and cattle, and their traditional tail docking was so associated with the breed it's genetically linked.
The breed's massive fluffy coat is actually concealing a compact, muscular body designed for herding in wet, muddy English pastures.
Old English Sheepdogs nearly went extinct after WWI and WWII, and modern dogs descend from a handful of surviving specimens.
The breed's coat requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and daily brushing, making them expensive and time-intensive dogs.
Old English Sheepdogs are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), requiring health screening.
Famous Old English Sheepdog Dogs
Stock-dog legends
Most famous examples come from elite livestock handling and working-dog circles.
Canine sport specialists
This breed frequently gains visibility in agility, obedience, and dog-sport competition.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Old English Sheepdogs
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Deshedding Tools
Keep shedding under control with the right deshedding brush or grooming tool.
Shop Deshedding →Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Grooming Kits
Professional-quality grooming supplies to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
Shop Grooming →Is Old English Sheepdog right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Old English Sheepdog compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Old English Sheepdog are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/old-english-sheepdog/