Old English Sheepdog
The Good
- Excellent family companion with gentle nature
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Great with children of all ages
- Protective yet friendly temperament
- Adaptable to indoor living despite size
The Real
- Requires 3-4 hours of weekly grooming commitment
- Heavy shedding with long hair everywhere
- Large size needs adequate space and transport considerations
- Can be wary of strangers initially
- Higher costs for food, medication, and grooming due to size
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Old English Sheepdog, with its shaggy coat and iconic peek-a-boo fringe, is an instantly recognisable and charming breed. But beneath that fluffy exterior is a substantial, muscular dog weighing 27 to 45 kilograms. Originally bred to drove cattle and sheep, they possess both strength and intelligence, moving with a distinctive, bear-like gait yet showing surprising nimbleness.
What truly defines them is their temperament. These are quintessential family dogs: gentle with children, protective without being aggressive, and highly intelligent. They’re natural watchdogs who’ll announce a visitor, but their greeting is almost always friendly. They thrive on companionship and are best suited to being indoor members of the family, as they don't cope well with being left alone for long stretches.
In Australian homes, these gentle giants are adaptable and loving. If you're after a loyal, smart companion who's just as happy on a family camping trip as they are snoozing on the lounge room floor, the Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful choice.
History
The Old English Sheepdog’s history is a bit of a puzzle. Despite their name, they are a relatively young breed, emerging around 200 years ago in England’s West Country. They weren't just sheepdogs; they were known as “drover’s dogs,” tasked with moving both sheep and cattle to market, showcasing their versatile working ability.
Their famous “Bobtail” nickname stems from the historical practice of docking tails. This wasn't for looks—it designated them as working animals, exempting their owners from taxes. Thankfully, this practice is no longer permitted in Australia, so modern Old English Sheepdogs sport their natural, fluffy tails. The breed's exact ancestry is debated, with theories pointing to Scottish or even Russian canine heritage.
What is clear is their rapid transition from a hardworking farm dog to a beloved show dog and family companion. By the 20th century, they had become a pop culture icon, appearing in everything from Disney films to paint advertisements. Today's OES still has the smarts and gentle spirit of its working ancestors, just with a much cushier lifestyle.
Traits & Characteristics
Old English Sheepdog characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Old English Sheepdogs are generally robust dogs with a lifespan of 10-12 years. Like most purebreds, however, they have some hereditary health concerns potential owners should know about. Always choose a reputable ANKC-registered breeder who provides health clearances for their breeding dogs.
A primary concern is Hip Dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that leads to arthritis. Watch for limping or a reluctance to jump. Reputable breeders will have hip scores for parent dogs. Eye conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) can also occur, which causes gradual blindness. Early signs might be hesitation in the dark.
As a deep-chested breed, they are at risk for Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus), a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists and traps gas. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise right after eating can help reduce the risk. Some Old English Sheepdogs can also have Autoimmune Thyroiditis, leading to weight gain and lethargy, but it’s manageable with daily medication.
Finally, some lines carry the MDR1 drug sensitivity gene, making them reactive to certain common medications. It’s vital your vet is aware of this. In Australia's climate, also be mindful of Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC), particularly when exercising in temperatures over 25°C.
Feeding an Old English Sheepdog is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind given their size and activity level. These are big dogs with hearty appetites, so your grocery budget will definitely notice the difference!
Most adult Old English Sheepdogs do well on two meals a day - morning and evening. This helps prevent bloat, which can be a concern in deep-chested breeds. Puppies have faster metabolisms and typically need three meals a day until they're around 12 months old.
The amount you feed will depend on your dog's age, size, activity level, and the specific food you're using. A moderately active adult might need anywhere from 3-5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, but always check the feeding guidelines on your chosen brand and adjust based on your dog's body condition. Your vet can help you determine the right amount - they'll look at not just weight but body condition score and lifestyle.
Choose a high-quality food that meets Australian standards and is appropriate for your dog's life stage. Large breed puppy formulas are particularly important for growing Old English Sheepdogs, as they help ensure proper bone and joint development. Adult foods should provide balanced nutrition without unnecessary fillers.
Given their thick coat, some Old English Sheepdogs can be prone to weight gain without you noticing, so regular body condition checks are important. You should be able to feel their ribs easily under that fluffy coat, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above.
Treats are great for training these intelligent dogs, but keep them to about 10% of their daily calorie intake. With Australian summer temperatures, always ensure fresh water is available, especially after exercise or grooming sessions.
Let's be honest - if you're considering an Old English Sheepdog, you need to be prepared for a serious grooming commitment. That gorgeous, shaggy coat that makes them look like a walking teddy bear doesn't maintain itself!
Plan on spending 3-4 hours every week thoroughly brushing your Old English Sheepdog from skin to tip. This isn't just a quick once-over - you need to work systematically through their entire double coat to prevent matting and keep their skin healthy. Without regular brushing, their coat can quickly become a matted mess that's uncomfortable for your dog and expensive to fix professionally.
Many Australian owners find "puppy cuts" a practical solution, especially during our warmer months. A shorter trim makes maintenance much easier while still keeping that characteristic Old English Sheepdog look. Even with a shorter cut, you'll still need regular brushing between professional grooming sessions.
Pay special attention to their facial hair - that adorable fringe can obstruct their vision and collect debris from outdoor adventures. You can trim around their eyes or even tie the hair up in a topknot. Daily eye checks are important, especially after walks through bushland or beach trips where sand and debris can get trapped.
Their feet need regular attention too. Keep the hair between their toes trimmed short (called "poodle feet") to prevent matting and reduce the amount of mud and debris they track into your home. This is particularly important for Australian owners dealing with red dirt, beach sand, or muddy winter conditions.
Don't forget their ears - that thick coat can trap moisture and debris, creating perfect conditions for infections. Check regularly for redness, odour, or signs of irritation, especially during humid Queensland summers or after swimming sessions.
Old English Sheepdogs are smart and eager to please, making training a joy. However, given their 40-kilogram potential, starting early with puppy school is non-negotiable. They thrive on positive, reward-based methods but get bored with repetition, so keep sessions short and fun. Their intelligence comes from their history as independent workers, so they appreciate a mental challenge.
Early and thorough socialisation is critical to temper their natural wariness of strangers. Introduce your puppy to a wide variety of people, sounds, and places, from bustling city cafes to quiet beach walks, to build a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. This is especially important for life in Australia's diverse settings.
These dogs need moderate daily exercise—think a brisk 45-60 minute walk, a game of fetch, or some puzzle toys. They aren't marathon runners and have a wonderful "off switch" indoors. During hot Australian summers in places like Perth or Adelaide, always exercise them in the cool of the morning or evening to avoid heatstroke. A bored Old English Sheepdog is a recipe for mischief, so remember that mental stimulation is just as vital as physical activity.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect owner for an Old English Sheepdog is someone who wants a dog to be a true family member and doesn't mind a house adorned with fluffy white hair. These dogs are deeply affectionate and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. A commitment to their grooming is non-negotiable. If spending 3-4 hours a week with a brush in hand sounds like a drag, this isn't the breed for you.
Most Australian owners find it essential to budget for professional grooming, which can cost $100-$180 AUD every 6-8 weeks, in addition to home care. While they can adapt to apartment living with dedicated daily exercise, a home with a secure yard is ideal. They love being indoors with their people but appreciate having their own space to potter about.
Families with children will find them incredibly gentle, though their sheer size means supervision around toddlers is a must to prevent accidental tumbles. Active people who love camping or heading to the beach will have an enthusiastic four-legged partner. Financially, be prepared for the 'big dog' budget—more food, higher vet bills, and grooming costs all add up. But for the right person, their clownish, loving nature is priceless.
Interesting facts about the Old English Sheepdog
Disney's Mermaid Companion
The Old English Sheepdog appears as Prince Eric's faithful companion, Max, in Disney's "The Little Mermaid".
Not So Old After All
Despite their name suggesting ancient origins, they're actually only about 200 years old—relatively young in dog breed terms.
Drover, Not Just Shepherd
They were originally called "drover's dogs" and moved both sheep and cattle to market, not just sheep.
Tax-Free Bobtail
The nickname "Bobtail" comes from the old practice of docking their tails, which exempted their owners from certain working dog taxes.
FAQ
Absolutely! They're naturally gentle and patient with kids of all ages, making them excellent family dogs. Just keep in mind their size - they can accidentally knock over small children during enthusiastic greetings, so supervision with toddlers is wise.
Plan on 3-4 hours every week for thorough brushing, plus professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. It's not just about appearance - without regular grooming, their coat becomes matted and uncomfortable. Many Australian owners opt for shorter "puppy cuts" to make maintenance easier.
They're surprisingly average shedders, but the hair they do lose is very long and noticeable. You'll find it on clothes, furniture, and pretty much everywhere. A good vacuum cleaner is definitely a worthwhile investment!
While they can adapt to apartment life, they do best with at least some outdoor space. They're indoor dogs who want to be part of family activities, but they need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Their thick double coat means they handle cooler weather beautifully but can struggle in extreme heat. During Australian summers, exercise them during cooler parts of the day and ensure they have access to shade and fresh water. Many owners give them a shorter summer cut to help with heat management.
Expect to pay between $3,000 - $5,000 AUD for a well-bred puppy from a reputable breeder. Remember, the initial cost is just the beginning - factor in ongoing expenses like food, grooming, and veterinary care, which are all higher for large breeds.