Do sheepdogs have a double coat?

Sweet and charming with lots of energy, the Old English Sheepdog is just as content going on a jog with you through the neighborhood as they are competing in a herding trial. Give this fluffy pooch plenty of space with people who love them, and you’re set up for years of laughs and complete devotion—and possibly vacuum canisters full of fur. The Old English Sheepdog may need some extra love to maintain their hair, which just might be more luscious than yours, but their gentle disposition is worth the effort.

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:

10 to 12 years

Size:

Large

Maintenance Level:

High

Shed Level:

High

Temperament:

Coat Color:

Best For

The Old English Sheepdog, or OES for short, is best for experienced pet parents who lead an active lifestyle but know when it's time to switch off, too. These dogs love a large home to lounge about in after a fun agility session. They are friendly with other people and can put on a brave face to live with other dogs or cats if they've been socialized from a young age. But be mindful that they can be nervous around younger kids who don't yet understand the importance of boundaries.

In this Article

Old English Sheepdog Traits

Breed Characteristics

Here are the qualities you can expect when raising an Old English Sheepdog on a scale of 1 paw (low) to 5 paws (high). These attributes were rated by several pet experts, including a dog trainer, veterinarian and behaviorist. Remember that dogs are individuals, and not all dogs, even of the same breed, will fit the mold.

Friendliness

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Barking Tendencies

Grooming Needs

Shedding Level

Training Needs

Good With Kids

Good With Cats

Good As A Service Dog

Good For Apartments & Small Homes

Biting Tendencies

Energy Level

Good With Other Dogs

Playfulness

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good For First Time Pet Parents

Breed Appearance

Old English Sheepdogs carry an intelligent expression, even if you can’t see their eyes well under all that fur. They have a strong, compact build and, despite their thickset body, they’re graceful and light-footed. When ambling along, they have the gait of a bear, bottoms swaying from side to side. They’re usually shades of gray or blue with white.

1.  Ears

Old English Sheepdog ears are medium-sized and lie closely on the sides of their heads.

2.  Eyes

Their eyes are brown, blue or even one of each (though it might be hard to tell beneath all that fur).

3.  Nose

Old English Sheepdogs' noses are black and large.

4.  Height

Male: 22 inches and up
Female: 21 inches and up

5.  Coat Length

Their double-layered coats are shaggy and abundant with a soft, thick undercoat.

6.  Coat Color

Old English Sheepdog coats can come in gray, grizzle (mix of colors with no obvious pattern), blue or blue merle (mottled patches of color) with white.

7.  Tail

They can have a natural bobtail, or it can be closely docked.

8.  Weight

Male: 60 to 100 pounds
Female: 60 to 100 pounds

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Old English Sheepdog Temperament

Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, active and make great family dogs. They’ve been described as clownish, bounding around in a goofy manner when excited, and have a zest for life, while still maintaining an even temperament. They don’t tend to be aggressive, but they can be protective, giving a distinct bark to head off strangers. Get in their zone of trust, though, and you’ll have yourself a friendly, loyal and devoted playmate.

When it comes to compatibility with others, socialization (introducing them to different people and experiences) is key. Every dog is an individual, and temperament and personality are going to vary from dog to dog, but in general, this breed tends to do better with older children. They can get along with younger kids with lots of exposure and positive reinforcement; otherwise they may try to “herd” them or nip at them as they would with sheep. The OES can get along with cats with early introductions and, again, the right socialization. The same goes for other dogs—the more they’re around other friends, the better they do. Luckily, they can be pretty adaptable and easy-going, freely sharing their affection with their family.

Sheepdogs take their job as professional herders very seriously and love keeping busy, so make sure you’re providing lots of opportunities for stimulation. They catch on quickly and can get bored with the same old commands, so mix it up a little during your training sessions.

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How to Care for a Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs need a pet parent who has plenty of time to dedicate to caring for this energetic, lovable bundle of fur. Their plush double coats need considerable grooming. They shed all year round, too, so you’ll need to up your vacuuming game. They’ll also need a weekly ear cleaning and their teeth need to be brushed at least twice a week. This intelligent breed can be a tad stubborn, so someone who understands them and knows how they tick will be their ideal trainer. Plan on lots of regular exercise and don’t be surprised if they enjoy practicing their herding skills on you.

Grooming

The Old English Sheepdog has a thick double-layered coat. The outer coat is rougher, while the inner layer is softer and more dense. This coat can hold its ground when it comes to the harshest of weather conditions, which came in handy in the fields centuries ago. Now, it’s great for both keeping cool and keeping warm in the changing seasons.

Maintaining that marvellous coat is not for the faint of heart. Sit down with some Netflix and a variety of grooming tools—you can expect to spend three to four hours a week tending to your furry pal. Perhaps you can take up knitting with all the fur you’ll end up brushing out during each session. It’s safe to say that regular brushing, think daily, is necessary in order to keep the mats at a minimum and their skin healthy. Keep a comb and a pin brush or slicker brush at hand, and possibly a dematting rake for stubborn tangles.

Check your Old English Sheepdog’s eyes weekly (hiding under all that fur!) and make sure they look clear and bright, and keep the fur around their feet trimmed to prevent issues with traction on smoother surfaces or the dreaded matting. Clean your Old English Sheepdog’s ears weekly too, making sure you’re checking for any excess wax or debris, and if you notice a smell coming from the ears, let your vet know so they can check for an infection.

Old English Sheepdogs are heavy shedders year-round and are prone to hotspots, or red irritated patches, if their fur gets matted. Even more important than keeping your wood floors clear, brushing prevents the undercoat from clumping and keeps good airflow getting to the skin.

Bathe your OES about every six to eight weeks. If your pup spends lots of time outdoors, you’ll want to give them extra long baths to really wash that coat. If they have sensitive skin or an allergy, make sure you’re using a mild shampoo.

Aim to brush their teeth about twice a week, or daily if you can. Your veterinarian can work with you on how to do it, and it’s best to start brushing when they’re puppies so they’ll get used to it faster. Like any dog, it’s important to have good oral health habits to avoid problems down the road. You should also have an annual professional teeth cleaning by your vet (not your groomer).

Since long nails can be painful for dogs to walk on, plan on giving them a nail trim every four to six weeks. Listen out for the tell-tale signs of tapping on the floor, a clear signal that it’s time to get the clippers out.

Training

When it comes to training an Old English Sheepdog puppy, it’s important to keep in mind they have a natural herding instinct. If you happen to have a flock in your backyard that needs herding, great. Otherwise, games such as hide-and-seek or Triebball can fulfill that characteristic herding instinct and may even prevent your dog from trying to herd around family members.

Old English Sheepdogs are extremely intelligent, but they’re also independent. This combination can make it a little harder to train, depending on your own experience levels and your Old English Sheepdog’s temperament. It doesn’t take them long to learn commands like sit, stay and come and then they’re on to the next one, so the time spent on training is destined to be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.

The Old English Sheepdog can be nervous around groups of strangers so it’s a great idea to include some socialization training, including meeting and greeting people both in and out of the home, from a young age so they learn there’s nothing to fear and only admiring glances and belly rubs to gain.

Diet & Nutrition

Old English Sheepdogs typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Dry dog food serves as excellent nutrition and provides the necessary energy for such an active breed as the Old English Sheepdog.

And of course, be mindful of those treats. They can add up to more calories than your pup needs in a day, and that can lead to obesity and its related health risks, like heart disease and arthritis.

If you have any questions about your pup’s meals or frequency, chat with your vet. They’re in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs.

Exercise

The Old English Sheepdog combines agility with strength. They may look bulky, but they can be impressively fast on their feet. Speeding around a yard is great fun—and an open field is even better. Thankfully, these dogs can settle down after a vigorous workout, and can make great couch potatoes after you’ve tired them out. It’s really the best of both worlds, at least to your Sheepdog.

Due to the Old English Sheepdog breed’s energy levels and exercise needs, walks or runs up to 60 minutes a day are a must in order to keep them out of mischief. The saying is true in this case: A tired dog is a happy dog.

Swimming can count as exercise, and these working dogs are generally able to swim. But whether they like it or not depends on whether they were introduced to water at a young age. If you take them for a dip, make sure they are supervised and invest in a good quality dog life jacket.

Your OES can make a great show dog, competing in sports such as agility or herding as well, so if you have a large outdoor space, why not set up some obstacles and start priming your dog for competition? Who knows—you may come home with some fancy winning ribbons to show off.

Ideal Environment

The Old English Sheepdog thrives with an experienced pet parent and one who loves to live an active lifestyle.

Because this is a large dog who has high energy levels, the Old English may not be happy living in an apartment or small home. The more space you have to offer, the better for your dog, especially if you have a large fenced-in yard.

Old English Sheepdogs can be nervous in some situations so may not appreciate smaller kids climbing on their teddy bear frame. Cats and other pets, including other dogs, can certainly live together in harmony with the OES as long as there is proper introduction and plenty of socialization opportunities.

If you entertain in your home, it would be a great idea to make sure your pup is well-socialized. If they’re used to people, they tend to do great, but like any dog, suddenly immersing them in a crowded room when they aren’t used to it can cause them to be fearful.

The Old English Sheepdog breed favors cooler climates because of their long thick coat. They can get overheated easily, causing excessive panting and disorientation. If you’re living in a place with warm weather, it may be time to build that covered porch or plunge pool.

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Old English Sheepdog Health

Old English Sheepdogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years but are prone to a few health issues. It’s important for a pet parent to know about the common health conditions that can affect their dog, to help them live the longest life possible.

• Canine Hip Dysplasia: As with many large dog breeds, the Old English Sheepdog is at an increased risk for hip problems. In hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly and can rub and grind against each other. This can cause them to break down, leading to trouble getting around, along with pain and stiffness. Treatments vary depending on the severity but can include modifying their exercise, anti-inflammatory medications and surgery in some cases.
• Eye Disease: The Old English Sheepdog is prone to eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma which cause blindness if not treated, and progressive retinal atrophy which can also lead to blindness and is untreatable. Entropion is a condition where the dog’s eyelid turns inwards and the eyelashes rub against the eyeball which causes irritation of the cornea and discomfort. The treatment depends on the condition and its severity, but can include pain medications or surgery.
• Heart Disease: The Old English Sheepdog can have a heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy in which the heart has trouble pumping blood to the body because the heart has grown larger and weaker. This is a genetic condition seen in larger dogs like the OES, and symptoms include loss of appetite, weakness and pale gums. Your veterinarian will want to monitor for this at checkups. It can be treated by medications.
• Deafness: Sometimes Old English Sheepdog puppies become deaf soon after birth when the nerve endings in the ears die. There is no treatment for deafness, but you can work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan for making adaptations to help your dog live a happy, healthy life.

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Old English Sheepdog History

The Old English Sheepdog has origins in the 1700s, so unlike their name, they aren’t an ancient breed like the Xoloitzcuintli. They aren’t fully English either—their ancestral history includes European, Scot, and Russian. The Scottish Bearded Collie might have played a role in this pup’s development. And you know what else? They aren’t even considered a sheepdog! Specifically, Old English Sheepdogs in the 18th century were known as a “drover’s dog” as they helped move sheep and cattle long distances from the fields to the markets, instead of herding them from the field to the barn like other sheepdog types. Fun fact: Their size, coloring and shaggy fur helped them to blend in with sheep.

Also known as the Bobtail, this breed was promoted in the US by an industrialist from Pittsburgh around the time of their American Kennel Club recognition in 1888. Within 20 years, Old English Sheepdogs settled into the homes of five of the 10 wealthiest American families, Vanderbilts and Guggenheims included.

In 1914, the OES won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The Old English Sheepdog also made it big in Hollywood with the 1959 Disney classic “The Shaggy Dog.” You probably have also seen this shaggy dog (in animated form) in “The Little Mermaid” and “101 Dalmatians.” The Old English Sheepdog is quite the movie star!

Looking to add an Old English Sheepdog to your family? You can find reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website, where the average Old English Sheepdog puppy costs between $1,000 to $2,000. For that, you usually get a dog who’s been screened for health and temperament issues, and they might come with pedigree papers. You can also adopt an Old English Sheepdog from a rescue organization or keep an eye out for Old English Sheepdogs at your local animal shelter.

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FAQs

Do Old English Sheepdogs shed?

Yes, Old English Sheepdogs are heavy shedders. They need three to four hours of grooming a week to keep the fur tumbleweeds under control in the home. Of course, this is not all that different from other dogs in the Herding group who have long fur and double coats. (Dogs in the Herding group were born to control the movement of other animals.) You just need an understanding of how to care for it.

How long do Old English Sheepdogs live?

Old English Sheepdogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. You can help your pup live a long and happy life with the proper diet, exercise and routine vet visits.

How big do Old English Sheepdogs get?

Old English Sheepdogs can get pretty big. They can weigh up to 100 pounds and can stand at least 21 inches tall at the shoulder.

Are Old English Sheepdogs smart?

Yes, Old English Sheepdogs are smart. They can also be independent, which can sometimes look like stubbornness. But that just means they need an experienced pet parent who understands this breed’s traits.

Do Old English Sheepdogs bark a lot?

Yes, the Old English Sheepdog does have a tendency to bark, sometimes a lot. They need a lot of socialization and training at a young age to help combat this quality as much as possible. But hey, you’ll always know when someone is at the door.

What are the most common Old English Sheepdogs mixes?

• Old English Sheepdog-Poodle mix (Sheepadoodle)
• Old English Sheepdog-Golden Retriever mix (Golden Sheepdog)
• Old English Sheepdog-Labrador mix
• Old English Sheepdog-Border Collie mix
• Old English Sheepdog-Australian Shepherd mix

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Top Takeaways

Old English Sheepdogs are sweet and gentle, but need a ton of exercise. They have a fierce intelligence that combines with their independence to make a dog who’s just as spectacular in a herding trial as they are playing a game of hide-and-seek with their pet parent.

Expert input provided by veterinarian Georgina Ushi Phillips, DVM of the We Love Doodles website, and Nicholas DeRoma CVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA Consultant, Veterinary Technologist, and Canine Behavior Specialist.

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