With a vibrant personality to match his showstopping coat, the Old English Sheepdog is a firm favourite among dog lovers. These dogs are smart, loveable and gentle. It’s no wonder they became such an iconic breed of the British Isles!
It’s not difficult to imagine this shaggy, shuffling dog looking quite at home working on England’s pastures. The Old English Sheepdog continues to excel at the skills he employed as a cattle drover, competing in obedience, agility, and herding trials.
Nowadays, this easygoing and intelligent pooch is a beloved family member in many households across the country. We don’t blame you if you’re charmed by the sweetness of Old English Sheepdog puppies—they’re as friendly as they are cute. Before bringing one of these pups home, however, there are a few things you should know. Keep reading to see what life could look like with an Old English Sheepdog at your side.
Old English Sheepdog Puppy Facts
Did you know that it was an Old English Sheepdog (OES) who inspired Paul McCartney’s hit Martha, My Dear? It’s true! And it’s equally true that these dogs can make lovely family pets. Check out the rest of our breed guide to see if this could be the breed for you.
| Size | Large. Old English Sheepdog males will reach a height of 56 cm or higher, with females about 2.5 cm shorter. Typically, these dogs will tip the scales between 27 and 24 kg (60 and 100 pounds). |
| Breed Characteristics | First, let’s look at this breed’s crowning glory: their eye-catching coat. Old English Sheepdogs have famously thick, shaggy hair that comes in shades of blue or grey paired with white. These adorable pups will grow into sturdy and muscular dogs who are surprisingly light on their feet. |
| Temperament | The good qualities of an OES puppy are many: they’re intelligent, gentle, and patient dogs who love to be around people. In fact, an Old English Sheepdog has a knack for making new friends with everyone he meets, from young children to strangers. This breed is said to make an excellent watchdog, and they have a distinctly loud warning bark. Always protective of his family, an Old English Sheepdog demonstrates tremendous courage, loyalty, and watchfulness. |
| Grooming and Health Needs | What does it take to keep that shaggy coat in tip-top shape? Vetstreet suggests that prospective OES owners plan to set aside about an hour per week for coat maintenance. If you fail to brush this dog regularly, he will become a tangled mess and need to be shaved. For many owners, only a professional groomer will do—he or she can give your dog a ‘puppy trim’ to keep his shag under control.
Like other larger breeds, Old English Sheepdogs can suffer from bloat—a sudden and often fatal condition in which the stomach twists on itself. Other potential health issues include hip dysplasia, eye problems, hypothyroidism, cancer, as well as heart and neurological diseases. Unfortunately, they can also experience allergic reactions to certain drugs, such as a commonly used heartworm medication. The UK Kennel Club recommends breeding dogs are tested for hip dysplasia and undergo eye screening. It also advises DNA testing for PCD (primary cillary dyskinesia) and MDR1 (multidrug resistance gene one). |
| Training | A few words of advice: start training early in puppyhood because before you know it, you’ll have an unmanageable 35 kg ball of energy on your hands. Luckily, these dogs are straight-A students who remember their lessons easily. Just keep things fresh and fun, and don’t be afraid to change up your training routine. An Old English Sheepdog can find repetitive lessons dull and unable to hold his attention for very long. Patience and positive reinforcement work hand-in-hand to mould your Old English Sheepdog into an obedient and responsive family pet who you’ll love to be around. |
| Energy Level | Old English Sheepdogs strike a pleasant balance between being playfully vigorous dogs and calm couch potatoes. They make a good match for anyone who is moderately active, but they also enjoy a calm night lounging in front of the TV. Long walks are a must to keep this muscular dog healthy, and dog sports are another great outlet. |
| Life Expectancy | You can expect to enjoy 10-12 years with your Old English Sheepdog. |
Who Is The Best Human For An Old English Sheepdog Puppy?
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Old English Sheepdog puppies have a way of winning people over. So, if you’re smitten with this breed’s unique shag and sweet-natured disposition, you’re certainly not alone. These dogs can make terrific pets, but of course, they’re not a perfect match for everyone.
For one thing, neat freaks need not apply. An OES will leave traces of hair on every conceivable surface of your home. Plus, their shaggy paws seem to attract all kinds of dirt and debris, which will undoubtedly find their way into your house.
Coat care is another thing to consider. Are you willing to devote the time and effort to managing his classic shag? You’ll probably need to add professional grooming expenses to your budget as well.
Herding instincts are still strong in this breed, so an OES may not be the best choice for families with young children wary of dogs. The breed’s protective nature and loud bark, however, do make them excellent watchdogs.
Be prepared to shower your Old English Sheepdog with attention—they thrive on human companionship and interaction. Leaving an OES alone for long stretches of time can lead to an unhappy dog. And unhappy dogs can quickly become destructive dogs out of frustration. Although, we have to admit—spending time with this lovely and friendly dog is hardly an imposition.
Getting An Old English Sheepdog Puppy
The decision to adopt or to work with a breeder for your new OES puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or a breeder who offers healthy, ethically-sourced Old English Sheepdog puppies.
Adopting an Old English Sheepdog puppy
Although rare, it may come as a surprise to hear that adopting an Old English Sheepdog puppy is possible. Many rescues report that a majority of their homeless dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out there that are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit of this may mean that you have a dog who is already house-trained, microchipped and neutered. You may also find an Old English Sheepdog mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in. Some Old English Sheepdog breeders may also have older dogs up for rehoming.
Finding a rescue Old English Sheepdog can be as simple as searching the internet.
Finding an Old English Sheepdog breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with numerous online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or—at the very least—the mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Old English Sheepdog puppy seems too good to be true, there’s likely something suspect going on. The Kennel Club also offers resources for finding a responsible breeder and a list of vetted breeders in its assured breeders scheme.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get an Old English Sheepdog puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find an ethical breeder or are planning to adopt, prepare yourself for an affectionate and friendly addition to your household.
Old English Sheepdog Puppy Resources
After you find the right Old English Sheepdog, it’s time to prepare your home! Here are a few resources to get you started.
- Tips on Surviving the First 24 Hours with Your New Puppy
- How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone?
- The Essential New Puppy Checklist
- How Often Should I Walk my Puppy?
- Puppy Training Resources
Featured image via Flickr/Norlando Pobre
