Old English Sheepdog: The Fluffy, Gentle Herding Companion

A friendly, easy-to-read guide about history, temperament, care, and living with an Old English Sheepdog.

Quick snapshot

Breed name: Old English Sheepdog (often called "OES" or "Bobtail")
Origin: England (developed for herding and droving)
Size: Large (typically 60–100 lb / 27–45 kg)
Temperament: Affectionate, playful, intelligent, sociable
Best for: Families and active households able to provide grooming and moderate exercise

A short history

The Old English Sheepdog was developed in England as a herding and droving dog for cattle and sheep. Known for its distinctive shaggy coat and bobbed tail in some lines, the breed worked closely with shepherds and drovers, guiding livestock to market and across long distances. Over time they became popular companions and show dogs while retaining their herding instincts and affectionate nature.

What an Old English Sheepdog looks like

Old English Sheepdogs are powerful, compact, and heavily coated dogs with a shaggy, weather-resistant double coat that often covers the eyes and gives them a teddy-like appearance.

Height: typically 21–22 inches (53–56 cm) or taller at the shoulder
Weight: usually 60–100 lb (27–45 kg)
Coat: thick, shaggy double coat—long and profuse; requires regular grooming
Colors: grey and white are common; blue, grizzle, or other combinations occur
Expression: kind, intelligent, and often slightly comical due to the heavy coat

Temperament: loving, playful, and people-oriented

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their affectionate, playful personalities. They typically adore family life and enjoy being part of household activities. They are social dogs that usually get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.

Affectionate and family-focused — enjoy companionship
Playful and often clownish — they have a warm sense of humor
Intelligent and trainable, but sometimes independent
Protective of family in a gentle way — not typically aggressive
Good with children when interactions are supervised and respectful

Training and socialization — consistent and positive

OES dogs do well with positive, consistent training. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them good learners, though their independent streak rewards patience and early socialization.

Start early: expose puppies to people, animals, and varied environments to build confidence.
Use positive reinforcement: treats, praise, and play keep training enjoyable.
Focus on manners: leash skills, recall, and basic obedience are important for large, sociable dogs.
Channel herding instincts: structured activities, games, or classes that provide a job help satisfy natural drives.
Grooming acclimation: get puppies used to brushing and handling early to make adult grooming easier.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Old English Sheepdogs need regular exercise and mental engagement to stay healthy and well-balanced.

Daily walks and play sessions — aim for 30–60 minutes depending on age and condition
Interactive play: fetch, tug, and herding-simulating games
Mental enrichment: puzzle toys, obedience challenges, and scent work
Avoid excessive high-impact exercise for young puppies while bones develop

Living situation: adaptable but needs attention

OES dogs adapt to different homes but need space to move and time for grooming and social interaction. They are not suited to long periods of isolation.

Do well in homes with yards but can live inside if exercised regularly
Suitable for families and active households that enjoy interactive dogs
Not ideal for owners who cannot commit to grooming and regular brushing
Generally get along with other dogs and pets with proper introductions

Health and lifespan

Old English Sheepdogs are generally healthy but have breed-associated conditions to watch for.

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hypothyroidism in some lines
Progressive retinal issues and other eye conditions
Autoimmune conditions in certain bloodlines
Grooming-related skin problems if coat is not maintained
Average lifespan: about 10–12 years

Tips: choose a reputable breeder who screens hips, elbows, and eyes; maintain a healthy weight; schedule regular vet checkups; and address grooming-related skin issues promptly.

Grooming and daily care

Frequent brushing (several times a week) to prevent mats and tangles
Regular professional grooming every 6–10 weeks depending on coat style and owner preference
Bath as needed and thoroughly dry to prevent skin problems
Check and clean ears, trim nails, and brush teeth regularly
Keep coat trimmed around the eyes and sanitary areas for hygiene and visibility

Feeding and nutrition

Feed a balanced diet appropriate for large, active dogs and maintain a lean body condition to protect joints.

Puppies: use a large-breed puppy formula to support steady growth
Adults: high-quality adult food with appropriate protein and joint-support nutrients if needed
Monitor portions to prevent obesity — divide meals into two daily feedings
Consult your veterinarian for tailored dietary advice based on activity and health

Choosing an Old English Sheepdog puppy or adult

Careful selection helps ensure good health and temperament.

Reputable breeder: health testing (hips, elbows, eyes), socialized puppies, transparent practices
Rescue: breed rescues and general rescues occasionally have OES dogs in need of homes
Meet the parents: if possible, to assess size and temperament tendencies
Ask about grooming: learn what level of coat care the breeder or rescue provides and recommends

Working roles and activities

Though popular as companions, OES dogs still enjoy roles that use their intelligence and herding instincts.

Herding and stock-work in suitable settings
Companion and family pet
Obedience, rally, and suitable dog sports
Therapy and visiting programs when temperament fits

Responsible ownership & legal notes

Old English Sheepdogs are widely accepted and rarely subject to breed-specific laws, but owners should practice responsible care and supervision.

Keep vaccinations and identification current
Supervise interactions with small animals due to herding instincts
Ensure proper containment and leash control in public areas
Consider pet insurance for health screenings and potential hereditary conditions

Quick FAQ

Are Old English Sheepdogs good family dogs?: Yes — they are affectionate, playful, and generally excellent with children when socialized and supervised.
How much grooming do they need?: Significant grooming: regular brushing and periodic professional grooming are necessary to prevent mats and skin issues.
Do they drool a lot?: Not especially; drooling varies by individual and situation but is not a major trait of the breed.
Are they good apartment dogs?: They can adapt to apartment life if exercised well and groomed regularly, but larger living spaces with room to play suit them better.

Puppy checklist

Sturdy crate and comfortable bedding sized for a large puppy
High-quality large-breed puppy food
Durable leash, collar or harness, and ID tag
Grooming kit: slicker brush, comb, detangler, and nail trimmers
Secure, puppy-proofed space and yard access for play
Vet plan: vaccinations, microchip, deworming schedule
Training plan including socialization, recall, and grooming acclimation
Chew toys and enrichment puzzles suitable for large-breed puppies