Herding group
Old English Sheepdog
The shaggy, bumbling drover — gentle, clownish and a grooming commitment.
Old English Sheepdogs are big, shaggy herding dogs with a famously playful, gentle nature. They are wonderful family companions, but their coat is a major commitment and they need regular exercise.
- Height
- 21–24 in53–61 cm
- Weight
- 60–100 lb27–45 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Herding
- Origin
- West Country, England
Coat: Profuse, shaggy double coat. Colours: Grey, Grizzle, Blue, Blue merle, With or without white markings.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
OES are affectionate, good-humoured and adaptable. They are usually excellent with children and friendly with visitors, and many have a clownish sense of fun.
They can be bouncy and boisterous, and some try to herd children. They are intelligent but sometimes independent, and many have a loud, distinctive bark.
Living with a Old English Sheepdog
Exercise
About an hour of daily walks and play. They enjoy herding and agility.
Grooming
Very demanding: brush the full coat thoroughly several times a week. Many owners keep a shorter pet trim.
Training
Intelligent and willing but sometimes stubborn; positive, consistent training works well.
Kids & other pets
Excellent with children and other pets, though big and bouncy with small kids.
Time alone
OES love company and can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Old English Sheepdog right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Old English Sheepdog matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Old English Sheepdog typically lives 10–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Eye disease
Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy occur; annual eye exams help.
Hereditary ataxia
An inherited neurological disease causing loss of coordination; a DNA test is available.
MDR1 drug sensitivity
Some OES carry the MDR1 mutation; testing helps your vet choose safe drugs.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
- DNA tests: hereditary ataxia and MDR1
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Old English Sheepdog; Old English Sheepdog Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The breed developed in the West Country of England in the 1700s and 1800s to drive cattle and sheep to market. Drovers’ dogs had their tails docked to prove their working status and exempt them from tax — hence the nickname “bobtail”.
The AKC recognised the Old English Sheepdog in 1888. In Britain the breed is famous as the long-running mascot of Dulux paint.
Did you know?
- An Old English Sheepdog has been the Dulux paint mascot in Britain since the 1960s.
- Drovers’ dogs were docked to show they were working dogs exempt from tax.
- OES have a distinctive rolling “bear-like” gait.
Library guides for Old English Sheepdog owners
Grooming
Brushing
Old English Sheepdog coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Old English Sheepdog without drying out the coat.
Training
Heel and Loose-Leash Walking
A strong Old English Sheepdog needs loose-lead manners early.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Old English Sheepdog.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Old English Sheepdogs good family dogs?
- Yes — they are gentle, playful and excellent with children.
- How much grooming does an OES need?
- A great deal; a shorter pet trim makes it more manageable.
- Do Old English Sheepdogs shed?
- Yes, moderately — most hair is trapped in the coat until brushed out.