Old English Sheepdog
AdaptableGentleSmart
England · 10–12 years
About the Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog, affectionately called the 'OES' or 'Bobtail,' is a large, shaggy herding breed instantly recognized by its profuse, bear-like coat that covers even its eyes. Developed in England's West Country in the early 1800s for driving cattle and sheep to market, the breed became an icon of British culture and a beloved family companion. Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent, adaptable, and surprisingly agile beneath all that fur. They are gentle, clownish, and playful dogs that retain a puppy-like exuberance well into adulthood.
Breed stats
- Height
- 21–22 in
- Weight
- 60–100 lbs
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Group
- Herding
- Coat
- Profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat
- Origin
- England
Coat colors
- Gray and White
- Blue and White
- Grizzle and White
- Blue Merle and White
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2.5–4 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
Not every Old English Sheepdog will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Old English Sheepdogs eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Old English Sheepdogs require among the most grooming of any breed. Their profuse double coat needs thorough brushing at least three to four times per week — each session can take an hour or more. Without regular brushing, the coat mats severely, which is painful and can lead to skin infections. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is strongly recommended. Many pet owners keep their OES in a shorter 'puppy clip' to reduce maintenance, though this changes the breed's iconic shaggy appearance. Grooming costs are a significant ongoing expense for OES owners.
- Old English Sheepdogs can see through the hair that covers their eyes, though not as clearly as they would without it. The long facial hair developed as protection against harsh weather and bright snow glare while working in the field. Many owners clip or tie back the facial hair to improve their dog's vision and prevent eye irritation. For show dogs, the hair is left natural. If you choose to leave the facial hair long, regular cleaning is important to prevent eye infections and tear staining. Most pet owners trim or clip the face for both comfort and hygiene.
- Old English Sheepdogs are exceptional with children and are often considered one of the best large breeds for families. They are gentle, patient, and protective of children, often trying to herd young family members by gently bumping or circling them. Their playful, clownish personality provides endless entertainment for kids. They are sturdy enough for rough play and seem to genuinely enjoy the energy of children. The main consideration is their size — enthusiastic OES puppies can knock over small children accidentally. They are natural babysitters that take their role as family protectors seriously.
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