Old English Sheepdog Grooming Guide
Brushing (daily), bathing schedule, shedding management, nail and ear care, and professional grooming tips for your Old English Sheepdog.
Brushing
Frequency
Daily
Duration
20–30 minutes
Coat type
Profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat
Old English Sheepdogs require daily grooming to maintain their coat. Skipping even a few days can lead to severe matting. Many owners keep their Old English Sheepdog in a shorter "puppy cut" to reduce daily maintenance. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is highly recommended.
Recommended tools
- Slicker brush
- Pin brush
- Steel comb
- Undercoat rake
- Detangling spray
- Thinning shears
Bathing
Frequency
Every 3–4 weeks
Old English Sheepdogs with their profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat benefit from regular bathing to keep the coat clean, manageable, and free of tangles. Always brush thoroughly before bathing — wet mats tighten and become nearly impossible to remove.
Bathing tips
- Brush out all mats and tangles before wetting the coat
- Use a dog-specific shampoo matched to the coat type — avoid human shampoo
- Rinse thoroughly — leftover shampoo causes itching and flaky skin
- Apply a dog conditioner to reduce tangles and add moisture
- Towel-dry first, then use a blow dryer on low heat while brushing
- Check ears after bathing — moisture trapped in the ear canal can cause infections
Shedding
Old English Sheepdogs are heavy shedders. Expect loose hair on furniture, clothes, and floors daily. Their profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat releases hair consistently, with noticeably heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.
Seasonal shedding
Old English Sheepdogs shed more heavily during spring (losing the winter undercoat) and fall (growing it back). During these 2–4 week periods, daily brushing is essential. The rest of the year, regular brushing keeps shedding manageable.
Shedding management tips
- Brush regularly — it's the single most effective way to control shedding
- Feed a high-quality diet with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health
- Keep your dog hydrated — dehydrated skin leads to more shedding
- Use a lint roller or pet hair remover on furniture and clothes
- Invest in a quality de-shedding tool (like a Furminator) for undercoat removal
- Vacuum at least twice a week — consider a robot vacuum for daily maintenance
- Use washable couch covers and keep lint rollers in your car
- Bathe during heavy shedding periods to help release loose undercoat
Routine care
Nail trimming
Every 2–4 weeksTrim nails when you hear them clicking on hard floors. Use a guillotine-style or scissor-style clipper, or a nail grinder. Clip just the tip to avoid cutting the quick (the pink area with blood vessels). If your dog has dark nails, clip small amounts at a time. If you cut the quick, apply styptic powder to stop bleeding.
Ear cleaning
Weekly check, clean as neededCheck ears weekly for redness, odor, or wax buildup. Old English Sheepdogs can be prone to ear infections due to their ear shape. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and a cotton ball — never insert anything into the ear canal. After swimming or bathing, always dry the ears thoroughly to prevent infections.
Dental care
Brush 2–3 times per week (daily is ideal)Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste — the fluoride is toxic). Start slowly — let your dog taste the toothpaste first, then gradually work up to brushing. Dental chews and water additives help between brushings, but don't replace brushing entirely.
Eye care
Check daily, clean as neededCheck eyes daily for discharge, redness, or cloudiness. Wipe away tear stains or debris gently with a damp cloth. If you notice persistent discharge, squinting, or redness, consult your vet — these can be signs of infection or injury.
Professional grooming
Professional grooming is highly recommended for Old English Sheepdogs. Their profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat requires expert handling to maintain the proper shape and prevent matting. Budget $60–$120 per session depending on your location and the dog's size.
Typical services
- Full bath and blow-dry
- Haircut or breed-specific trim
- Nail trimming and grinding
- Ear cleaning and plucking (if needed)
- Sanitary trim
- Teeth brushing
- Anal gland expression (if needed)
Old English Sheepdog Grooming FAQ
- Old English Sheepdogs should be brushed daily, with each session lasting about 20–30 minutes. Bathing is recommended every 3–4 weeks. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is highly recommended for their profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat. Nails should be trimmed every 2–4 weeks, and ears checked weekly. Establishing a grooming routine early — ideally as a puppy — makes the process much easier for both you and your dog.
- Yes, Old English Sheepdogs are heavy shedders. Their profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat sheds consistently year-round and more heavily during spring and fall seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing (daily) with a de-shedding tool is the most effective way to manage loose hair. A high-quality diet rich in omega fatty acids also helps maintain coat health and reduce excessive shedding. No supplement or tool eliminates shedding entirely — it's a natural, healthy process — but consistent grooming makes it very manageable.
- While you can handle daily brushing and basic maintenance at home, Old English Sheepdogs benefit greatly from professional grooming every 4–6 weeks for haircuts, de-matting, and thorough coat care. You'll need a slicker brush, pin brush, steel comb, and detangling spray for home maintenance. Learn the correct brushing technique for their profuse, shaggy, hard-textured double coat to avoid causing discomfort. Many owners alternate between professional sessions and at-home maintenance to keep costs manageable while maintaining coat health.
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