The Old English Sheepdog is one of Britain’s most iconic breeds. With their shaggy coats, bear-like shuffle, and famously good-natured temperaments, they’ve captured hearts for centuries. Originally bred to help farmers drive cattle to market, these working dogs are as practical as they are cuddly.
Old English Sheepdog Traits at a Glance
- Best trait: Playful and affectionate
- Challenging trait: High-maintenance coat
- Weight: 23–42 kg
- Height: 56–60 cm
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
Exercise Needs
Old English Sheepdogs are large, athletic, and full of energy. They need plenty of daily exercise — long walks, outdoor play, and ideally a garden to romp around in.
They could adapt to apartment living if all their needs were met, but let’s be honest: a shaggy sofa-surfing sheepdog is happiest with a garden.
Remember: a bored dog is a mischievous one. Without stimulation, they’ll find their own entertainment (think barking, chewing, or digging).
Temperament
Despite their size, Old English Sheepdogs are famously gentle, affectionate, and easy-going. They adore being with their family and are loyal companions through and through.
- With children: Better suited to older kids, as they may try to herd little ones by nipping. With bigger kids, they’ll spend hours playing fetch and chasing balls.
- With adults: Total cuddle monsters. They thrive on companionship and hate being left alone for long periods.
Watchdogs and Strangers
They’re reliable watchdogs who’ll bark if something suspicious is going on, but they’re not known to be obsessive barkers. Socialising them early helps balance their natural wariness of strangers.
Fun fact: Their sheer size is often enough to deter any would-be intruder.
Living With Other Pets
Old English Sheepdogs generally live well with other dogs, cats, and household pets, especially if raised together.
That said, their herding instinct runs deep. Expect some attempts to round up cats, children, and possibly even visitors at the dinner table.
Training an Old English Sheepdog
They’re intelligent but also independent — training can be a little challenging. Success comes from:
- Identifying their motivation early (usually food or play).
- Using consistent, positive reinforcement.
- Keeping sessions short, engaging, and fun.
Harsh training won’t work — they’ll switch off.
For tailored tips, try our AI Dog Trainer to troubleshoot challenges like recall, herding behaviour, or barking.
Grooming Needs
This is where things get serious. The Old English Sheepdog’s double coat is thick, shaggy, and very high-maintenance.
- Expect daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
- Professional grooming every few months is almost essential.
- They shed heavily, particularly in spring and autumn.
- Drooling is common — keep towels handy.
If you love the look but aren’t ready for the grooming commitment, consider exploring alternatives in our What Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Old English Sheepdog
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gentle, loyal, and affectionate | High-maintenance coat and shedding |
| Great with older children | May nip when herding |
| Playful and adaptable | Prone to separation anxiety |
| Iconic shaggy appearance | Size and grooming costs add up |
Health Notes
Old English Sheepdogs are generally robust, but they can be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia – monitor exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
- Eye issues – such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
- Bloat – common in larger breeds; avoid exercising right after meals.
Planning on a puppy? Our Best in Breeder Guide will help you ask the right health questions and prevent heartbreak later.
History & Background
Bred in England to herd and guard sheep, the Old English Sheepdog became indispensable to farmers. Their intelligence, weatherproof coats, and stamina made them ideal for protecting flocks and driving livestock to market.
Their distinctive look has made them a fixture in films, TV, and advertising — from Disney classics to iconic paint adverts.
Famous Old English Sheepdog Owners
- Paul McCartney – His beloved Sheepdog, Martha, inspired the Beatles’ song Martha My Dear.
- Eric Clapton – Another rocker who adored the breed.
- Disney Studios – The breed starred in The Shaggy Dog films, boosting their popularity worldwide.
It seems creative types have always had a soft spot for these fluffy giants.
Great Names for Old English Sheepdogs
Their personality is playful and goofy, with a touch of shaggy elegance.
- Classic: Winston, Beatrice, Oliver, Margaret
- Playful: Scruffy, Muffin, Tumble, Bouncer
- Inspired by Fame: Martha, Shaggy, Ringo, Clapton
- Fluffy-Inspired: Cloud, Snowball, Nimbus, Woolly
Need more ideas? Our Dog Name Generator can whip up the perfect fit.
Thinking of Bringing Home an Old English Sheepdog?
If you’ve got the space, time, and patience for grooming, the Old English Sheepdog will reward you with years of loyalty, affection, and laughs.
To make the early days easier, grab our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner — it covers routines, training, and health trackers. And to capture their scruffy charm forever, treat yourself to one of our Cartoon Pet Portraits.
Pickles’ Aside:
“These guys are like living teddy bears… except they’ll steal your sofa, your snacks, and probably your hairbrush too.”