The Old English Sheepdog is large, athletic and instantly recognisable with their shaggy coats. Bred initially in England of course, to help farmers drive cattle to markets.
They are adaptable, intelligent and easy-going dogs. They are large dogs, so if you have the space and are looking for an active dog to join your family or household, you may have found your perfect breed.
They need plenty of exercise so as long as you have an active life and time to play outdoors and take them on a good daily walk, they are a fantastic addition to your active family. They are very adaptable, they could even cope with apartment living as long as all their exercise needs are met, and you had the room, however, they would probably be happier with a garden to romp around in.
Remember a bored dog will usually become a mischievous dog, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to make sure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They are very devoted and love spending time with their family. They are herding dogs, and sometimes they are prone to nip so, they wouldn’t be suitable for families with young children. Older children make great companions and will romp around the garden, chasing balls and playing endless games of fetch with them.
They are good watchdogs and will usually alert you to suspicious activities, they aren’t known to be excessive barkers. They are a bit un-trusting of strangers, so make sure you socialise them early to avoid this.
They can live well with other pets, especially those brought up in the same household. Cats and small animals in the home should also be fine. The herding instincts can still be strong, so they may chase or herd neighbourhood cats and kids!
They are relatively intelligent but a little challenging to train. These are large dogs, you will need to establish yourself as the top dog early on, and then you will have a lovely well-trained companion for life. Try to keep training both exciting and fun for the best results and avoid being harsh with them; identifying their motivation reward early will get you the best results, and it’s normally food.
They have double coats; the top coat is long and shaggy, and it requires very regular brushing to keep on top of mats; make sure you consider this before getting one. You will probably want to take them to a professional to get their coats trimmed or clipped. They are heavy shedders, another reason to brush them daily. They are very likely to be droolers as well, so you will need a towel handy at all times.
Old English Sheep Dog Stats
The Old English Sheep Dog was bred to herd and guard sheep. Similar to all sheepdogs they are very intelligent, and the shepherd relied on them not only to protect the sheep day and night but also to help keep the sheep together on the unfenced fields and then drive them to the market.
- Weight -23kg –42kg
- Size – 56cm – 60cm
- They live for 13-15 years