Old English Sheepdog

Is an Old English Sheepdog right for you?

The Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) is a large English herding dog known for the shaggy coat covering its eyes, its bear-like shuffle and its clownish nature. In photos it looks like a plush toy; in reality it is a strong, energetic 27-45 kg dog that needs hours of coat care every week. The most honest question before choosing it: can you commit serious grooming time every single week?

Before you adopt

If buying from a breeder, ask for the parents' hip evaluations, eye exams (PRA), thyroid checks, hearing assessment and MDR1 genetic test results. PetMD lists the Old English Sheepdog among breeds that can carry the MDR1 mutation.

Because of the grooming workload, matted, neglected Bobtails do end up in shelters and rescues. If you adopt one, it may first need de-matting at a groomer; a short clip is an acceptable fresh start in that case.

The puppy should have stayed with its mother for at least eight weeks. Meet the parents; they should be playful but steady, not excessively shy or aggressive.

Temperament

The Old English Sheepdog is cheerful, intelligent and affectionate. It is devoted to its family, loves playing with children and can act like a puppy well into adulthood.

It may be cautious with strangers and new animals at first but warms up quickly. It announces visitors with a deep, loud bark.

It has a herding instinct and may bump running children to gather them; given its size, redirect this early.

A Bobtail without exercise and mental work gets bored, leading to excessive barking and chewing.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources generally give a lifespan of 10-12 years.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Among the leading causes of lameness in the breed. Get lameness, difficulty rising or reluctance on stairs checked. Ideal weight is the best protection.
• MDR1 (multidrug sensitivity): In affected dogs, high-dose ivermectin, loperamide (anti-diarrhoeal), some sedatives and chemotherapy drugs can cause severe neurological toxicity. Without a test result, tell your vet the dog may be affected; never use human anti-diarrhoea medicine or livestock ivermectin at home. Wobbliness, tremors or dilated pupils after a medication is an emergency.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism): Weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, skin problems. Diagnosed with a blood test.
• Exercise-induced collapse (EIC): Hind-leg weakness and collapse during intense exercise in hot weather. Stop immediately, cool the dog and contact your vet.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts: Poor night vision, cloudy eyes. Hair over the eyes can hide vision loss, so yearly eye exams matter.
• Congenital deafness: Reported in dogs with extensive white; watch a puppy's response to sound.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: Reduced stamina, coughing, fainting.

Feeding

An adult Old English Sheepdog (27-45 kg) typically eats roughly 350-500 g of good-quality dry food a day depending on activity and energy content.

• Puppy (2-18 months): Large-breed puppy food, 3-4 meals. Slow growth protects the joints; don't add calcium supplements.
• Adult: Two meals a day; avoid hard exercise right before and after eating.
• Senior (7+ years): Fewer calories; monitor joints and thyroid values.

The profuse coat completely hides weight gain. Check the ribs by hand regularly.

Grooming and coat

A double coat of long, harsh, shaggy outer hair over a dense, waterproof undercoat.

• Plan on 3-4 hours of grooming a week. Brush in layers down to the skin; brushing only the top hides mats without removing them.
• Mats pull on the skin, hurt and trap moisture, fleas and ticks, so grooming is a health issue, not just looks.
• Hair over the eyes affects vision and eye health; trim or tie it up. Clean the mouth area after meals.
• Check inside the ears weekly; trim the paws and hygiene area.
• Do not shave to the skin. The double coat traps air between layers, insulating against both heat and cold, and the outer coat shields the skin from sun. A full shave exposes the skin to sunburn and can cause patchy regrowth. Many pet owners choose a professional "puppy clip" that leaves several centimetres of coat; that is not the same as shaving.
• Budget for regular professional grooming.

Training and exercise

Daily need: at least an hour of walking or running plus play. Agility, herding sports and fetch suit the breed.

Priorities:

1. Grooming habituation: From the first week, get the puppy used to brushing and having paws and ears handled. You cannot restrain a 40 kg dog for grooming.
2. Socialisation (8-16 weeks): Balances its initial caution with strangers.
3. Lead manners: A strong dog; teach loose-lead walking early.
4. Redirecting herding: Teach toy play instead of bumping children.
5. Bark control.

The breed is clever but can be stubborn; short, rewarding, fun sessions work best.

Hot summers are hard on this breed. Exercise early morning and late evening and provide a cool, shaded space at midday. Heavy panting and staggering in heat are signs of heatstroke.

History

The Old English Sheepdog most likely developed in 18th-century western England as a drover's dog, moving cattle and sheep to market. Despite the "Old" in its name, the breed is not especially ancient.

The nickname "Bobtail" comes from docking the tails of working dogs to claim tax exemption. Today many countries restrict cosmetic docking on welfare grounds, and natural-tailed Bobtails are increasingly common.

The breed entered the show ring in the 19th century and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1888. In the 20th century it became the archetypal "shaggy dog" of adverts and films.