Is the Old English Sheepdog a Good Fit for You? – American Kennel Club

shouBringing a dog into your life requires careful consideration, regardless of whether or not you’re a first-time dog owner. Taking a dog’s temperament, size, grooming, and exercise needs are all items that require careful research in finding your perfect dog. Taking your own lifestyle into account is also essential. If you’re seeking a smart, mellow, and gentle herding dog, consider the Old English Sheepdog.

The Old English Sheepdog’s Temperament

Members of the Herding Group, Old English Sheepdogs (OESs) are excellent family dogs known for their courage, warm sensibilities, intelligence, and watchful eyes. They are great with children, and are patient, protective companions. OESs are large and agile, and enjoy exploring.

Physical Traits and Grooming Needs

The Old English Sheepdog is the “archetypical” shaggy dog, known for their profuse coat and “peek-a-boo” hairdo. Beneath their shaggy, double coat is a muscular and compact body that stands between 21 and 22 inches tall. The OES can weigh anywhere between 60 and 100 pounds.

The Old English Sheepdog’s double coat requires a thorough grooming down to the skin throughout the entire body at least once a week. This is the best way to maintain an OES’s full coat. Keeping the feet clipped will minimize problems and make cleanup an easier task. Paying a professional groomer may be the best fit to keep up with the breed’s higher maintenance grooming requirements. As with all breeds, their nails should be trimmed regularly.

How Much Training Do Old English Sheepdogs Need?

Old English Sheepdogs tend to be intelligent, agreeable breeds. Training can be easier with this breed. Once they learn something, they don’t forget it. Engaging, varied training exercises are the best methods for an OES. They get bored quickly with repetitive training sessions.

Early socialization and puppy training courses will help ensure your Old English Sheepdog grows into a well-adjusted and well-behaved adult.

Are Old English Sheepdogs Good for Families?

Aside from their quintessential shaggy dog look, Old English Sheepdogs are well-known for being great candidates for the family dog. They are fond of children, and their patient, gentle nature makes them excellent playmates. OESs have loud, distinct barks, making them effective watchdogs.

Old English Sheepdogs are not one-size-fits all for any family. They are large dogs with high energy, making them best suited for an active family. Herding dogs require a good amount of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

How Social Are OESs?

These large herding dogs are very much people-oriented, and especially love being around their families. They are loving, playful, and gentle and generally friendly with other dogs and animals.

Old English Sheepdogs tend to be open with strangers, and may only bark to alert their owners of a new presence. It’s best not to leave OESs alone for long periods of time. They thrive off of human interaction and love their people.