Old English Sheepdog

Breed TypePurebred

OriginUnited Kingdom

Intelligence

HypoallergenicYes

Popularity

TemperamentGentle, Loyal, Friendly & Intelligent

About Old English Sheepdog

Get introduced to the breed

The Old English Sheepdog is a purebred breed originating from the United Kingdom, known for its striking appearance characterized by a profuse, shaggy coat and a distinctive bobtail, giving it the nickname 'Bobtail'. Highly valued for its gentle and loyal nature, this breed is friendly and intelligent, making it an excellent family companion. Despite its imposing size and noticeable coat, it is surprisingly agile and was originally bred for herding sheep and cattle. Renowned for its friendly demeanor, it is well-suited for families and excellent with children. However, they require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness.

Due to the breed's size and active nature, they thrive in homes with ample space to move around. They are not considered hypoallergenic, which can be a concern for allergy sufferers. Their intelligence ranks at 58, indicating a moderate ability to learn and adapt, often displaying independent thinking. With proper training and socialization, the Old English Sheepdog can be a superb family pet, consistently ranking high in popularity worldwide. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat's health and prevent matting, making them somewhat high maintenance in terms of grooming needs.

Family Oriented

Great with families and children

This breed is known for its gentle and friendly temperament, making it an excellent companion for families with children. Known for their loyalty and patience, they tend to be very tolerant of children's antics and love to engage in playful activities such as fetch. Their intelligence allows them to understand the needs of kids, and they often enjoy cuddling, providing a comforting presence.While they are good with smaller children, their size can sometimes be overwhelming, so supervision is recommended. Overall, their affable nature and tendency to form close bonds make them a superb choice for a kid-friendly household.

Play

Exercise and mental engagement

PlayfulnessThey enjoy interactive games like fetch and running.

RunningThis breed loves to run and needs daily exercise to stay healthy.

HikingThey are excellent companions for long hikes, enjoying the adventure.

FetchingKnown for their intelligence, they excel at playing fetch and similar games.

Accommodation

Ideal living conditions and requirements

Living Space:

Old English Sheepdogs are typically adaptable to various living situations. However, due to their large size, they are more comfortable in homes with ample space or a yard rather than small apartments. They enjoy having room to roam and explore, making a fenced outdoor area ideal for their needs.

Exercise:

These dogs require a good amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks, along with playtime and activities that engage their intelligence, are important. Access to outdoor spaces is beneficial to allow them to stretch their legs and satisfy their energetic nature.

Climate:

Old English Sheepdogs have a thick double coat, which provides insulation against cold weather but can cause discomfort in extreme heat. They thrive in temperate climates and should be protected from overheating in warmer conditions.

Grooming:

Their long, shaggy coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding. This includes frequent brushing sessions and occasional professional grooming to maintain their coat health and appearance.

Independence:

They can be moderately independent and may be comfortable being left alone for short periods. However, they are social animals that thrive on companionship and can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

Diseases

Common health issues and care

Hip DysplasiaA genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit into the hip socket properly. Symptoms include lameness, reluctance to move or climb stairs, and decreased activity.Prevention: Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help reduce the risk. Breeding dogs should be tested for hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal AtrophyAn inherited eye disease that leads to retinal degeneration and eventual blindness. Symptoms may include night blindness and progressive vision loss.Prevention: Regular eye examinations and genetic testing for breeding dogs can help manage the disease.

HypothyroidismA condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.Prevention: Routine screening tests can help detect hypothyroidism early, while ongoing therapy with hormone replacement drugs can manage the condition.