This may be the ultimate furry friend. Whether you’re running, biking, hiking or catching up on the latest TV series, an Old English Sheepdog will always be happy to join you.
Your happiness is your dog’s happiness when you own an Old English Sheepdog. Whether running, biking, walking or being a couch potato, this dog will adapt to anything and love you for it. Of course, a daily walk is beneficial for their health and helps to keep their weight in check. It also helps burn off any excess energy that otherwise may be used for anti-social activities.
They are a delightful dog to have around the home, being totally devoted to their family with plenty of affection to share. Watch your feet though as they love to sit on them and look up at you with their great big eyes. Prepare for your heart to melt. They are great with children and make excellent watchdogs. Their deep rumbling bark is enough to scare anything off, but Old English Sheepdogs are not aggressive.
Fun fact: Old English Sheepdogs have made a number of cameos
in popular films and TV series such as Sesame Street (Barkley),
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Edison) and The Simpsons (Reverend Lovejoy owns one).
They are intelligent dogs and love to please their owner. However, they also have a strong will, so early training is imperative. They love other pets and you may find your cat curled up next to your dog for warmth. An Old English Sheepdog sheds moderately and their beautiful thick coat is wool, not fur. They are high-maintenance dogs and their coat should be brushed daily, as well as their eyes and ears checked. Frequent trimming of the hair between their pads is also necessary.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia as well as Wobbler Syndrome and some eye and skin conditions.
Together with your vet, you can develop and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
An Old English Sheepdog is a giant-sized breed weighing a minimum of 30kgs for females and 36kgs for males, with a minimum height of 56cms for females and 61cms for males. Upper weight and height depends on the dog.
Space
They are a large dog and full of energy, so big dwellings with a yard are ideal.
Energy Levels
The equivalent of a marathon runner, they just go and go and go. Daily walks and games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.
Difficulty of Training
Old English Sheepdogs are smart and easy to train.
Family Suitability
They are great family pets, loyal companions and excellent watchdogs.
Compatibility with other Pets
They love to meet new friends.
Need for Company
They have a moderate to high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
No
Coat and Grooming Needs
This breed is high-maintenance. Brush their coat daily, as well as checking their ears and eyes. Trim hair between their pads regularly. They have a medium-long coat in any shade of grey, grizzle, blue or blue merle, with or without markings. Some brown and fawn is also possible.
Shedding
They are moderate shedders.
Tendency to Bark
They have a moderate tendency to bark, so expect frequent conversations.