Old English Sheepdog

also known as Bobtail, OES

Pros History


The Old English Sheepdog was first recognized as a breed by the Kennel Club of England in 1873. The American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit and recognized the breed in 1888.

The breed's name, "Old English Sheepdog," is quite fitting as it reflects the breed's origins in England and its original purpose as a herding dog. The "Bobtail" nickname comes from the fact that the breed's tail is traditionally docked, or shortened.

The origins of the Old English Sheepdog can be traced back to the early 18th century in the southwestern counties of England. The breed was developed by crossing various herding dogs, including the Bearded Collie, the Welsh Corgi, and the Briard.

The Old English Sheepdog was a popular breed in England and was frequently used as a working dog on farms and in rural areas. However, the breed's popularity began to decline in the early 20th century as more modern and efficient herding methods were developed.

Breed Information


Type

Is Old English Sheepdog a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Old English Sheepdogs originally used for?

sheep herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Old English Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for an Old English Sheepdog? How long can Old English Sheepdogs live?

10-12 years

The average Old English Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Old English Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Old English Sheepdog?

What is the average height of an Old English Sheepdog? How big is an Purebred Old English Sheepdog height? Old English Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
Female 21-22 inches (53.3 - 55.9 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
What is the average weight of an Old English Sheepdog? How much should Old English Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 70-90 pounds (32 - 41 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg)
Female 60-80 pounds (27 - 36 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Old English Sheepdogs get fat easily?

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Old English Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Old English Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Old English Sheepdog personality? What are Old English Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Adaptable
Intelligent
Playful
Protective
Bubbly
Loving
Sociable
Funny

Shedding Level

Are Old English Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does an Old English Sheepdog Shed?

Old English Sheepdog dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Old English Sheepdog.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Old English Sheepdog dog?

Old English Sheepdogs are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Old English Sheepdog is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Old English Sheepdogs come from?

England

Ancestry

What are Old English Sheepdogs descended from?

scottish bearded collie, russian owtchar

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Old English Sheepdog breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Old English Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Old English Sheepdog breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Old English Sheepdog?

Herding (AKC:1888 & UKC)

Old English Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Old English Sheepdog eyes?

Blue
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Old English Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Old English Sheepdog coat be naturally?

Blue
White
Gray
Brown
Fawn

Coat Length

How long is an Old English Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of an Old English Sheepdog is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Old English Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Old English Sheepdog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Old English Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can an Old English Sheepdog have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

An Old English Sheepdog can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Old English Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Old English Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Old English Sheepdog is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Old English Sheepdog?

Entropion
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Old English Sheepdogs?

Otitis Externa
Demodectic Mange
Deafness
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Diabetes

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Old English Sheepdog breed?

Eye
Hip
Hearing
Skin Scraping
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ear Examination

Old English Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Old English Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Old English Sheepdogs may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Old English Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Old English Sheepdogs?

Old English Sheepdog have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Old English Sheepdogs get?

The Old English Sheepdog dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Old English Sheepdog have? Do Old English Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

Old English Sheepdogs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Old English Sheepdog drool a lot?

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Old English Sheepdogs tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Old English Sheepdogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Old English Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Old English Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Old English Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Old English Sheepdogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Old English Sheepdog busy?

Walk, Eating Snacks, Tracking, Tug-of-war, Hunt, Sniff, Run, Fetch, Swim, Play, Sleep

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Old English Sheepdog? How much energy does an Old English Sheepdog have?

Medium

Old English Sheepdogs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Old English Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should an Old English Sheepdog walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Old English Sheepdog, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Old English Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does an Old English Sheepdog need?

40 minutes

In general most Old English Sheepdogs usually need at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Old English Sheepdog?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Old English Sheepdog?

Weekly

Old English Sheepdog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Old English Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Old English Sheepdog eat?

3 cups

For an average 70-90 pound (32 - 41 kg) Old English Sheepdog feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Old English Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of an Old English Sheepdog is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Old English Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of an Old English Sheepdog is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Old English Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Old English Sheepdog?

The Old English Sheepdog breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Old English Sheepdog dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Old English Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Old English Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Old English Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

Old English Sheepdogs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Old English Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Old English Sheepdogs good around children?

A Old English Sheepdogs typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Old English Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Old English Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Old English Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Old English Sheepdogs are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Old English Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Old English Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Old English Sheepdogs are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Old English Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Old English Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Old English Sheepdogs are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Old English Sheepdogs are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Old English Sheepdogs will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Old English Sheepdogs like to play? Are Old English Sheepdogs playful?

The Old English Sheepdog is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Old English Sheepdog is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Old English Sheepdog easily trained?

Old English Sheepdog dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Good with children
    Old English Sheepdogs are known to be good with children and make great family pets.
  • Affectionate
    They are known to be affectionate and loyal to their owners.
  • Good watchdogs
    Old English Sheepdogs make good watchdogs due to their size and protective nature.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Old English Sheepdogs may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Without proper attention to weight, a Old English Sheepdog may become overweight.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Old English Sheepdogs may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • High energy level
    Old English Sheepdogs have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise.
  • Grooming needs
    Their long, shaggy coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
  • Health problems
    Old English Sheepdogs, similar to other breeds, may be at risk for certain health problems, including Entropion, Cataracts and Hip Dysplasia.