Old English Sheepdog - MAIN HUB
BREED GROUP
Herding Dogs
Country of origin
United Kingdom
BREED SIZE
Large
BREED HEIGHT
21 -
24 IN
53 -
61 cm
BREED WEIGHT
60 -
100 LB
27 -
45 KG
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
american kennel club (AKC) recognition
Yes
Breed was recognized in 1888.
International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition
Yes
Breed was recognized in 1954.
WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?
Are Old English Sheepdogs good family dogs?
Excellent
10 out of 10
The Old English Sheepdog is an excellent family dog due to its affectionate, mellow disposition and its ability to excel with children. They are loyal companions that thrive on human attention, though they require dedicated owners to manage their high-maintenance grooming and exercise needs.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good with kids?
Excellent
10 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs are famously good with children, often referred to as nanny dogs due to their gentle, patient, and protective nature. Their mellow and affectionate disposition makes them excellent family companions that bond closely with kids. However, because of their large size and shaggy coat, supervised play is recommended to ensure interactions remain safe and gentle for both the dog and the child.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good dogs for first time owners?
Not Recommended
1 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs are generally not recommended for first-time owners due to their demanding grooming schedule and significant exercise requirements. While intelligent and affectionate, their large size and potential for stubbornness require a firm, patient hand and a high level of commitment. Prospective owners must be prepared for the extensive time and costs associated with maintaining their profuse coats and providing adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good apartment dogs?
Fair
3 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs can adapt to apartment living if their significant exercise and mental stimulation needs are met, though they generally do not thrive in small spaces. Their large size and high-maintenance grooming requirements make them better suited for homes with more room. Owners must commit to long daily walks and consistent indoor play to prevent boredom and destructive behavior in a compact environment.
Do Old English Sheepdogs need a yard?
Highly Recommended
2 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs thrive with access to a large, securely fenced yard where they can safely run and play. While they can adapt to various living situations if provided with one to two hours of daily vigorous exercise, a dedicated outdoor space is highly recommended to accommodate their high energy levels and athletic nature.
Can Old English Sheepdogs be left at home alone?
Not Recommended
1 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs are highly social and bond intensely with their families, making them prone to separation anxiety. They do not tolerate being left alone for long periods and thrive best in households where someone is present for most of the day. Without sufficient companionship and mental stimulation, they may develop destructive habits like chewing or excessive barking. While they can learn to manage short absences with proper training and exercise, they generally require constant human interaction to remain happy.
Do Old English Sheepdogs tolerate cats well?
Very Good
8 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs generally get along well with cats, especially when raised together from a young age. Their friendly and sociable nature helps them develop a tolerant and accepting attitude toward feline companions. While their herding instinct may occasionally trigger a desire to chase or "herd" other pets, this behavior can be effectively managed through early socialization, training, and supervision to ensure a harmonious multi-pet household.
Are Old English Sheepdogs known to be aggressive?
Very Gentle
10 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs are not naturally aggressive; they are famously even-tempered, friendly, and gentle companions. While they are not considered guard dogs, they are devoted protectors of their families and possess a loud, ringing bark to alert owners of intruders. Any potential aggression is rare and typically limited to un-socialized males or situations where the dog is bored and neglected. With early socialization and firm, consistent training, they remain affectionate and reliable family pets.
Do Old English Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?
High
8 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs are high-energy, athletic dogs that require substantial daily physical and mental stimulation. Originally bred for demanding herding and droving work, they thrive on active engagement such as long walks, hiking, and canine sports like agility or herding trials. Without at least one to two hours of vigorous daily exercise, these intelligent dogs can become bored and develop destructive behaviors.
How much exercise do Old English Sheepdogs need?
~105 min a day
9 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs are high-energy working dogs that require significant daily activity to stay healthy and happy, typically needing a minimum of 1 to 2 hours of exercise. This should include a combination of long walks, off-leash play in a secure area, and mental stimulation such as herding, agility, or obedience training. Because their thick coats make them prone to overheating, it is best to exercise them during the cooler morning or evening hours and provide plenty of indoor mental enrichment.
Do Old English Sheepdogs tolerate hot weather well?
Danger
1 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs have a low tolerance for heat because their thick, shaggy double coats trap warmth, making them highly prone to overheating. Owners should provide constant access to shade, fresh water, and air conditioning. It is essential to limit exercise to the cooler morning or evening hours and consider keeping their coat clipped in a shorter puppy cut to help them stay comfortable in warm climates.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good with cold weather?
Danger
1 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs have a low tolerance for heat because their thick, shaggy double coats trap warmth, making them highly prone to overheating. Owners should provide constant access to shade, fresh water, and air conditioning. It is essential to limit exercise to the cooler morning or evening hours and consider keeping their coat clipped in a shorter puppy cut to help them stay comfortable in warm climates.
Are Old English Sheepdogs sometimes banned from rentals?
Rarely Banned
8 out of 10
Old English Sheepdogs are rarely subject to specific breed-based bans but may face restrictions in apartments due to their large size and high weight. Most rental properties that have pet policies include weight limits, often ranging between 20 to 50 pounds, which this breed typically exceeds. Always check with individual landlords regarding their specific weight and size requirements for residents.
WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?
