An Old English Sheepdog (OES) is a social, affectionate, and intelligent breed, but they are more than willing to play the clown. A well-bred OES is loving of family on whom they depend for companionship. The dogs enjoy the company of children, especially those they are raised with. They get along reasonably well with other dogs, and very well with other pets. And, although they will use their reverberating bark to let you know a stranger has arrived, most enjoy having strangers visit. In fact, they are apt to assist a thief to the car with their ill-gotten gains. A loving, faithful, and intuitive companion with a zest for life, the Old English Sheepdog is highly affectionate, even demanding of attention, and has earned the title of “babysitter.” As their name indicates, they were bred to herd sheep Not a sign of aggression, they may attempt to herd small children by nudging, bumping, or nipping their heels. They also love to run. They need at least an hour of strenuous activity every day. An OES needs at least an average-sized, fenced yard. But simply shooing an Old English Sheepdog out the door won’t do; this happy go lucky breed needs a playmate to get the exercise they need. They are highly social and fare best indoors with its family. Apartment life is not recommended. They are not for fastidious housekeepers as an Old English Sheepdog’s coat acts like a magnet for dirt and debris. He loves splashing in his water bowl, then affectionately thrusts his soaking wet beard in your lap, and some drool.

The Old English Sheepdog is a large dog. Males weigh an average 70 to 100 pounds and stand up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females weigh 60-80 pounds and stand at least 21 inches tall. A strong, compact, dog best known for its shaggy grey and white coat that covers its face and eyes. Puppies are born with jet black and white fur giving them a panda bear appearance. After their puppy coat sheds, their adult color appears which can be grizzle, blue, or blue merle, often with white markings. The Old English Sheepdog’s hallmark shaggy coat needs at least 30 minutes of daily brushing to prevent matting which can result in skin problems. The dense undercoat between the pads of their feet, behind its ears, and at the base of its legs are all areas that are prone to matting. An OES has no seasonal shed; instead, they shed lightly throughout the year. For pets, shearing the dog’s coat short in spring and summer significantly reduces their need for grooming and helps the dog stay cool. They do well in cool temperatures but less well as temperatures increase.

Most Old English Sheepdogs need no more than an average socialization effort. But some lines are skittish and these dogs need more effort dedicated to socializing them. Smart and strong-willed with a mind of his own, an OES needs a confident owner with a take-charge attitude who uses positive motivation techniques. Even so, they are a challenging training partner with a strong tendency to want to do things their own way. This makes them too much of a challenge for a first-time dog owner. Unlike most breeds, females tend to be bossier than males.