Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Your Pet, Our Passion.
Old English Sheepdog Mobile

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are distinctive the world over thanks to their appearance in advertising campaigns, with their long, shaggy coats covering thickset bodies. Their eyes appear to be totally covered but their vision is never impaired.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 10–12 years
Weight: 27–45kg
Height: 51–61cm
Colours: Any shade of grey, grizzle, or blue with or without white markings
Size: Large
Kennel Club group: Pastoral

Ratings

Family-friendly: 4/5
Exercise needs: 4/5
Easy to train: 3/5
Tolerates being alone: 2/5
Likes other pets: 4/5
Energy level: 4/5
Grooming needs: 3/5
Shedding: 1/5

Personality

Old English Sheepdogs are cheerful extroverts and are popular family companions. They are known for being intelligent, loving, watchful, faithful and protective. They are fearless and make excellent watch dogs, especially with their resonant bark. They can be overly boisterous however and need plenty of exercise, training and grooming.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: England

Despite their name, the Old English Sheepdog isn’t that old and wasn’t historically a sheepdog! They were mostly used as drover’s dogs, employed to help move cattle and any work they did with the sheep was purely part time.

They were created in the late 18th century by crossing existing drover’s dogs with the Bearded Collie and possibly also some of the European breeds such as the Bergamasco. They were often known as Bobtails because they were traditionally docked as a tax avoidance scheme. Working drover’s dogs were exempt from taxes and so they were marked and ‘disabled’ in this way - whereas true sheepdogs needed their long tails to help with their complex and athletic sideways movements.

The Old English Sheepdog also helped with guarding duties and even sometimes worked as hunting retrievers. They would be shorn with the sheep every year and their ‘wool’ used in clothing. Today however they are almost exclusively companions and show dogs.

Did You Know?

  • Thanks to a long running advertising campaign, the Old English Sheepdog will probably forever be known as the Dulux Dog, (although having one around while you’re trying to paint your house is probably a recipe for disaster!).
  • At one time the Old English Sheepdog was a status symbol within the American Industrial period and the five richest families in the world (the Vanderbilts, the Guggenheims, the Morgans, the Goulds and the Harrisons) all owned Old English Sheepdogs as did many of the film stars of the day.
  • Paul McCartney owned an Old English Sheepdog called Martha who lived in the Mull of Kintyre and whose puppy appeared on one of his album covers.
  • Their coat is insulating and waterproof so it keeps them warm during cold, wet winters and warm summers.
  • Old English Sheepdogs have won Best in Show at Westminster twice, once in 1914 and then again 1975.

Found your perfect fur friend? Here's some useful tips from us:

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality, but there are some instincts and behaviours that they're born with. Try our Dog Breed Selector tool and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
7 of the Best Dog Breeds for Families and Kids
Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to stay active while helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. To help you ensure you find the best match, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families.
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Finding a good breeder
If your heart is set on a purebred puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Finding the right breeder is crucial to make sure that your pup has received the best start to grow into a happy and healthy dog. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!