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Breed profile

Old English Sheepdog

Big, shaggy clown with a rolling bear-like walk. Gentle with children; the coat is a serious commitment.

Portrait of a white and grey Old English Sheepdog with a shaggy coat against green foliage
The Old English Sheepdog's famous shaggy face.Photo: Squigman (photographer Meredith Bannan) / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Weight
27–46 kg60–101 lb
Height
56–61 cm22–24 in
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Group
Pastoral / Herding
Origin
England
Popularity
#87 US#76 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsCold climates

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Gentle, Playful, Adaptable, Intelligent.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat (GDV)
  • Allergic skin disease
  • Cerebellar ataxia and primary ciliary dyskinesia (DNA tests)
  • Hereditary cataracts and PRA

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An hour or two of exercise daily. A full coat needs several hours of brushing a week down to the skin; many pet owners keep a short clip.

A good fit for

Families with children, homes with gardens, people who enjoy or will pay for grooming.

Probably not ideal for

Hot climates, small flats, and anyone who dislikes hair, mud and drool on the floor.

Sources

  1. Old English Sheepdog Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
  2. Old English Sheepdog | Breeds A to Z | The Royal Kennel Club
  3. Old English Sheepdog | Wikipedia

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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