Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is one of Britain's most recognisable breeds, distinguished by its striking grey and white shaggy coat and distinctive lumbering gait.
Originally developed in the west of England as a droving dog to herd sheep and cattle to market, this large pastoral breed combines impressive strength and agility with a remarkably good-natured temperament.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Old English Sheepdog
Standing 51–61 centimetres tall and weighing 25–34 kilograms, the Old English Sheepdog presents a sturdy, well-muscled frame almost entirely covered by its abundant double coat, including across the face and eyes. The breed's friendly, sociable nature makes it excellent with children and other animals, whilst its intelligence ensures it responds well to positive training methods. However, prospective owners should be prepared for significant grooming commitments, as the coat requires thorough brushing several times weekly to prevent matting and regular professional grooming. Old English Sheepdogs thrive in active family environments and need more than two hours of daily exercise to remain content and healthy. With a lifespan of 12–14 years, this breed rewards dedicated owners with loyal companionship and playful charm, making it an excellent choice for those with the time and energy to meet its considerable physical and grooming needs.
Old English Sheepdog at a Glance
⚠ Vulnerable Native Breed
The Old English Sheepdog is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Royal Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies of this breed are registered each year in the UK. These are British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing simply because not enough people know they exist. Choosing one of these breeds helps keep an important part of our heritage alive.
- Group
- Pastoral
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Long
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £1000–£2500
Old English Sheepdog Lifestyle
The Old English Sheepdog is best matched to a larger house with room to roam and needs a good-sized, secure garden. They are equally happy in town or country.
Dog Food for Old English Sheepdog
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Old English Sheepdog weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Old English Sheepdog Characteristics
The Old English Sheepdog thrives with vigorous daily activity and lots of space to burn off energy and is very responsive to training and loves to please. They make a great family dog, but cope with some alone time if properly settled. The coat needs occasional grooming to stay tidy and sheds at a typical rate for the breed type. Intelligence is a real hallmark of this breed, and they do best with plenty of mental enrichment alongside exercise.
Old English Sheepdog Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly trainable with positive reinforcement, backed by genuine intelligence
- Affectionate, loyal, and naturally protective with their family
- Good with children of all ages, though supervision during boisterous play is sensible
- Their distinctive rolling gait and bear-like appearance are endlessly charming
Cons
- Their thick double coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
- Energetic and needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay settled
- Can be a vocal watchdog, and training is needed to keep this in check
