Old English Sheepdog

— A Shaggy Drover With Hours of Grooming Behind Every Photo.

The Old English Sheepdog emerged in the 1700s in the west of England, in Devon, Somerset, and the Duchy of Cornwall, developed by farmers to drive both sheep and cattle from farms to local markets. Likely descended in part from the Bearded Collie or the Russian Owtcharka, the breed's dense, weatherproof double coat was originally a practical feature for outdoor work — the same coat that now defines its recognizable, shaggy appearance and demands a genuinely serious grooming commitment.

EnglandOrigin

Herding GroupBreed Group

10 - 12 YearsLife Expectancy

QUICK OVERVIEW

Owners genuinely committed to heavy grooming

Families with children

Homes with yard space

Owners wanting a low-maintenance coat

About the Old English Sheepdog

Last updated: August 24, 2026 · Written by Sam, Founder

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Key Facts

Developed to drive both sheep and cattle to market, not just herd them in a field

A dense double coat requires 3-4 hours of grooming weekly to prevent matting

Known for a distinctive rolling, bear-like gait

A famously comical, playful temperament despite its working herding origins

Is Old English Sheepdog Right for You?

Owners genuinely committed to heavy grooming

Families with children

Homes with yard space

Owners wanting a low-maintenance coat

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The Old English Sheepdog has dense, shaggy double coat in grey, grizzle, or blue, with white markings, with a heavy pattern year-round.

Old English Sheepdog

Personality

AffectionateOld English Sheepdogs are typically warm and attached to their family, including a strong, gentle rapport with children.

PlayfulKnown for a comical, clownish streak that persists well into adulthood, alongside real intelligence and trainability.

ProtectiveA working herding heritage gives the breed a natural instinct to watch over its family, though rarely aggressively.

AdaptableGenerally sociable with other dogs and pets, and comfortable in family settings with proper socialization.

Care & Needs

GroomingA minimum of 3-4 hours weekly is genuinely needed to keep the double coat free of mats and tangles — this is one of the most grooming-intensive breeds in general ownership.

ExerciseRegular daily activity suits the breed's herding-dog energy, though its exercise needs are more moderate than many working breeds.

Heat SensitivityThe dense double coat that suits cool English pastures can make hot climates genuinely uncomfortable without shade, water, and careful exercise timing.

TrainingAn intelligent, trainable breed that responds well to consistent, engaging instruction, including herding-style activities if available.

Did You Know?

The Old English Sheepdog's traditional nickname, "Bobtail," comes from the historical practice of docking the tail, once required for working dogs exempt from certain taxes in England.

Health & Common Issues

Hip DysplasiaA hereditary joint condition common in medium-to-large breeds that can progress to degenerative joint disease if unmanaged.

Hereditary DeafnessThe breed carries a documented risk of congenital deafness, particularly in predominantly white-coated individuals, worth screening for in puppies.

Autoimmune ThyroiditisAn immune condition affecting thyroid function that can develop over a dog's life, generally manageable with veterinary monitoring and medication.

Training & Exercise

Start coat-care handling early as a puppy so brushing and grooming become a comfortable, accepted routine rather than a struggle.
Use positive, engaging training methods; this breed is intelligent and responds well to variety and mental stimulation.
Socialize broadly early on to support the breed's naturally protective instincts staying well-calibrated rather than overly wary.
Build a consistent grooming schedule from the start — falling behind on a coat this dense creates matting that becomes genuinely difficult to correct.

History & Origin

1700s The breed developed in southwestern England, used by farmers to drive sheep and cattle to market over long distances.

19th Century The distinctive docked tail (a now largely discontinued practice in many countries) gave rise to the breed's nickname, "Bobtail."

Early 20th Century The breed gained popularity as a show dog and companion beyond its working farm origins, prized for its distinctive look and temperament.

Today Now kept primarily as a family companion, valued for its playful nature despite the significant grooming commitment it requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much grooming does an Old English Sheepdog need?

A genuinely significant amount — plan on 3-4 hours a week minimum to keep the dense double coat free of mats and tangles, making this one of the more grooming-intensive breeds an owner can choose, not an occasional weekend task.

Are Old English Sheepdogs good with children?

Generally yes — they're known for a gentle, playful temperament with kids, combining herding-breed intelligence with a notably comical, patient disposition that tends to suit family life well.

Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?

Yes, heavily — the dense double coat sheds significantly, which combines with its high matting risk to make this breed one of the more demanding choices for owners who want to minimize hair around the home.