At a glance the quick version
Breed standards give no weight; figures are from Wikipedia.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long double coat
A thick, shaggy outer coat of harsh hair, neither straight nor curly, over a weatherproof undercoat. The body looks square and sturdy, heavier-coated at the rear, and the dog moves with a rolling, bear-like gait when walking.143
Personality what they are like
A steady, good-natured dog that is easy to live with and willing to please. It is bold and loyal, with no nervous or sharp edge, and keeps plenty of working drive under its famous coat.142
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; the breed also enjoys agility, obedience, herding, flyball and tracking.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A big grooming commitment: the Royal Kennel Club advises daily brushing to keep the long double coat free of mats, and the coat sheds heavily.2
Home where they are happiest
Suits a home with space and an owner prepared for daily exercise and coat care.2
Company who they like around
A people-oriented family dog of even disposition that likes to be involved in daily life.14
The story where it all began
The breed grew out of English herding and droving dogs, with the Bearded Collie or Scottish collie types often suggested as contributors. It first appeared at a show in Birmingham in 1873 with only three entries, and reached America in the 1880s, where it became a favourite of wealthy families.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The nickname Bobtail comes from the old habit of docking these dogs' tails, which some say was done to dodge a tax on working drovers' dogs.2
- 2
An Old English Sheepdog has been the mascot of the Dulux paint brand since 1961.3
- 3
Paul McCartney's Old English Sheepdog Martha inspired the Beatles song 'Martha My Dear'.3
- 4
Puppies are born black and white; the grey or silver shades come in only after the puppy coat is shed.3
- 5
The breed took Reserve Best in Show at the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club show.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 16, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard dated 13.10.2010.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Pastoral group; the breed page lists it as a vulnerable native breed.2
- AKC
- Herding breed; current standard approved 10 February 1990, effective 28 March 1990.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Old English Sheepdog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Old English Sheepdog, and at what times?
Feed your adult Old English Sheepdog at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should an Old English Sheepdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food suitable for your dog's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.6
How often should I bathe an Old English Sheepdog?
Bathe your Old English Sheepdog at least every three months, though Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 70 days. Bathe more often if the coat gets very dirty or if your vet recommends it for skin health.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does an Old English Sheepdog need brushing?
Brush your Old English Sheepdog daily to prevent mats in its long double coat. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends every three days, but daily brushing is essential during heavy shedding periods.27 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Old English Sheepdog's nails, and how often?
Trim your dog's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, roughly every 28 days. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer for guidance.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an Old English Sheepdog need?
Your Old English Sheepdog needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including walks, play, and activities like agility or herding. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play to keep this active breed happy.23 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Old English Sheepdog's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth at least every two days, ideally daily, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, but never insert anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does an Old English Sheepdog live?
An Old English Sheepdog typically lives between 10 and 12 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups. Enjoy many happy years with your loyal companion.23
Is an Old English Sheepdog good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Old English Sheepdog is known for its steady, good-natured temperament and is generally wonderful with children and other pets. It is a loyal, people-oriented family dog that loves being part of daily life.14
Can an Old English Sheepdog be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented and may struggle with long periods alone. It's best to avoid leaving them for extended times; if you must, provide plenty of enrichment and consider a dog walker. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.14
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Bearded Collie
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
South Russian OvcharkaLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 16 Old English Sheepdog fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Old English Sheepdog - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
- Old English Sheepdog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, history, fun facts
- AKC Official Standard of the Old English Sheepdog images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colour, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.