How much exercise does a Old English Sheepdog need?

Old English Sheepdogs are high-energy dogs requiring 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation.

How often should I groom my Old English Sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdogs need moderate grooming including brushing 2-3 times weekly and regular maintenance.

How do I train a Old English Sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdogs are highly trainable and typically respond well to positive reinforcement methods.

Are Old English Sheepdogs good with children?

Old English Sheepdogs are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Old English Sheepdog unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Old English Sheepdog stands out from other breeds due to its dignified appearance and bearing, rich heritage from Unknown, specialized abilities for driving sheep, cattle. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Old English Sheepdog?

Before bringing a Old English Sheepdog into your home, potential owners should consider: They have high exercise requirements (5/5) and need an active owner. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They're typically highly trainable (4/5) and eager to learn. Their large size requires adequate living space. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Old English Sheepdog. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Old English Sheepdogs originally bred for?

Old English Sheepdogs were originally bred for driving sheep, cattle. As part of the Herding group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Old English Sheepdog's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Old English Sheepdogs are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Old English Sheepdogs typically live?

The average lifespan of a Old English Sheepdog is 10 - 12 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Old English Sheepdogs may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

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Old English Sheepdog

Q: What is the temperament of a Old English Sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdogs are known to be sociable, bubbly, playful, adaptable, intelligent, loving, brave, funny, playful, smart, athletic, affectionate, gentle, friendly, dignified, loves, loyal, quiet, shy lacks confidence but will improve, treat motivated, crate trained, eager to please, housebroken, intelligent, likes kids, likes other dogs, hypoallergenic, obedient, walks well on leash, rides well in car, dog friendly, cat friendly, independent, protective, couch, gentle and friendly, curious, sweet, loves her person, kid friendly, shy, small animal friendly. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: August 30, 2025

Temperament

Sociable, Bubbly, Playful, Adaptable, Intelligent, Loving, Brave, Funny, Playful, Smart, Athletic, Affectionate, Gentle, Friendly, Dignified, Loves, Loyal, Quiet, Shy Lacks Confidence But Will Improve, Treat Motivated, Crate Trained, Eager to Please, Housebroken, Intelligent, Likes Kids, Likes Other Dogs, Hypoallergenic, Obedient, Walks Well on Leash, Rides Well in Car, Dog Friendly, Cat Friendly, Independent, Protective, Couch, Gentle and Friendly, Curious, Sweet, Loves Her Person, Kid Friendly, Shy, Small Animal Friendly

Weight

60 - 100 lbs

Height

21 inches

Life Span

10 - 12 years

Breed Group

Herding

Bred For

Driving sheep, cattle

Origin

Unknown

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability4/5

Energy Level5/5

Grooming Needs3/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs5/5

They are extremely energetic dogs requiring extensive daily exercise, activities, and mental stimulation.

Grooming Requirements3/5

They need moderate grooming, including regular brushing and occasional professional care.

Trainability4/5

Highly trainable and quick to learn commands

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

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Overview

About the Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful dog breed with unique characteristics.

Breed Purpose

Driving sheep, cattle

Temperament

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Old English Sheepdog

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