--- title: "Old English Sheepdog" id: "191500" type: "breeds" slug: "old-english-sheepdog" published_at: "2022-07-02T04:19:11+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-17T04:34:26+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/old-english-sheepdog/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/old-english-sheepdog.md" excerpt: "The Old English Sheepdog is a delightful and sturdy companion known for its fluffy, shaggy coat and gentle demeanor. Originally bred for herding sheep in England, this breed has developed into a beloved family pet that embodies loyalty and playfulness...." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Herding Group" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Large" --- [Back to Breeds](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/) Large breed # Old English Sheepdog Puppies Best known for its furs, the old English sheepdog is a breed of dog that was originally bred in England. In the past, the old English sheepdog used to be known as a bob-tailed sheepdog and shepherd dog. It is referred to as bob-tailed because of the way it docks its tails. The old English sheepdog is one that can grow coats that are long enough to cover its face and eyes. usually, the old English sheepdog doesn't shed its coat unless it is brushed. Discover more about our **[Old English Sheepdog puppies for sale](/puppies-for-sale/)** below! - Great with kids - Sticks by your side - Active breed - Alert watchdog [Ask about Old English Sheepdog puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Old English Sheepdog puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Adult weight 60–100 lbs - Height 18–22 in - Lifespan 10–12 years - Exercise 60 min a day ![Old English Sheepdog](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/old-english-sheepdog-1-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fold-english-sheepdog%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fold-english-sheepdog%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fold-english-sheepdog%2F&description=Old%20English%20Sheepdog%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Fold-english-sheepdog%2F&description=Old%20English%20Sheepdog%20puppies) ## About the Old English Sheepdog [Stay Connected Via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandashland.com) The Old English Sheepdog is a delightful and sturdy companion known for its fluffy, shaggy coat and gentle demeanor. Originally bred for herding sheep in England, this breed has developed into a beloved family pet that embodies loyalty and playfulness. They thrive in loving households, making them an ideal choice for families with young children, as well as for those with other pets like dogs and cats. Their friendly disposition and affectionate nature ensure that they quickly become cherished members of the family. Read more about the Old English Sheepdog Show less With a moderate energy level, Old English Sheepdogs enjoy daily walks and play sessions but are also happy to relax indoors, making them somewhat adaptable to apartment living. They do require regular exercise to keep their spirits high and their bodies healthy, but they are not overly demanding. Grooming is essential for this breed, as their thick, double coat sheds quite a bit. A weekly grooming session is recommended to keep their coat in top condition and minimize shedding in the home. Trainability is another strong suit for the Old English Sheepdog. They possess a keen intelligence and respond well to positive reinforcement methods. While they may exhibit a stubborn streak at times, their eagerness to please often shines through, leading to successful training outcomes. With their moderate barking tendency, they can alert you to the presence of strangers while still being excellent companions who enjoy spending time with their families. If you are looking for an affectionate and lively addition to your family, an Old English Sheepdog from Petland Ashland, Kentucky could be the perfect fit for you. [Stay Connected Via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandashland.com) ## Old English Sheepdog breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Very affectionate - Playfulness Very playful - With strangers Friendly - Territorial Somewhat - Prey drive Low ### Family & other pets - Young children Excellent - Older children Excellent - Other dogs Sociable - Cats Usually fine ### Energy & exercise - Energy High - Mental stimulation High ### Training - Trainability Quick to learn - Intelligence Very bright - Stubbornness A stubborn streak ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Heavy - Drooling Minimal - Barking Moderate ### Home life - Apartment living Adaptable - Time alone Short periods - Cold weather Comfortable - Warm weather Needs shade ### A good match for - First-time owners Manageable - Senior owners Good - Running partner Moderate - Hiking Good - Therapy work Good ## Living with a Old English Sheepdog ### HISTORY The origins of the old English sheepdog can be traced back to 19th-century England. Although some people believe it has connections with the Russian owtchar dog while others have said that it is better connected to the Scottish bearded collie. At about the 19th century, the old English sheepdog was commonly referred to as a drover. The reason it was called a drover is that it was used to drive sheep and cattle into the market. As a matter of fact, there were no taxes imposed on the old English sheepdog because of their working class. For this reason, to further prove their working status, their owners had to dock their tails. The old English sheepdog found its way to America through a man named Wm. Wade in the 1880s. By the turn of the century, five out of the ten richest families in America were already breeding and showing the old English sheepdog. ### TEMPERAMENT Generally, the old English sheepdog is a great dog to be around. They're easy-going, intelligent, social and very much adaptable. The old English sheepdog typically tries to exert its herding qualities on children and sometimes, its adult owners. An old English sheepdog is usually kind, affectionate and playful throughout its lifespan. The old English sheepdog, being a very social dog thrives better when it is amid other animals or when it is allowed in a family. ### ENVIRONMENT The old English sheepdog is one that enjoys the company of both its owners and other animals. This dog should not be locked away in a kennel, as it usually enjoys being with people. The old English sheepdog thrives really well in a family setting that isn't overly active and social. ### EXERCISE The old English sheepdog is a social dog and so it requires a fair level of weekly exercise. When it is still a puppy, it is advisable to allow it to exercise a lot. But as it grows older, it slowly becomes less interested in exercising and moving about. Practicing obedience training is also good for old English sheepdogs. Agility training and herding training are also nice ideas for possible exercises for the old English sheepdog. ### GROOMING The most hectic aspect of owning an Old English sheepdog is the grooming part. Grooming the old English sheepdog is such a nice way to waste time as it is quite time-consuming. The coat of the old English sheepdog doesn't shed on its own except its owner brushes it. If it isn't brushed regularly, the dog will have lots of debris on its coat. The dogs' coat also grows very long and may need to be trimmed down every now and then. Another important grooming practice is to take care of the mouth area. From regular brushing to good hygienic practices. This is because the old English sheepdog drools a lot. This drooling might end up staining the dogs' coat and turning it yellow if not well taken care of. Our **Old English Sheepdog**puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering **Old English Sheepdog**puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. ## Caring for a Old English Sheepdog GroomingWeekly brushing Grooming costHigh Monthly foodAverage Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Old English Sheepdog Video ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why is the old English sheepdog referred to as high maintenance? It is referred to as high maintenance because of its long coat that needs lots of care. ### Does the old English sheepdog shed? Except when it is brushed, it doesn't shed. ### What are the common health problems the old English sheepdog experience? The old English sheepdog experiences common health issues such as cataracts, hip dysplasia, deafness, heatstroke, glaucoma and sometimes, diabetes. ### What is the average size of the old English sheepdog? The average size of an old English sheepdog is 46kg. ### What is the Life expectancy of the old English sheepdog? The life expectancy of this dog lies somewhere between 10 to 12 years. ### What is the average height of the old English sheepdog? The old English sheepdog can grow as tall as 11 inches in its lifetime. ### How often should I feed my old English sheepdog? The recommended daily amount of food for an old English sheepdog is 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily. ### Does my old English sheepdog do well in hot weather? Because of its coat, the old English sheepdog doesn't thrive well in hot regions. ### Are old English sheepdogs good with children? Yes. they absolutely love children. Because of their natural herding instincts, they may end up trying to herd your kids too. ### What category of dog breed is the old English sheepdog grouped into? The herding group. The old English sheepdog is amazing once you get past the task of taking care of its coat. It is one of those dogs that would stay dedicated to caring for every member of the family. ## Similar Breeds ![Australian Cattle Dog](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/australian-cattle-dog-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Australian Cattle Dog](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/australian-cattle-dog/) ![Australian Shepherd](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/australian-shepherd-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Australian Shepherd](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/australian-shepherd/) ![Bearded Collie](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/bearded-collie-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Bearded Collie](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/bearded-collie/) ![Border Collie](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/border-collie-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Border Collie](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/border-collie/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Old English Sheepdog. - [Ashland, KY (606) 329-0357](tel:6063290357) ## Ask About Old English Sheepdog Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. "*" indicates required fields ``` Petland Ashland 750 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Robinlee Eversole Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff is very friendly and helpful. It's clean and well cared for, we love to see whats new Posted on Google Katelyn Smith Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved petland they helped me so much with getting my summer she is so loving her life with getting spoiled lol and sleeping in bed with her mommy Posted on Google Kathy Horsley Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience! Friendly & knowledgeable staff. Posted on Google Ha Ha Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kylee was SUPER helpful today with my visit. I had some questions about getting a ferret and she helped me all the way! Definitely would recommend asking for Kylee when you have any pet needs! Posted on Google katelyn clark Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jalyn is a wonderful and such a pleasant worker at ashland Petland Posted on Google Deb Newsome Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good experience. ```