Old English Sheepdog
A shambling cloud of grey and white with a drover's heart and a bear-cub gait.
Vital stats
| Size | Large · 56–61 cm+ |
| Weight | 27–45 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years |
| Energy | Moderate–high — 60 min/day |
| Shedding | Moderate — but heavy coat care |
| Coat | Long shaggy double coat · grey and white |
| Group | Herding · FCI №16 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to drive sheep and cattle to market rather than gather them off hillsides, the Bobtail is steady, sociable and gently comic — a walking-pace dog with a sprint hidden inside. At home it becomes an affectionate shadow that likes to keep its family loosely herded together in one room.
Habits & quirks
The curtained stare
It watches everything through a fringe of hair — many owners tie it up so the dog can actually see.
Ambling bear gait
The rolling, shuffling walk is a breed hallmark — right up until it breaks into a startling gallop.
Gentle bumping
An old droving habit: it leans and nudges to steer people, wandering children included.
The pot-casse bark
A famously deep, cracked-bell bark that carries much further than that soft face suggests.
Care
| Grooming | Brush thoroughly to the skin two to three times a week — mats form fast beneath the tidy-looking surface. |
| Exercise | Around an hour a day of walks and play; it's more athletic than the teddy-bear look implies. |
| Health | Choose breeders who screen hips and eyes; keep weight down to protect ageing joints. |
| Training | Socialise early and redirect the herding nudge — this bright breed learns fast when lessons stay cheerful. |
Common questions
Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Less than the coat suggests, but loose hair stays tangled in the coat instead of falling out. Skip brushing for a fortnight and you'll pay for it in mats.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good family dogs?
Yes — they're affectionate, patient and playful with children. Just expect some good-natured bumping and herding of the smallest family members.
How much grooming does the coat really need?
Budget three to four hours a week of proper line brushing, or keep the coat clipped short. Neglected coats mat to the skin and become a welfare issue.