Old English Sheepdog
Quick Facts:
- AKC recognized in 1888
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Size: Large
- Energy: Medium
- Recommended Crate Size: 48" dog crate*
Return to the main Dog Crate Sizes Breed Chart.
Table of contents
Introduction
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, athletic dog breed known for its coat with fur covering their face and eyes.
They were used as a drover to help farmers drive sheep and cattle to market. Now they are more popular as family friends and show dogs.
Old English sheepdogs were developed in the West of England.
At first glance, people might think that with such a coat, it would be hard to take care of them, but the truth is that it is not too cumbersome.
Breed
The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Old English Sheepdog in 1888.
These medium energy dogs are known as gentle, smart, and adaptable yet mellow.
They can socialize well with proper supervision and training. They are comfortable with an urban lifestyle.
Old English Sheepdogs are now ranked by AKC as the 75th most popular dog breed.
Cancer and heatstroke are major causes of death of Old English Sheepdogs.
Appearance
The Old English Sheepdogs weigh between 60 to 100 pounds and are 21 inches in height.
They have a double coat with a textured outer coat and soft undercoat.
Old English sheepdogs come in 15 colors recognized by AKC but only 5 of them are registered as standard. The standard colors are blue-white, blue-gray and white, blue merle and white, gray-white, and grizzle white. The other colors are black white, blue, blue-gray, blue merle, brown white, fawn white, gray, grizzle, and white.
Nutrition
It is recommended to provide feed formulated to large-sized breeds. It is highly recommended to discuss your dog’s feed with your veterinarian and/or breeder in order to determine the size and frequency of meals in order to ensure a healthy, long life. It is also important to ensure that clean, fresh water is always available.
Grooming
Although they only shed seasonally, Old English Sheepdogs are still not for clean freaks because they tend to drool everywhere and some of them are heavy shedders.
They require daily brushing to remove any tangles and dead hair so it’s recommended to wash their mouth after messier meals to avoid any debris or food residue from the hair on their face.
Old English Sheepdogs need to bathe at least once every six weeks and their nails should be trimmed once a month. Do not forget to check their ears to remove any dirt that might cause infection.
Exercise
They have medium energy so daily exercise is really recommended for 20-60 minutes. Exploring, long walks, and training are their favorite activities. You can train them to be a herder since they have a herding instinct.
Leaving them with children is okay with proper training but supervision is definitely recommended while they are with other dogs. They can be a little destructive if left without their owners.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends a 48" dog crate* for most adult Old English Sheepdogs.
Return to the main Dog Crate Sizes Breed Chart.
* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Amazon page.
