Do Old English Sheepdog Shed/ Complete Breed Information

Old English Sheepdogs are large, active dogs with a distinctive shaggy coat. The Old English Sheepdog, or OES as its lovers call it, was initially bred to help farmers herd livestock to market. This friendly dog currently relishes the comfort of home living and continues to participate in conformity, manners, agility, and herding trials. The care and attention of a loving and reliable owner are essential for the health and happiness of this breed, which is active, social, and obedient.

Do Old English Sheepdog shed? That is the question you need to answer if you consider adopting one. Learn about the shedding tendencies of Old English Sheepdogs and the steps you may take to minimize this problem on this page.  

Although they are intelligent and have a good sense of humor, Old English sheepdogs need a lot of exercises and should be trained and socialized from a young age.

Here is the complete Old English Sheepdog Info, learn if the Old English sheepdog is the ideal pet for you and your family.

Breed Overview

Old English Sheepdog Info

History and Origin of the Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is neither ancient nor a traditional herding breed despite their name. While they occasionally herd sheep, their primary use was as drover’s dogs, helping to transport cattle.  In the late 18th century, they were made by breeding drover’s dogs with the Bearded Collie and some European breeds.

Old English sheepdogs got the name “bob” or “bobtail” because their owners often cut off their tails to show that they were working dogs. Even though Old English sheepdogs have a tail at birth, it is commonly removed by breeders at the puppy stage.

In 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized the Old English Sheepdog. The OES continued to be a luxury pet even into the 1950s. However, the role of the breed had shifted from status symbol to household pet by the 1960s. In the middle of the 1970s, nearly 15,000 dogs were registered per year, but as more individuals became aware of the expense and work involved in caring for the gorgeous but time-consuming OES coat, that number started to fall.
  

Appearance Old English Sheepdog

Old English sheepdog puppies, like puppies of any breed, benefit greatly from early socialization and training

The Old English sheepdog may look like a big fluffy ball, but underneath that fluffy exterior is a sturdy dog.  

Old English sheepdogs are usually at least 22 inches tall and have a muscular build under their thick coats. Female dogs should reach a height of at least 21 inches and have a more sophisticated appearance than male canines. The coats of Old English sheepdogs are thick, hairy, and free of curls. The most common colors are blue, grey, and blue merle, with or without white patches.

Even though the OES sheds significantly less than other herding dogs, he still needs to be groomed frequently. Because their undercoats are so thick, they are good at keeping water away. But if the coat isn’t cared for well, it quickly gets matted and tangled.
   

Many new owners don’t give their pets coats the care they need. Without routine grooming, the undercoat can become entirely matted to the skin, necessitating complete shave-downs in most cases. To take good care of the OES coat, you need to buy the right grooming tools or plan to spend a lot of time at a qualified groomer on a regular schedule.

Personality And Temperament

The Old English sheepdog was bred to help his owner with various chores. As a result, he is a highly trainable and intelligent dog that thrives in challenging situations and welcomes the opportunity to expand his interests. Like any other breed, Old English can become shy and reticent with new people and settings if he is not given enough opportunities to mingle, play, and learn.

The OES is a very adaptable and curious species, always looking for new and exciting experiences. Herding, mobility, loyalty, and search and rescue are just a few of the skills he possesses. Physical and mental activity is essential for this breed. He dislikes being alone and requires his family’s constant presence.

The superb temperament and gentle disposition of a purebred OES make him a perfect pet for families with kids.  The OES, however, does not have a reputation for being an aggressive watchdog. When visitors come to his house, he may or may not bark at them. It has been found that not all OESs are equally protective.
  

Care For An Old English Sheepdog

Old English sheepdogs need regular grooming, physical activity, and mental challenges to thrive as pet in the home.

The lively nature of these dogs is usually not an issue when it’s time for them to relax inside because they often have excellent house manners. Among Old English sheepdogs, there is a strong understanding of where the play ends and the rest begins. They have a calm disposition and are rarely observed barking or guarding their area, although they may be fierce protectors if threatened. If you’re considering getting an Old English sheepdog, you should know that these dogs must groom regularly. 

Exercise  

Old English sheepdogs had different exercise needs. While not an active breed, this species is content to do little more than lay around for long periods. Nonetheless, they still need to exercise regularly—preferably for an hour daily. This hyper breed needs daily walks and preferably some outdoor play time as well. Despite their working and herding backgrounds, Old English sheepdogs enjoy energetic games of fetch and keep away.

Grooming  

The sheer volume of the Old English sheepdog’s coat makes even the most experienced groomer cringe. The truth is that these dogs require the same care to maintain their appearance as any other long-haired dog breed. Maintaining a healthy and happy sheepdog requires regular, thorough grooming sessions, which can be time-consuming due to the dog’s thick coat.  

Daily brushing is recommended due to the high tangle potential of their long, unruly hair. Doing so will maintain a healthy coat by removing mats and knots that can harbor bacteria and dirt on your dog. You can control their excessive shedding by giving them daily brushing. Regular brushing will save you money on professional grooming. It is common to shave or clip away mats if they appear, tasks that could be dangerous and should be done by an expert.

Due to the size and complexity of their coats, many owners would rather have their Old English sheepdogs professionally groomed than attempt to do the task themselves.

Training

Using positive reinforcement, such as cookies or affection, Old English sheepdogs can be taught appropriate behaviors. When socialized as puppies, these breeds do well around children and other pets.

This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, yet it also has a strong sense of independence. There’s always a chance that your old English sheepdog will figure out how to disobey your training and do what it wants. To reduce the possibility of the Old English Sheepdog thinking for itself during exercise, establishing yourself as a strong leader and maintaining consistency throughout the training sessions is crucial.

Do Old English Sheepdog Shed?  

The Old English Sheepdog, often known as the OES or Bobtail, is a breed that sheds more than the typical dog.  

In contrast to other heavy shedders, the OES does have one advantage. Their long, shaggy coats let them retain most of the hair they shed. Because of this, the hair they do shed, therefore, remains on their bodies until you brush them.  

Despite having a double coat, OES doesn’t shed seasonally. In the spring and fall, double-coated (having both an outer and an undercoat) breeds tend to shed more heavily. Thankfully, this is not the case with the OES.  

But they do shed, and there’s no way around it. In addition, they are not the simplest dog to groom.  

Do Old English Sheepdog Shed a Lot?

Shedding is a significant issue for Old English Sheepdogs, Experts on Old English Sheepdogs have rated their shedding tendency as a perfect 5.  

 Expect a lot of shedding from this dog. In addition to making the coat softer and cleaner, brushing will lessen shedding. Get ready to vacuum a lot.  

How to Stop Old English Sheepdog Shedding? 

When your OES sheds, it sheds, and you have no control over it. You’re not the first to wonder about this. It’s futile to try to stop shedding.  

Normal shedding from a healthy Old English Sheepdog is something that can’t be avoided, but there are certain things you can do to cut down on the amount of hair.
   

Brushing Regularly: Brushing your OES daily is a simple practice that can make a world of difference. Brushing your Old English Sheepdog daily for 10 to 15 minutes is the most effective way to reduce the amount of hair that ends up all over your house.   

Bath routine: Old English Sheepdogs dread bathing, yet they reduce shedding. A good brushing before an Old English Sheepdog has a bath will help break up the hair and reduce the amount of shedding that occurs during and after the bath.  

Healthy diet: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fortified dog food are recommended to help maintain a healthy coat.  

Vacuum Old English Sheepdog hair: You probably vacuum regularly, so acquire an excellent vacuum to do the job. Find a vacuum with powerful suction if you want to clean up after your Old English Sheepdog’s hair. 

Health Issues of Old English Sheepdog

Excellent pets, Old English sheepdogs require time and money to train and keep clean

Any breed of dog has the potential to be affected by hereditary diseases, so it’s the responsibility of the breeder only to produce healthy offspring. A responsible breeder will promise that their puppies are healthy and will be happy to show proof that the parents of any pup have been checked for health problems. Furthermore, a reliable breeder will be straightforward about the breed’s overall health and any genetic flaws in their pedigree.  

The breed club reports that Old English sheepdogs are generally robust and live for 10-12 years on average. However, they tend to inherit a predisposition to some of diseases such as

Hip dysplasia: This causes lameness due to improper hip joint development.  

Cataracts:  It can cause blindness in your Old English sheepdog by clouding the lenses of its eyes.  

Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function can make a dog’s coat, skin, and level of activity worse.  

Bloat:  To put it simply, bloat is fatal for dogs because it causes the stomach to twist and contract, even causing death.  

It’s crucial to keep your sheepdog clean and brushed regularly to prevent additional health issues, such as joint difficulties and infections. It’s essential to keep the hair clipped back from their eyes so they can see clearly.

Choosing a breeder that places a premium on health is the best method to ensure that your Old English sheepdog is in good form because many health issues cannot be seen in a growing puppy.

Where To Buy or Adopt an Old English Sheepdog

Before choosing your next furry friend, you should consider your lifestyle and how much time and effort you are willing to put in. Old English sheepdogs make great pets but need time and money to be trained and kept clean.  

When looking for a new puppy, the Old English Sheepdog Club of America (OESCA) suggests finding breeders who adhere to the American Kennel Club’s guidelines for canine care. Be sure the breeder will replace the dog or give you your money back if you discover it has a fatal condition.  

 In addition to ensuring the puppy is healthy, well-trained, and well-groomed, breeders will also provide written instructions on how to care for it.  

Food and Nutrition

Maintaining a healthy and regular food for your dog reduces obesity and health issues. Shaggy hair of old English Sheepdog makes it hard to see weight gain.

An Old English sheepdog’s diet requires constant attention. Maintaining a healthy and consistent diet for your dog is essential in preventing obesity and the health problems that come along with it. This is especially true if your dog has shaggy hair, making it challenging to observe weight increase.

Issues related to eating too quickly can be avoided with careful meal planning. Your pet may benefit from a slow feeder bowl or from eating smaller meals more frequently if you find that they eat too quickly.
  

Walking down the dog food aisle is intimidating since there are so many options. It may take some time and effort to choose one. By inspecting the list of components and the percentage of protein, you can tell if a food is good for your Old English sheepdog. Due to their low activity level, Old English sheepdogs should not have a lot of fat in their diet.  

Choosing between wet and dry food for your dog might be difficult. Dogs benefit from chewing on dry kibble because it helps to clean their teeth while they eat, and they also benefit from eating wet food since it is easier on their digestive systems and allows them to drink more water. Wet food from a can is an excellent complement to dry kibble, according to veterinarians. Together, they will provide the best of both worlds for your furry friend’s happiness and health.  

There is no limit on how much food you can give your pet. Some people feed their pets once a day, while others choose to provide them with several tiny servings throughout the day. Your dog’s specific tastes will determine this. A single daily feeding schedule might cause nausea and vomiting, particularly in canine companions, while others refuse the food.

Check with your vet for recommendations on what program will work best for your dog, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different foods to find what works best. It would be best if you gradually transitioned your dog to a portion of new food over a few weeks to give their digestive systems time to adapt.  

FAQ About Old English Sheepdog

Are Old English Sheepdogs good pets?

 Yes, Old English Sheepdogs are great companion animals. Designed to adapt to the weather conditions of the English countryside, they were created to be a drover’s buddy. He is an excellent pet for a family because he is friendly and needs a lot of attention from people.  

Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?

Old English Sheepdogs can grow extremely long coats that can cover their eyes and face completely and do not shed their hair until they are combed.

Do sheepdogs bark a lot?

Some Old English sheepdogs have a protective nature despite the breed’s stereotype as a herding dog. Some of them are particularly loud barkers and can be an annoyance.

Do sheepdogs like to swim?

Do sheepdogs like to swim? Although some dogs’ personalities make them uncomfortable in the water, Sheepdogs are by design aquatic dogs and like to swim.

Are sheepdogs born without tails?

In the past, the breed’s tail was cut off for health and financial reasons. However, these days, tail docking is typically done solely for cosmetic purposes.
There is also a gene present in Old English sheepdogs that causes some puppies to be born without tails.