Old English Sheepdog

• Bathing: Bathe your dog every six to eight weeks (or whenever they get extra dirty at the dog park). Always use a mild dog shampoo.  
• Brushing: These canines need a lot of brushing, so you’ll want to tend to their fur daily with a comb, pin brush, or slicker brush. They are heavy shedders who are prone to hot spots, so it’s very important to keep them well-groomed. 
  • Old English Sheepdogs need regular grooming for their double coat—but never shave them, as their fur serves as insulation in both cold and hot weather.  
• Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when they’re a puppy, so they get used to the experience. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year. 
• Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections.  
• Nail care: Trim your Old English Sheepdog’s nails every four to six weeks. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time.  

Old English Sheepdogs are very bright pups who want to make you happy—but they also can be very independent-minded.   

What’s more, these dogs were born to herd, and that instinct is strong. They’ll probably try to make you proud by showing off these herding skills. Just remember to be gentle with them: They have no idea that rounding up the children isn’t their job! 

You can start with basic obedience training like sit, stay, and come.  

Positive reinforcement is important as Old English Sheepdogs can be particularly sensitive to a raised voice. Practice patience and remember that any negative reinforcement will be harmful.   

Don’t forget socialization, too. It’s important to introduce your pup to new people and places so they learn the world is not a scary place.  

Your Old English Sheepdog will also probably love puppy school and making new friends (as long as they’re vaccinated first).  

Old English Sheepdogs typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Your vet can help you choose the best dog food. 

Supplements or treats containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oils can also help protect their joint health as they age. Ask your veterinarian if your dog would benefit from these supplements.  

It’s often smart to take steps to avoid a life-threatening condition called bloat, which Old English Sheepdogs are at risk for: 

• Use a slow feeder bowl and avoid elevated food bowls 
• Feed your dog at least two meals per day instead of one 
• Restrict exercise for two hours before and after your Old English Sheepdog eats 

Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.  

Old English Sheepdogs may look a little bulky, but these big pups are active and fast on their feet. Speeding around a yard is great fun for them, and an open field is even better (as long as it’s safely fenced-in!).   

Old English Sheepdogs will need at least an hour of walking or running a day. Otherwise, you might not like how they choose to spend their time. They’ll love settling in with you on the sofa after a vigorous workout—their chill side enjoys slowing down after being so active.  

These pups love to wade in the water, but with their weighty coats, they’re not natural swimmers, so make sure they wear a dog life jacket. (And before you choose a spot to splash around, just make sure the water’s safe for your pup.) 

They’ll also probably enjoy fun sports like agility training or treibball, also known as urban herding, which can help them fulfill their herding instincts. Try a good game of hide-and-seek with their treats or toys, too, for mental enrichment.   

The Old English Sheepdog thrives with an experienced pet parent who loves an active lifestyle. 

These are large dogs with high energy levels, so a home with a lot of space is ideal. In fact, the more space you can offer, the better, especially if you have a large fenced-in yard. 

Old English Sheepdogs can sometimes get anxious with too much chaos, so any children in their lives must know how to play with them gently and respectfully. Cats and other pets, including other dogs, can certainly live together in harmony as long as everyone is well-socialized.  

These pups favor cooler climates because of their thick double coats. They can get overheated easily, so if you live in a warmer climate, make sure they exercise early in the day and later in the evening when it’s cooler. Consider a covered porch or doggy pool for them to splash in when you’re outside together.