Old English Sheepdog

Do Old English Sheepdogs shed?

Yes — Old English Sheepdogs are heavy shedders. There's no polite way to say it: if you get a Old English Sheepdog, dog hair becomes part of your home décor. Invest in a good de-shedding brush (a Furminator is popular with Old English Sheepdog owners) and a strong vacuum cleaner. Shedding peaks twice a year — spring and autumn — when they fully blow their undercoat.

Are Old English Sheepdogs good with kids?

Yes — Old English Sheepdogs are generally good with children. They tend to be adaptable and intelligent, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed. Their high energy actually works in their favour here — they can keep up with kids for hours.

Are Old English Sheepdogs good with cats?

Old English Sheepdogs can get along well with cats, especially if raised together from puppyhood. Their adaptable nature means they're generally not fixated on chasing. Introduce them slowly — keep the cat's exit routes open and never force interaction. Most Old English Sheepdogs and cats eventually settle into an easy coexistence, sometimes even becoming friends.

Are Old English Sheepdogs easy to train?

Old English Sheepdogs are moderately trainable — capable dogs, but they have opinions and will test boundaries. Positive reinforcement works well. Avoid harsh corrections, which can make them shut down or become anxious. Consistency is the key word with this breed. Everyone in the household needs to use the same rules and commands, or they'll find the inconsistency and exploit it.

Do Old English Sheepdogs bark a lot?

Old English Sheepdogs bark at a moderate level — they'll alert you to strangers or unusual sounds, but won't bark continuously for no reason. Separation anxiety can increase barking in any breed. If left alone too long, a Old English Sheepdog may become vocal — something to factor in if you work long hours. With consistent training ("quiet" command + reward), most Old English Sheepdogs can be taught when barking is and isn't appropriate.

Are Old English Sheepdogs hypoallergenic?

No — Old English Sheepdogs are not hypoallergenic. They shed high amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.

How much exercise does a Old English Sheepdog need?

Old English Sheepdogs need 90–120+ min/day of exercise daily. This is a highly active breed — one short walk won't cut it. They need sustained, vigorous exercise. Without it, expect destructive behaviour, hyperactivity at home, and a generally miserable dog. Running, hiking, fetch, swimming, agility — this breed is up for all of it.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Old English Sheepdog with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Old English Sheepdog health problems

Like all breeds, Old English Sheepdogs are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

• Hip dysplasia. Common in larger breeds, causes arthritis and mobility issues. Check parents have been hip-scored.
• Elbow dysplasia. Similar to hip dysplasia, affects the front legs.
• Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Old English Sheepdogs live?

Old English Sheepdogs typically live 10–12 years. This is fairly typical for a large-sized breed.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Old English Sheepdog at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Old English Sheepdog cost in the UK?

A Old English Sheepdog puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £800–£2 000.

If you see a Old English Sheepdog puppy advertised for significantly less than £800, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

• Vaccinations: ~£80–120
• Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
• Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
• Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
• Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
• Pet insurance: £40–£85/month (see below)
• Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Old English Sheepdog pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Old English Sheepdog in the UK typically costs £40–£85/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.