Old English Sheepdogs: Facts, Personality, Temperament

Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our monthly series, Dog Breed of the Month. First-upwe look at the lovable Old English Sheepdog, from their personality to grooming requirements.

“Old English sheepdogs are very energetic and require a household where they can have lots of exercise and play,” PDSA Vet Claire Roberts tells Country Living. “Training will help stop them from getting bored. They have a double coat, which consists of a longer, protective top coat and a soft undercoat. This acts to keep them warm and dry, but it requires a lot of grooming and care!”

In recent news, the Old English Sheepdog is no longer at risk of extinction following an increase of 66% in puppy registrations last year, the Kennel Club has found. The shaggy white pup moved to the Vulnerable Native Breeds list in 2020 after falling below 300 annual puppy registrations, but has now seen a significant surge in registrations far exceeding the national average.

Take a look at everything you need to know about these pups…

Do Old English Sheepdogs make good pets?

Yes, Old English Sheepdogs do make good pets. They were developed as a drover’s companion that could work in the changing climate of the English countryside. With a thick double coat and loving personality, he is an ideal family pet that needs plenty of human attention.

Are Old English Sheepdogs high energy?

Originally bred for driving cattle and sheep, Old English Sheepdogs are active and high energy dogs that need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. If you love getting out and about, then these pups are perfect for you.

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What is the history of Old English Sheepdogs?

“Old English Sheepdogs are thought to have descended from Scottish or Bearded Collies in the 18th Century. They were bred in the South West to drive sheep and cattle to market,” Claire tells us.

11 things to know about lovable Old English Sheepdogs

1. grooming will become part of your weekly routine
2. You might recognize them as being the famous face of Dulux paint
3. They love long walks
4. They are loyal, protective, sociable, and will go anywhere and do just about anything you want
5. Sadly, there has been a steady decline in the popularity of the breed over the years and in 2018 it recorded its lowest number of registrations ever with just 384 puppies registered
6. They are a gentle giant but still has a herding tendency
7. Old English Sheepdogs are a fairly modern breed that first emerged in England in the 1800s
8. Farmers used them as ‘drover dogs,’ driving livestock to market as well as pulling carts and wagons
9. They get along well with families and young children
10. They can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, tracking, and herding events
11. They have been featured in films before, such as in Disney’s 1959 comedy, ‘The Shaggy Dog,’ which was about a boy who is turned into an Old English Sheepdog


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What diseases are Old English Sheepdogs prone to?

According to Animal Health Centre, Old English Sheepdogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper (although other dog breeds can get these too). Many of these infections are preventable through vaccinations, so it’s important to head to your local vet for more information.

Claire continues: “They can be prone to some health issues including arthritis and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), which is sometimes known as ‘bloat’. This is where the stomach bloats and twists around itself, which can be fatal if left untreated. “

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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cozy



Quilted Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats

quilted dog jacket

Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter’s walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.



Great For Older Dogs — Best Dog Winter Coats

Waterproof Brooklyn Dog Coat – Graphite – Medium

Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.



Printed Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats

Olive Green Waxed Dog Coat

Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.



Shearling Dog Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats

Pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket

In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.



Thermal Self-Heating Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats

Thermal Self-Heating Dog Coat – Black

This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.

“Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fiber core maximizes the dog coats thermal properties,” say petslovescruffs.com. “The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement.”



Great For Short-Haired Dogs — Best Dog Winter Coats

Hurtta® Expedition Dog Parka

A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.



Barbour Dog Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats

Baffle Dog Coat- Olive Medium

In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.



Cozy Jumper — Best Dog Winter Coats

Barbour Fairisle Dog Jumper, Grey, Small



Fluffy Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats

Teddy Bear Dog Hoodie – Large

Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.



Best Dog Rain Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats

William Morris at Home Blackthorn Reversible Dog Coat, Small

William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand’s classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.



Sleeveless Jacket — Best Dog Winter Coats

Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket

This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.



Microfibre Dog Coat — Best Dog Winter Coats

Microfibre Dog Coat

In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.

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