Old English Sheepdog characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Old English Sheepdog right for you?
The Old English Sheepdog is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Old English Sheepdog thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Old English Sheepdog thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Old English Sheepdog to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Old English Sheepdog demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Old English Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It prefers not to be left and handles short absences only, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Old English Sheepdog
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Old English Sheepdog genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Medium — the Old English Sheepdog drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: High — the Old English Sheepdog sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very high — the Old English Sheepdog needs more coat work than almost any breed here — this is a standing weekly commitment. Only 18% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Old English Sheepdog actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Old English Sheepdog fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Old English Sheepdog is ranked in
The Old English Sheepdog earns a place on 1 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Families with space
- Grooming enthusiasts
- Show competitors
- Gentle giants lovers
Things to consider
- Extensive daily grooming
- Large size
- Can be clumsy
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Old English Sheepdog good with children?
- Yes — the Old English Sheepdog is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Old English Sheepdog shed a lot?
- The Old English Sheepdog has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Old English Sheepdog need?
- With medium energy, the Old English Sheepdog needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Old English Sheepdog live?
- The Old English Sheepdog typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Old English Sheepdog live in an apartment?
- The Old English Sheepdog is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Old English Sheepdog easy to train?
- The Old English Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Old English Sheepdog be left alone during the day?
- The Old English Sheepdog prefers not to be left and handles short absences only. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.