old english sheepdogs

These loyal, charming dogs make excellent family pets. They are very sweet, intelligent, and love to be around people, making them ideal for home life. Old English Sheepdogs are large in size and have long, fluffy coats. As their name implies, these dogs were originally bred in England to be sheep herders but were primarily used as drovers. Today, they are more often used as companion animals than working dogs. 

With proper care and yearly vet exams, the majority of Old English Sheepdogs will live long and healthy lives. While most Old English Sheepdogs will not encounter these health issues it is important to know them, monitor your dog for any physical or behavioral changes, and contact your veterinarian with any concerns. Your vet might also recommend running basic health screenings to diagnose or even rule out potential health risks.

Potential Health Conditions:

• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Hereditary Cataracts

• Autoimmune Thyroiditis (AIT)

• Bloat – Gastric Dilatation Volvulus(GDV)

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

• Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA)

• Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

• Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)

• Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1)

• Congenital Deafness

Suggested Screenings:

• Hip evaluation

• Eye examination

• Autoimmune thyroiditis

• Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) – DNA test

• Multiple drug sensitivity (MDR1) – DNA test

• Cerebellar degeneration – DNA test

• Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)– DNA test

• BAER test

Routine care:

• Spay or neuter

• Frequent brushing

• Plenty of exercise

The Old English Sheepdog can be a high-maintenance dog to have. They are a large breed with a thick shaggy coat that will require a lot of attention to prevent matting and facial stains. They are also a working dog that enjoys a moderate but active lifestyle. It is recommended to trim their hair shorter in the summer months to prevent overheating.