Old English Sheepdog
Also known as Bobtail, Berger anglais ancien
- Height at the withers
- 56 to 61 cm
- Weight
- 27 to 45 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, athletic and powerful herding dog with a long, shaggy double coat in its typical gray and white, famous for the hair that falls like a curtain over its face and for its distinctive bear-like gait.
History and origins
Developed in the west of England in the late 18th century, probably from old herding dogs such as the Bearded Collie and the South Russian Ovcharka. It drove cattle and sheep to market. According to tradition, its tail was docked to show it was a working dog exempt from tax, hence its name “bobtail” (short tail).
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation)
- Deafness
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Moderate shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Old English Sheepdog FAQ
How big does the Old English Sheepdog get?
The Old English Sheepdog stands 56 to 61 cm at the withers and weighs 27 to 45 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Old English Sheepdog shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs a great deal of care. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Old English Sheepdog live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Old English Sheepdog need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Old English Sheepdog good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Old English Sheepdog live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and cataracts.
