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Pastoral · England

Old English Sheepdog

A walker's guide to the Old English Sheepdog: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Large, 27 to 45 kgActiveHeavy coatHerding instinctHeat sensitiveJoint careGrooming heavy
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleRolling, bouncy, sociable
With other dogsFriendly, can be bossy

Overview

Known to everyone from paint adverts and children's books, the Old English Sheepdog was bred in the West Country to drive cattle and sheep to market. Under the famous coat is a strong, square dog with a distinctive bear-like shuffle and a bark that carries across a field.

They are affectionate, clownish and fond of people, and most are easy to like. They can also be bossy with other dogs, slow to mature and surprisingly stubborn once they have decided on a direction. The grooming burden is the single biggest thing a walker will notice.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour or more of exercise a day suits a healthy adult, with time off the lead to bounce about. They enjoy a steady walk rather than a fast one and are happiest with company, human or canine, to play with.

The coat is a liability in warm weather. On a hot day a full-coated dog can overheat on a short walk, so go early, stick to shade and keep the pace gentle. Clipped dogs cope much better.

Daily minimum75 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeOften, where safe

On the walk

  • Recall: Usually reasonable, but these dogs have herding instinct and a stubborn streak. Expect a dog that comes when it has finished what it was doing.
  • Herding: Bumping, body-checking and circling other dogs or children is common. Interrupt early; the dog's size makes it unwelcome.
  • Mud and water: The coat holds an astonishing amount of both. Avoid the worst puddles and ponds unless the owner is relaxed about an hour of drying and brushing.
  • Pulling: Moderate, with real weight behind it when something exciting appears. A harness or the owner's usual gear and a short lead near roads.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Carry a big towel and an old sheet for the van seats.
  2. Check the hair around the eyes is not blinding the dog; owners often tie it up or trim it.
  3. Pick cool routes in summer and shorten them for a full-coated dog.
  4. Look at the feet after muddy walks; the fur between the pads cakes with grit.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Any hip or elbow problems, and does the vet want jumping or ball-chasing avoided?
  • Is the dog clipped or in full coat, and how much mud is the owner willing to deal with?
  • Does the dog herd or body-check other dogs, and how does the owner manage it?
Bearded CollieScotland's bouncingPolish Lowland SheepdogA shaggyBriardA bigBouvier des FlandresA big