Old English Sheepdog
OHLD ING-lish SHEEP-dawg
Adaptable, Gentle, Smart, Sociable. Originally bred for driving cattle and sheep to market.
An adult Old English Sheepdog weighs 60-100 lbs (male) or 55-85 lbs (female), needs 940-1,960 calories daily, and lives 10-12 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Old English Sheepdog needs 940 to 1,960 calories per day. An average male (80 lbs / 36.3 kg) needs around 1,450 kcal; a female (70 lbs / 31.8 kg) roughly 1,310 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Old English Sheepdog. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Old English Sheepdog typically lives 10-12 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and cataracts, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; 45-60 minutes daily. Not as demanding as many herding breeds. Enjoy moderate activity and play. Herding instincts run deep in the Old English Sheepdog. Without a job to do, they may try to herd children, other pets, or even passing cars. Channel that drive into structured activities: agility, flyball, advanced obedience, or herding trials if available in your area.
Care and traits
Old English Sheepdogs have a profuse, shaggy double coat (one of the most demanding coats of any breed) coat. Origin: England (Western counties).
Their coat is the most labor-intensive of any common breed; requires 3-4 hours of brushing per week to prevent matting. Many pet owners keep them in a 'puppy clip.' The Dulux paint dog has made them iconic. Their 'bear shuffle' gait is distinctive and charming.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
Tools for Old English Sheepdog owners
Frequently asked questions
Adult Old English Sheepdogs typically need 940 to 1960 calories daily. A 80-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Growth-phase nutrition matters enormously for large breeds. Puppies need controlled growth to protect developing joints. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 60-100 lbs (27.2–45.4 kg). Females run lighter at 55-85 lbs (24.9–38.6 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
Among Old English Sheepdogs, hip dysplasia is the condition most frequently diagnosed. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include cataracts, autoimmune thyroiditis, cerebellar ataxia. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
The Old English Sheepdog does well with 45 to 60 minutes of daily activity. Good activities for this breed include agility, herding trials, frisbee. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Old English Sheepdog that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026