Old English Sheepdog

A Old English Sheepdog
Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Herding Group
AKC RecognizedFamily-friendly
📏 Size
Large
⚖️ Weight
27 - 45 kg
🌍 Origin
England
🐕 Shedding
Moderate
✂️ Grooming
A few times a week
Energy Level
moderate
Exercise: About 1 hr a day
A guide for a healthy adult. Puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds in the heat need less.

Good to know

  • Cattle drover, not shepherd: despite the name, they were mainly used to drive cattle to market, and some still try to herd children and guests.
  • A big grooming commitment: the shaggy double coat needs thorough brushing down to the skin at least weekly, or regular trims from a groomer.
  • Puppy trims help: many pet owners keep them in a shorter clip, though it still needs regular brushing between haircuts.
  • Has an off switch: they need regular exercise, but many settle down calmly once they come indoors.
  • Smart but easily bored: they learn readily and remember what they've learned, but repetitive drills lose their interest fast.

Getting out with a Old English Sheepdog

Daily walks and some play keep them content. A mix of park time and easy trails suits them.

Explore more breeds in the Herding group

Browse Herding Breeds
BarkParkBarkPark.

The social layer for dog life. Find parks, track your dog's health, and celebrate your pack — all in one place.

© 2026 BarkPark, Inc. All rights reserved.