The Complete Old english sheepdog Guide

You didn’t land on the Old english sheepdog by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The shaggy herding giant, enthusiastic, affectionate, and fluffy, and famous for their coat and their clownish personality, they’re a natural fit for active families with time for significant grooming who want a large, warm, and enthusiastic companion who want a large, shaggy, and entertainingly clownish herding dog for owners prepared for serious coat maintenance. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Old english sheepdog?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Old english sheepdog? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	4 out of 5	Intelligent and capable. They learn well with consistent, positive training
Obedience	3 out of 5	Responsive when training is consistent. Their enthusiasm can occasionally overwhelm focus
Focus	3 out of 5	Generally attentive in training sessions
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Not particularly stubborn. Their good nature makes them cooperative

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted and warm with their family
Good with children	5 out of 5	Enthusiastic, playful, and excellent with children
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly with most people they meet
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Good with other dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	2 out of 5	Their size and energy level make apartment living impractical
Cold weather	4 out of 5	Their double coat handles cold weather well
Hot weather	2 out of 5	Their thick coat makes heat management important
Routine flexibility	3 out of 5	Adapts well when exercise and grooming needs are met
First time owner	3 out of 5	Can work for committed active families with grooming experience

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	4 out of 5	Energetic and enthusiastic. They need significant daily exercise
Endurance	3 out of 5	Good endurance for their size
Exercise needs	4 out of 5	Needs 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
Mental stimulation	4 out of 5	Intelligent and curious with a desire to engage
Grooming needs	5 out of 5	Their signature thick, shaggy double coat requires very significant grooming

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	5 out of 5	Clownishly playful and enthusiastic. Their personality is as large as their coat
Affection	5 out of 5	Deeply affectionate and warm
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Loyal and devoted
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. They want to be with their people
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and engaged

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	3 out of 5	Can be vocal. Their herding heritage sometimes produces barking
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Low digging tendency
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Low chewing in adults
Prey drive	2 out of 5	Low prey drive
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Too friendly to be guard dogs

What are common health issues of a Old english sheepdog?

Like all breeds, Old english sheepdogs are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Old english sheepdogs? 

Your Old english sheepdog can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• DNA test for MDR1
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist

Do Old english sheepdogs need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Old english sheepdog owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Old english sheepdog owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Bobtail specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Old english sheepdogs are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Bobtails age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Old english sheepdog owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$55-$60
2 years old	$55-$60
3 years old	$55-$60
4 years old	$55-$60
5 years old	$65-$70
6 years old	$85-$90
7 years old	$90-$95

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Bobtail?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Old english sheepdog and your budget.

History of the Old english sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog was developed in western England, particularly in the counties of Devon and Somerset, in the early 19th century. The breed was used by farmers to drive sheep and cattle to market, and their distinctive bobtail was originally docked as a practical measure to prevent injuries while working and as a tax exemption marker for working dogs. The Old English Sheepdog's precise origins are not fully documented, but Bearded Collies, Russian Ovcharkas, and other herding and driving dogs are thought to have contributed. The breed was first shown at a Birmingham dog show in 1873 and was recognized by the AKC in 1888. The breed's image gained enormous popular recognition when it was used in Dulux paint advertising in the United Kingdom beginning in 1961, making the Old English Sheepdog synonymous with the Dulux Dog for generations of British people.

Caring for a Old english sheepdog

Training

Training a Old english sheepdog takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are independent, clever, and prone to stubbornness when bored or under-challenged, which means owners need to keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent this breed from tuning out entirely. Short, positive sessions with high-value treats and consistent, creative training that keeps them guessing tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Old english sheepdogs have a thick, shaggy double coat that requires very high grooming. Daily brushing is required to prevent the dense coat from matting and tangling, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is essential to keep the coat manageable and healthy.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Bobtail looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Old english sheepdogs have moderate to high energy levels and need 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Fetch, herding games, and agility training are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Old english sheepdogs are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless, boisterous, and prone to destructive behavior and persistent barking. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Old english sheepdog will actually love.

Nutrition

Old english sheepdogs are large dogs with moderate to high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,300 to 1,700 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $60 to $90 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Old english sheepdog here.

Old english sheepdog costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Old english sheepdog?

Before your Old english sheepdog even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$800-$2,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$700	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$500	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Old english sheepdog each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Old english sheepdog owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$700-$1,200	Based on the recommended portion for your Old english sheepdog
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$400-$800	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, One of the most coat-intensive breeds; professional grooming is not optional.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Old english sheepdog names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Old english sheepdog we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Old english sheepdog puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Old english sheepdog puppies are shaggy, warm, and clownishly enthusiastic in a way that makes life with them feel genuinely more joyful. That a warmth and playfulness that makes them outstanding family companions for owners who commit to the grooming is part of what makes them daily coat maintenance, regular professional grooming, vigorous daily exercise, and a household that enjoys exuberant energy, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Old english sheepdog brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Old english sheepdog’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Old english sheepdogs are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

2. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

3. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

4. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

5. Arizona

The desert heat is the biggest thing to watch year-round. Pavement in Phoenix can reach dangerous temperatures in summer, so early morning or evening walks are best for your dog's paws. Arizona is also home to rattlesnakes, scorpions, and desert toads, all of which are more active in warmer months, so stay alert on trails and in the yard.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Old english sheepdog? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Old english sheepdog right for you?

Old english sheepdogs reward the right owner with a coat-and-personality combination that makes them one of the more recognizable and distinctive companions and a warmth and enthusiasm that fills every room they lumber through. They just need daily brushing, regular professional grooming, vigorous exercise, and genuine enthusiasm for their clownish energy in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Old english sheepdog. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.