Old English Sheepdog

Also known as: Bobtail

Old English Sheepdogs are a large, shaggy herding breed with a distinctive bear-like shamble, known for its clownish personality and profuse coat. Hailing from England, this large-sized pastoral breed has a lifespan of 10—12 years and typically weighs 27—45 kg. Standing 56—61 cm at the shoulder, the Old English Sheepdog is a breed that rewards thoughtful ownership with years of loyal companionship. Across Australia’s varied landscapes—from coastal suburbs to outback properties—owners appreciate this breed for its playful and adaptable nature.

About the Old English Sheepdog

History

Developed in the west of England in the 18th century for droving cattle and sheep to market. The tail was traditionally docked to indicate working dog tax-exempt status, hence ‘Bobtail.’ Made internationally famous as the Dulux paint dog in advertising.

Temperament & Personality

Temperament is one of the Old English Sheepdog’s strongest selling points. This breed is characteristically playful, adaptable, intelligent, gentle, sociable and clownish, which makes them a popular choice for families with children in Australia. This breed is typically excellent with children of all ages. Patient and gentle, they make wonderful family companions. As with all breeds, supervision during interactions with very young children is recommended. With the right upbringing, a Old English Sheepdog will be playful and adaptable in virtually any social setting. Owners consistently praise their intelligent nature as one of the breed’s most endearing qualities.

Training & Socialisation

Training a Old English Sheepdog requires understanding that this breed is eager to please and generally straightforward to train. Positive reinforcement methods work best—reward good behaviour with treats, praise and play sessions. Start socialisation early by introducing your Old English Sheepdog puppy to different environments, people and other animals. Australian puppy schools are an excellent starting point and are available in most suburbs and regional towns. Local councils across Australia often have specific requirements for dog behaviour in public, making basic obedience training not just beneficial but often necessary. Patience and consistency will yield the best results with this breed.

Care & Health

The coat is the biggest consideration—daily grooming is non-negotiable. Many owners keep the coat in a shorter ‘puppy clip.’ A fun, family-friendly breed for committed groomers.

Living Conditions

A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal for the Old English Sheepdog. While they can adapt to larger apartments, regular outdoor access is important. In Australia’s varied climate, be mindful of heat—provide shade, fresh water and avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in summer. This breed’s thick coat means they may struggle in extreme heat, so air conditioning or cool indoor spaces are advisable during Australian summers.

Quick Facts

Origin: England
Life Span: 10—12 years
Size: large
Hair Shed: heavy
Grooming: Daily
Good with Kids: high
Exercise Needs: medium
Feeding Cost: $20–$30 p/w
Colours: Grey, grizzle, blue with white markings.

Exercise

Exercise needs: medium

Moderate exercise of 45—60 minutes daily. Enjoys walks, games and herding activities. Not as demanding as some herding breeds.

Health Considerations

hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, deafness, autoimmune thyroiditis and cerebellar abiotrophy.

Recommended Insurance for Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed, but owners should be aware of conditions common to the breed.

■Hip Dysplasia — typical treatment cost: $3,000–$8,000
■Progressive Retinal Atrophy — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$3,000
■Deafness — typical treatment cost: $500–$1,500 (diagnosis)
■Autoimmune Thyroiditis And Cerebellar Abiotrophy — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+

A comprehensive pet insurance policy can help cover the cost of diagnostics, surgery and ongoing treatment for these conditions. Many Australian providers offer plans starting from around $30–$60 per month for larger breeds, with annual benefit limits of $10,000–$25,000.

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Grooming

Profuse double coat requires daily brushing. Without regular care, the coat will mat severely. Many pet owners opt for a short clip. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Excellent with children and families
Highly affectionate and loyal companion
Gets along well with other pets
Playful and entertaining personality
Impressive presence and natural deterrent

Considerations

Heavy shedding requires frequent cleaning
High grooming maintenance required
Higher food and veterinary costs than smaller breeds
May be prone to breed-specific health issues
Not always readily available from Australian breeders

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Old English Sheepdog cost in Australia?

In Australia, a Old English Sheepdog puppy from a registered breeder typically costs between $2,500–$6,000 AUD. Prices vary based on pedigree, breeder reputation and location. Adoption through breed-specific rescue organisations is also an option and typically costs $300–$800. Always choose an ANKC-registered breeder who provides health clearances for both parents.

Is the Old English Sheepdog good with children?

The Old English Sheepdog is typically excellent with children of all ages. Patient and gentle, they make wonderful family companions. As with all breeds, supervision during interactions with very young children is recommended. Early socialisation helps ensure your Old English Sheepdog develops positive associations with children of all ages.

How much exercise does a Old English Sheepdog need?

Around 45–60 minutes of daily exercise keeps this breed happy and healthy. A mix of walks, play sessions and off-lead time in a secure area works well. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys or scent games is also beneficial. In Australia, local dog parks and beaches provide excellent exercise venues for Old English Sheepdogs.

What health problems are common in Old English Sheepdogs?

Common health concerns in the Old English Sheepdog include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, deafness, autoimmune thyroiditis and cerebellar abiotrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection. In Australia, pet insurance is recommended to help manage potential veterinary costs. Choose a breeder who conducts relevant health screenings on breeding stock.

Does the Old English Sheepdog shed a lot?

The Old English Sheepdog is a heavy shedder, particularly during seasonal coat changes in spring and autumn. Daily brushing during these periods and regular grooming sessions year-round are essential. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner and lint roller if you share your home with this breed.

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