Grooming requirements
    The Old English Sheepdog is known to shed, so if you have an aversion to dog hair, you may want to consider another breed. The Old English Sheepdog's coat is one of his most distinctive features. Daily brushing is required to prevent matting. This breed is possibly one of the biggest grooming-necessary dogs there are. You will need a slicker brush and a metal comb. You must use them diligently, as this breed has such a soft coat they mat easily. Bathing this dog is no easy task and can take a very long time due to their sheer size. Conditioning after every bath should be done to keep their soft, flowing coat looking its very best. If you do not have hours a day to spend on simply brushing a dog, this may not be the breed for you. Some OES owners have them clipped down about four times a year to keep their coat at a manageable length. Keep in mind that even a well maintained OES is going to be very expensive to groom.

Health considerations
    OES can carry the gene for ataxia. If both parents carry the recessive gene, then the pups will have it. If only one parent has it, the pups will be healthy and fine. They are also prone to Wobbler's syndrome and von Wildebrand's disease.

Breed characteristics and personality
    The Old English Sheepdog is a dog who loves his home and family. He is an extremely affectionate dog who makes an ideal house-dog. The Old English Sheepdog is a playful, agile, fun-loving "clown" who delights in frolicking with his family and neighborhood children. In fact, adolescence in the OES often extends to approximately age 3, and your adult OES will retain his playful demeanor well into his golden years. An intelligent breed, the OES is a quick learner, always looking for something interesting and fun to do. This breed requires significant physical exercise as well as mental exercise. The proper owner of the OES must be committed to both grooming and exercise. If you cannot commit to both, you may want to consider another one of the many outstanding breeds available.

Uses
    The Old English Sheepdog was originally bred to be a drover's dog, driving flocks from outlying pastures into towns. Today, he can be found performing such tasks as herding, agility, obedience trials, and search and rescue. This breed is now known as an outstanding companion dog, loving and affectionate, and devoted to his family.

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