| Height | 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60-100 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10β12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Smart / Gentle / Adaptable [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 87 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1β5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
This is a breed that requires some physical activity. There is a wide variance in the activity levels, but all require some regular exercise. Fortunately, they do have an "off switch'Β when they come indoors. [1]
Grooming
The coat is what attracts most people to the Old English Sheepdog. The breed is double-coated and requires a thorough grooming down to the skin, over the entire dog, at least weekly to maintain their full coats. "Puppy trims" are good options for pet dogs, but they also require regular brushing between baths and haircuts. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye conditions (PRA and hereditary cataracts), autoimmune thyroiditis, cardiac anomalies, and hereditary deafness. Fortunately, DNA tests now exist for cerebellar ataxia and primary ciliary dyskinesia, two deadly diseases that breeders can avoid producing simply by identifying carriers and not breeding them to other carriers. DNA tests are also available for drug sensitivity and exercise-induced collapse. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 β $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 β $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 β $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40β$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Old English Sheepdog in 1888. [1]
- It ranked No. 87 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 74 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the βOES, Bobtail.β [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- β Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- β First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- β οΈ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Old English Sheepdogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Old English Sheepdog get?
AKC breed information lists height 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female) and weight 60-100 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Old English Sheepdog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Old English Sheepdog, a typical vet bill runs $308 β $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.