Old English Sheepdog health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Old English Sheepdog, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 20 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Old English Sheepdog
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2] | Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3] Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4] |
| Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: AKC breed page [1] | The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [5] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6] |
| CataractsNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | The lens of the eye turns cloudy and vision fades. Some cataracts can be removed surgically by a veterinary eye specialist. [7] | Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8] |
| HypothyroidismNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The thyroid gland makes too little hormone, which can cause weight gain, low energy and skin problems. A daily pill usually controls it. [9] | Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [10] |
| Congenital deafnessNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Some puppies and kittens are born deaf in one or both ears. A hearing test called BAER can check puppies early. [11] | Vet exam fee (published prices): $75 (most $65–$88) [12] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: 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.
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test. [1][13] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 2 DNA health tests for the Old English Sheepdog, including Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1); Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [14] One health test costs $58 there. [15]
What to budget
For a large dog like the Old English Sheepdog, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640), and surgery, when needed, runs $541 – $3,903. [16]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Old English Sheepdog at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 10–12 years and you get roughly $8,800–$18,200 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [16][17] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [18] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [19] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [20]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the Old English Sheepdog?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hypothyroidism and congenital deafness. That doesn't mean every Old English Sheepdog will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Old English Sheepdog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640).
Should I get pet insurance for a Old English Sheepdog?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
What health tests should a Old English Sheepdog breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Old English Sheepdog live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10–12 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (20) — tap to show
- AKC – Old English Sheepdog breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Cataracts in dogs
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VCA – Hypothyroidism in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Congenital deafness
- PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Old English Sheepdog DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
- VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)