![Old English Sheepdog Dog Breed](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium_440x440/public/2022-07/Old-English-Sheepdog.jpg?itok=LTZjvZ30)
Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
Easy to train: | 3/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
Energy level: | 4/5 |
Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
Shedding: | 1/5 |
The Old English Sheepdog breed can be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Hereditary cataracts which is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and this can result in blindness.
- Primary ciliary syskinesia which is where a dog is not able to clear mucus from their airways as normal, which can result in inflammation.
- Congenital deafness¹
- Multiple drug sensitivity which is a condition where dogs are particularly sensitive to certain types of drugs.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
- Eye screening scheme
¹G. M. Strain, 'Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk', 2004, The Veterinary Journal
Old English Sheepdogs are cheerful extroverts and are popular family companions. They are known for being intelligent, loving, watchful, faithful and protective. They are fearless and make excellent watch dogs, especially with their resonant bark. They can be overly boisterous however and need plenty of exercise, training and grooming.