How to Groom an Old English Sheepdog

Farmers began breeding Old English Sheepdogs in England's West Country because the dogs could herd their cattle to market and perform other similar tasks on the farm. Their main skills include watchdogging, herding and retrieving. But for all their utility, they do require a lot of maintenance themselves. They need a general grooming at least twice a week and a full grooming about every 4 weeks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Mat rake
• Metal combs
• Detangling solution
• Cotton cloth

1. Brush and comb the dog's coat daily. If you don't do it daily, do it every other day. Otherwise, the coat gets tangled and matted. Use a firm, natural bristle brush, metal combs and pin brushes to get through the dense coat. If you neglect regular brushing, the matting can become so bad on this breed that the coat must be shaved entirely.
2. Apply a spray-on detangling product prior to bathing. Old English Sheepdogs have a long-haired topcoat with a dense, water-resistant layer underneath. Detangling products can help prevent more tangles during a bath.
3. Fluff dry after bathing.
4. Give the dog yet another brush and comb out after bathing to return the coat to its natural style.
5. Use moist cotton to clean grime out of the corners of the eyes. Dirt and other matter collects easily in the eyes of Old English Sheepdogs.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a mat rake to work through stubborn knots in your Old English Sheepdog's coat.
• These dogs love to run and exercise. They can adapt to an apartment if you make sure they get plenty of time for daily exercise where they can exert themselves.
• This breed has a life expectancy of ten to twelve years.
• There are various theories about where the modern Old English Sheepdog came from. One is that they are the descendants of the Barbone and the Deerhound. Another theory postulates they are related to the Briard and the Bergamasco. The third main theory is that a Russian dog called the Owtchar is the main ancestor of this breed.
• Old English Sheepdogs are somewhat susceptible to hip dysplasia, IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) and cataracts.