How to Care for an Old English Sheepdog

The Old English sheepdog (also called a bobtail) is a high-maintenace breed. You must be willing to brush this dog daily or neither you nor your pet will be very happy.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Worming Medicine
• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Ear Cleaners
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Toys
• Dog Treats
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Dog Shampoo

1. Know that Sheepdogs mature more slowly than other dogs and typically don't reach adulthood until age 3.

2. Keep your sheepdog's weight down. Overweight dogs will have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis.

3. Learn what health problems are associated with this breed: hip dysplasia, digestive maladies, eye disorders, sebaceous adenitis (a genetic skin disease) and thyroid problems.

4. Brush your sheepdog daily without fail. This breed is prone to matting and requires particular coat care.

5. Learn to groom your sheepdog yourself and save some money: Grooming can run upwards of $50 a month.

6. Wipe out your dog's ears occasionally to prevent odors and infections.

7. Bathe the dog infrequently. It doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

8. Make sure to trim this dog's nails regularly ' every month ' to prevent foot problems.

9. Remember that sheepdogs are quick learners and are eager to please their owners.

10. Get to enjoy 10 to 12 years with your sheepdog - this is the Old English sheepdog's average life expectancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan a daily grooming regimen to keep up with this dog's coat.
• Keep your sheepdog in a secure yard ' it doesn't require a lot of room, as this breed is fairly sedate, but you will want your dog to get exercise to keep it fit. It will be happy indoors or out.
• Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising the dog.
• Note that sheepdogs don't do well with small children. The main reason people give up their sheepdogs is that the dogs and their kids don't get along. The second reason is that sheepdogs require too much grooming.

[luckyted]

on 6/12/2009 I too agree with eHow pets. Our OES is fantastic with our two sons. My husband also had two OES and they were both great with my two step sons. In fact we decided on this breed because of how gentle and amazing they are with kids. I have never known a more gentle and kind dog!!

[oestessa]

on 10/5/2008 My OES is rescued and is 10 years old. We just got "Tessa" a couple of days ago. I think the previous owner was going to put her down, after takinh her to the vet yesterday, she is in great health.....other than a weight problem we need to knock off 15-20 lbs on the old girl. Her tooth is broken and she will be getting it pulled in 2 weeks. We love her death and she gets along great with the other 2 dogs and our old cranky 14 year old cat.

**I think when people get into these bigger breads, they need to be commiting for life, there are high maintance for grooming (she has matts and tar stuck to her all over the place, pleople need to be aware when they take on pets, these are life commitments, it's very shameful to see, I have 2 rescued dogs from previous owners that did not want them, how can this be? Would they do this to there children? Then again.......maybe they would??"****

B

[oestessa]

on 10/5/2008 My OES is rescued and is 10 years old. We just got "Tessa" a couple of days ago. I think the previous owner was going to put her down, after takinh her to the vet yesterday, she is in great health.....other than a weight problem we need to knock off 15-20 lbs on the old girl. Her tooth is broken and she will be getting it pulled in 2 weeks. We love her death and she gets along great with the other 2 dogs and our old cranky 14 year old cat.

**I think when people get into these bigger breads, they need to be commiting for life, there are high maintance for grooming (she has matts and tar stuck to her all over the place, pleople need to be aware when they take on pets, these are life commitments, it's very shameful to see, I have 2 rescued dogs from previous owners that did not want them, how can this be? Would they do this to there children? Then again.......maybe they would??"****

B

[oestessa]

on 10/5/2008 My OES is rescued and is 10 years old. We just got "Tessa" a couple of days ago. I think the previous owner was going to put her down, after takinh her to the vet yesterday, she is in great health.....other than a weight problem we need to knock off 15-20 lbs on the old girl. Her tooth is broken and she will be getting it pulled in 2 weeks. We love her death and she gets along great with the other 2 dogs and our old cranky 14 year old cat.

**I think when people get into these bigger breads, they need to be commiting for life, there are high maintance for grooming (she has matts and tar stuck to her all over the place, pleople need to be aware when they take on pets, these are life commitments, it's very shameful to see, I have 2 rescued dogs from previous owners that did not want them, how can this be? Would they do this to there children? Then again.......maybe they would??"****

B

[awanchic]

on 8/23/2008 I have to agree with our eHow pets editor - Old English Sheepdogs are GREAT with small children. We have 2 beautiful sheepdogs and they are wonderful with our 14 month old daughter, who is just learning to run and play with them. They have licked her precious head since she was even a few days old. I have found them to have the sweetest and gentlest nature with her. - Anne:)