The OES is a big, good-humoured family dog — gentle with children, sociable and adaptable, with a characteristic bear-like amble and a herding habit of bumping people along. The catch is the coat: that profuse double coat demands serious, frequent grooming (many owners clip it) or it mats painfully. Moderate daily exercise keeps them happy. A wonderful companion for a family ready to commit to the grooming.
Old English Sheepdog
- Vet-reviewed by Dr. Amara Okafor, DVM
- Last updated June 2, 2026
Breed character
The shaggy, lumbering charmer behind the paint adverts — easy-going, affectionate and playful, a gentle herding clown wrapped in a famous coat.
Temperament
- Easy-going
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Gentle
- Sociable
Likes
- Being with their family
- Gentle play and walks
- Cooler weather
- Herding/bumping their people along
Dislikes
- Heat
- Skipped grooming (painful mats)
- Being left alone
- Boredom
Habits & quirks
- The bear-like rolling amble
- Herding and bumping family members
- Heavy shedding without grooming
- Playful, clownish antics
Great for
- Families with children
- Homes committed to grooming
- Cooler climates
- Owners wanting a gentle, fun dog
Think twice if…
- Owners short on grooming time/budget
- Hot climates
- Apartments
- Tidy, shed-averse households
Is this the right breed for you?
Take the 3-minute Breed Match — a few honest questions about your home, time and energy, and a shortlist of dogs that genuinely fit your life.
Care, gear & guides
Guides for this breed are coming soon.
