Frequently Asked Questions

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their gentle, affectionate, and loyal nature. They are excellent family dogs, good with children, and generally get along well with other pets. They are intelligent and can be quite playful, but they also enjoy relaxing with their family.

Surprisingly, no! Old English Sheepdogs do not shed as much as many other breeds because they have a double coat. While they don’t shed heavily, their coats do require regular grooming to avoid matting and tangles. Routine brushing and maintenance will keep their coat healthy and manageable.

OES need frequent grooming, even though they don't shed much. Their thick, fluffy double coats can easily become matted if not properly cared for. Weekly brushing is a must, and many owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat trimmed and manageable. Personally I found out it is easier than I first thought. You must use a large hairbrush, not a comb. I started out with comb, and she lost a lot of the undercoat. I spend one hour a week, and I watch tv while I brush her.

Yes, OES are known for their loving and patient demeanor, making them excellent family pets. They are protective and gentle with children and can be very playful, although their size and energy level mean they should be supervised around very small children. They also get well along with other pets, if introduce

OES are an active breed and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential. Despite their large size, they are not overly energetic indoors, but they do need space to run and play outside.

Yes, OES are intelligent dogs and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. However, like many intelligent breeds, they can be a bit stubborn, so patience and consistency are important when training them. They also mature slower than many other breeds, due to their size.

Old English Sheepdogs are a large breed. Males typically weigh between 32-45 kg, and females weigh slightly less, around 60-85 pounds 27-39 kg. They can stand between 53-61 cm tall at the shoulder. Our Molly is 40 kg, when outgrown at three years old.

While OES are not aggressive, they are naturally protective and very loyal to their families. They may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual sounds, but they are generally friendly once they feel the situation is safe.

No, OES are not considered hypoallergenic. Although they don’t shed as much as other breeds, they still produce dander, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Like many large breeds, OES are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet are important to maintaining their health.

The average lifespan of an Old English Sheepdog is around 10-12 years. With proper care, diet, and regular vet visits, some can live longer.

The cost of owning an OES includes initial purchase or adoption fees, food, grooming, vet care, and supplies like beds, toys, and leashes. (Although Molly is allowed to sleep on the couch..)

Grooming can be a significant expense if you use a professional groomer regularly. The OES club in Norway is generous in giving advice to proper home grooming. I find time to do this with 4 children in the house, and full time work.

OES can be vocal, especially when they are excited or trying to communicate something. However, excessive barking can often be managed with proper training and mental stimulation. Ensuring your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise can help reduce unwanted barking. Molly only barks in emergency situations.

While OES are large dogs, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise. They are generally calm indoors, but they do need space to stretch out and should have opportunities to go outside for walks and playtime. They need three walks every day, and one of them must be a long walk.

Breeding OES, or any dog, should never be done with the intent of making money. Responsible breeders do it for the joy and love of the breed, not for profit. Raising healthy puppies requires significant time, effort, and expenses for health checks, vaccinations, and proper care. Breeders should also ensure that each puppy goes to a loving and responsible home. The cost of an OES puppy varies depending on the location, and pedigree. On average, you can expect to pay between 20.000-25.000 NOK for a well-bred puppy. It’s important to buy from a responsible breeder who prioritizes health and temperament over profit.

OES can be a good choice for first-time dog owners if they are prepared for the grooming and exercise needs of the breed. They are loyal, loving, and make great companions, but their grooming requirements and size can be challenging for some.