How to Train an Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog training. Tips for their moderate energy herding breed temperament.
Training Approach
Old English Sheepdogs are moderate-energy herding dogs that benefit from regular but moderate training routines. As a herding breed, they have strong working instincts and excel at agility, obedience trials, and trick training.
The Old English Sheepdog runs about 60-100 lbs at maturity with a typical 10-12 yrs life expectancy; both its health pattern and its temperament are specific enough to deserve deliberate attention. The Old English Sheepdog stands out among large breeds, weighing 60-100 lbs and carrying a temperament shaped by the herding group's heritage.
Known Health Risks: Genetic screening data shows Old English Sheepdogs have elevated rates of hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cataracts. Rates vary across individuals, and plenty of animals never develop the conditions associated with their breed. The real value of breed-aware veterinary care is earlier screening and faster recognition when something does appear.
Old English Sheepdog Training Challenges
Breed traits give you a general idea, but every pet has its own personality. Old English Sheepdogs with moderate energy levels strike a good balance between activity and relaxation.
- Size: large (60-100 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Shedding: Heavy
- Common Health Issues: Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Cataracts
- Lifespan: 10-12 yrs
Socialization
Tailoring daily care to what the breed actually requires moves the needle on both comfort and health. For Old English Sheepdogs, the inputs that matter most are a large frame, a heavy shedding coat, and breed-level risk for hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
Staying proactive with vet visits — based on your pet's age and breed risks — is the most affordable way to manage breed-specific conditions. Given the breed's health tendencies, proactive screening is important for this breed.
Obedience Commands
The Old English Sheepdog stands out among large breeds, weighing 60-100 lbs and carrying a temperament shaped by the herding group's heritage. Lack of physical activity affects behavior before it affects weight — restlessness and attention-seeking often precede visible fitness changes.
- Provide 30–60 minutes of daily exercise appropriate to their energy level
- Feed a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs (1,400–2,200 calories/day)
- Maintain a daily brushing grooming routine
- Schedule breed-appropriate health screenings for hip dysplasia
- Buying pet insurance while the animal is still healthy almost always unlocks wider coverage at a lower premium.
Advanced Training
The details that distinguish this breed from similar breeds matter for long-term health and wellbeing. As a herding breed, the Old English Sheepdog has instincts and behaviors shaped by centuries of selective breeding for specific tasks.
Your vet has context no article can replicate; confirm food choices with them directly, particularly when your pet already has medical conditions in the picture.
Common Behavior Issues
Prevention and early detection are worth far more than reactive treatment. Watch for early signs of hip dysplasia, maintain regular veterinary visits, and keep your dog at a healthy weight — excess weight worsens most of the conditions Old English Sheepdogs are prone to.
Veterinary Care Schedule for Old English Sheepdogs
A regular vet schedule based on your How to Train an Old English Sheepdog's age and breed-specific risks is the best health investment you can make. Adjust the schedule based on your vet's advice.
| Life Stage | Visit Frequency | Key Screenings |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0-1 year) | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) consultation |
| Adult (1-7 years) | Annually | Physical exam, dental check, heartworm test, vaccination boosters |
| Senior (7+ years) | Every 6 months | Blood work, urinalysis, Hip Dysplasia screening, Hypothyroidism screening, Cataracts screening |
Old English Sheepdogs should receive breed-specific screening for hip dysplasia starting at 1-2 years of age, as large breeds develop structural issues early. Proactive testing tends to pay for itself in avoided complications.
Cost of Old English Sheepdog Ownership
- Annual food costs: $600–$1,200 for high-quality dog food
- Veterinary care: $300–$700 annually for routine visits, plus potential emergency costs
- Grooming: $65–100 per professional session (daily brushing home grooming recommended)
- Pet insurance: $50–80/month for comprehensive coverage
- Supplies and toys: $200–$500 annually for bedding, toys, leashes, and other essentials
More Old English Sheepdog Guides
Explore related topics for Old English Sheepdog ownership.
- Old English Sheepdog Diet & Nutrition Guide
- Old English Sheepdog Pet Insurance Cost
- Old English Sheepdog Grooming Guide
- Old English Sheepdog Health Issues
- Old English Sheepdog Temperament & Personality
- Old English Sheepdog Exercise Needs
- Old English Sheepdog Cost of Ownership
- Adopt an Old English Sheepdog
Hip and Joint Health Management
A sharper view of this part of pet care puts you in a better position to make decisions the animal can actually feel. Let the pet in front of you, not an idealized version, drive the pace of any new routine.
What are the most important considerations for how to train an old english sheepdog?
Training an Old English Sheepdog: Complete Guide works best with consistent, positive methods tailored to their temperament and energy level. Early socialization is also critical.