A shaggy, ambling herder of playful good humor.
Origin
England
Height
21–22+ in (53–56+ cm)
Weight
60–100 lb (27–45 kg)
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Profuse, shaggy double coat
Energy
Moderate
Overview
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy herding breed instantly known for its profuse coat and distinctive ambling gait. Bred to drive cattle and sheep to market, it is a sturdy, agile worker beneath the abundant fur.
Adaptable, affectionate, and playful, the “Bobtail” is a good-humored family dog with a gentle, clownish streak. It is intelligent and devoted, retaining herding instincts, and its enormous coat demands serious grooming commitment.
History
Developed in western England to drive livestock to market, the Old English Sheepdog was once tail-docked, earning the nickname “Bobtail.” Its herding heritage and shaggy charm made it both a capable worker and a popular companion.
Where it comes from
England
Highlighted in the Old English Sheepdog's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is friendly, easygoing, and devoted, generally good with children and other pets. It is intelligent and can be strong-willed, retaining herding tendencies, and it thrives on activity and companionship.
Health to watch
Joint malformation occurs in the breed; screening and lean weight help protect the hips over time.
An underactive thyroid can affect coat, weight, and energy, and is manageable once diagnosed.
Certain eye disorders occur, and the deep chest carries some bloat risk; exams and meal care help.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
The profuse coat mats easily and needs frequent, thorough grooming, or a shorter, practical trim.
Moderate daily activity and mental engagement keep this intelligent herder content.
The people-focused Bobtail thrives on family involvement and dislikes isolation.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.