Find Reputable Old English Sheepdog Breeders for Your New Pet

If you're looking to bring home an Old English Sheepdog, finding a reputable breeder is a must. Old English Sheepdog breeders can be found through various registries, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Old English Sheepdog Club of America (OESCA).

Reputable breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, so look for breeders who have their dogs' health tested for inherited conditions like hip dysplasia and eye problems. A good breeder will also have a clear understanding of the breed's temperament and characteristics.

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, so it's essential to find a breeder who shares this vision. They should be able to provide you with a puppy that's well-socialized and adapted to being around people and other animals.

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Old English Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common issues is hip dysplasia, a heritable condition where the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint.

Some signs of hip dysplasia include pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but it can be difficult to detect in a growing puppy. Good breeders will have their puppies screened for this condition and be able to certify the health of the dog's parents.

Cataracts are another health issue that can affect Old English Sheepdogs, causing opacity on the lens of the eye and resulting in poor vision. The dog's eye(s) will have a cloudy appearance, and cataracts usually occur in old age.

Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by deficiencies of the hormone produced from the thyroid gland, and it's often treated with a daily thyroid replacement. Signs of hypothyroidism include obesity, mental dullness, lethargy, and irregular heat cycles.

Deafness is fairly common in Old English Sheepdogs and can provide many challenges for both the dog and the owner. Some forms of deafness and hearing loss can be treated with medication and surgery, but usually, deafness cannot be cured.

Here are some health conditions that can occur in Old English Sheepdogs, along with their risk profiles and estimated costs to diagnose and treat:

Regular grooming can help prevent other health issues, like joint problems and infections, so it's essential to keep your Old English Sheepdog clean and brushed.

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their fluffy coats, which can hide extra pounds easily. It's crucial to check your dog's weight regularly to avoid overfeeding.

Feeding your Old English Sheepdog depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Adult dogs typically need 2.5 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day.

You'll need to partner with your veterinarian to develop a feeding plan tailored to your pup's age, size, and health history. Consider adding a midday feeding for puppies, as they have a higher metabolism than adult dogs.

For a more accurate feeding amount, look at the nutrition label on your dog's food bag or ask your veterinarian. They will take into account your dog's weight, body condition score, lifestyle, and health needs.

To prevent obesity and other health issues, it's essential to provide a consistent and nutritious diet. You can also use slow feeder bowls or feed smaller, more frequent meals to help with digestion.

Here's a quick rundown of feeding considerations:

Old English Sheepdogs have a tendency to hide extra pounds under their fluffy coats, making it crucial to check their weight regularly and not overfeed them. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues.

The recommended daily amount of food for an adult Old English Sheepdog is between 2.5 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. This amount depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Partnering with your veterinarian is essential to develop a feeding plan that meets your pup's unique needs. This plan should be based on their age, size, and health history.

Old English Sheepdog puppies have a higher metabolism than adult dogs, so it's best to feed them three meals a day, with a midday feeding in addition to the morning and evening meals. This will help meet their energy needs.

To determine how much to feed your Old English Sheepdog, look at the nutrition label on their food bag for a recommended daily feeding guide based on their weight. However, for a more accurate amount, consult with your veterinarian, who will consider factors like body condition score, lifestyle, and health needs.

Proper feeding is key to preventing problems like obesity and digestive issues in Old English Sheepdogs. Their shaggy coats can make it difficult to see weight gain, so a consistent and nutritious diet is essential.

Feeding your Old English Sheepdog wet or dry food can be a personal preference, but it's worth considering the benefits of each. Dry kibble encourages chewing and cleans their teeth, while canned wet food is easier on their digestive system and helps increase water intake.

The amount of food your Old English Sheepdog needs can vary depending on their individual preferences. Some dogs do well with one meal a day, while others prefer multiple small meals throughout the day. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best routine for your dog.

When considering the size of your Old English Sheepdog, keep in mind that males stand 22 inches tall.

Males typically weigh between 80 to 100 pounds, which can make them a bit of a handful if you're not prepared for the extra space they'll need in your home.

Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, standing at 21 inches tall.

Their weight range is also slightly lower, coming in between 60 to 85 pounds.

Old English Sheepdogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their shaggy coat. Set aside at least three to four hours a week for brushing.

Their large size means they need space to move around, and they do best as inside dogs. Consider how you'll transport them to and from the vet, as they can weigh up to 100 pounds as adults.

Daily mental and physical exercise is crucial for their well-being. Provide your dog with activities that challenge their mind and body, and spend quality time with them to prevent loneliness.

Old English Sheepdogs can live up to 12 years or more, requiring a long-term commitment to their care. Make sure you're financially prepared to provide veterinary care, food, and grooming for their entire lifetime.

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

The Old English Sheepdog's coat is a sight to behold, but it's also a lot of work to maintain. You'll need to brush them daily to prevent matting and tangling, which can lead to skin problems.

Their double coat requires a textured outer coat and a soft undercoat, and they come in a variety of colors including gray, grizzle, blue, brown, and fawn, often mixed with white markings. They shed heavily, so be prepared for regular brushing to remove dead hair.

The Old English Sheepdog is a heavy shedder and requires daily brushing to keep their coat free of tangles. Regular brushing will also help manage their heavy shedding.

You'll need to invest in a few tools to brush and comb your OES, including a pin brush, coarse steel comb, and a slicker brush. Brushing should be a gentle process to avoid pulling and hurting the dog.

It's essential to start grooming your OES puppy at an early age to make the experience positive and soothing. This will ensure easier handling, both for you and for professional groomers, as your OES puppy grows into adulthood.

Bathing your OES every six to eight weeks is a must, and you'll also need to trim their nails once a month and check their ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor. Regular toothbrushing with a soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste will help prevent dental disease.

You can expect to spend a minimum of three to four hours a week grooming your OES, and it's recommended to start with a pin brush, coarse steel comb, and a slicker brush to gently remove tangles and mats. Regular grooming will help prevent mats from forming, which can be painful for your dog.

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to matting, so regular brushing is crucial to prevent knots and matting that can collect dirt and bacteria. Daily brushing will also help you manage their heavy shedding.

Old English Sheepdogs are highly responsive to behavior training if given positive feedback using rewards like treats or love.

Their alert and responsive nature makes training easier, but they can also be independent thinkers, so consistency is key.

Early socialization and training are crucial for this breed, especially since they can grow up to 60 to 100 pounds and unintentionally harm people without proper direction.

Old English Sheepdogs were bred to work alongside people and thrive on companionship, so they can become bored and develop behavior issues like excessive barking and chewing if they don't receive enough mental and physical stimulation.

Consistent positive training that uses rewards instead of punishment is the best approach for these affable dogs.

Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent pupils and are typically eager to please their humans, making them quick learners.

However, they can be independent and stubborn at times, so patience and kind, firm, consistent training is essential.

With proper socialization and training, Old English Sheepdogs can become excellent children's companions and family dogs, but they do require significant physical and mental exercise.

They are not known for being assertive watchdogs, but some may bark when strangers come to their home, while others may not.

Old English Sheepdogs need daily physical and mental enrichment, and their background in herding and protecting livestock means they can be wary of other animals and may need time to warm up to new people.

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Old English Sheepdogs are built for exercise and play, and they need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Long walks are a great way to get them moving, and they should be taken at least twice a day.

Camping trips are also a fantastic way to give your Old English Sheepdog a change of scenery and some quality time with you. They love the outdoors and will thrive in the fresh air and exercise.

If you're looking for some fun activities to do with your Old English Sheepdog, consider trying fetch, obedience training, skills training, agility training, or even food puzzles. These activities will challenge your dog's mind and body and strengthen your bond with them.

Here are some fun activities for Old English Sheepdogs:

Exercise needs vary throughout a person's life, and it's essential to consider factors like age and fitness level when determining the right amount and type of exercise.

As we age, our exercise needs change. For children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, is great for adults, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending at least 150 minutes per week.

Resistance training, which includes exercises like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, is also crucial for adults, with the American College of Sports Medicine recommending two to three sessions per week.

For older adults, the National Institute on Aging recommends exercises that promote balance and flexibility, such as tai chi or yoga, to reduce the risk of falls.

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Exercise and play are essential for Old English Sheepdogs to stay happy and healthy. Long walks are a great way to provide them with physical and mental stimulation.

Old English Sheepdogs need regular exercise to maintain their physical health. Long walks can help them burn off energy and stay fit.

Camping can be a fun and exciting activity for Old English Sheepdogs. It allows them to explore new surroundings and spend quality time with their family.

Fetch is a classic game that Old English Sheepdogs love to play. It's a great way to get them running around and burning off energy.

Obedience training is a must for Old English Sheepdogs. It helps them learn good behavior and respond to commands.

Skills training and agility training can help improve an Old English Sheepdog's coordination and agility.

Food puzzles are a great way to challenge and engage an Old English Sheepdog's mind. They provide a fun and interactive way to eat meals.

Here are some fun activities to try with your Old English Sheepdog: