The Old English Sheepdog cost can be a significant investment, but it's essential to consider the expenses involved in bringing one of these lovable dogs into your family. On average, the initial purchase price of an Old English Sheepdog can range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Their thick, shaggy coats require regular grooming, which can add up to $70 to $90 per session every 6-8 weeks. This cost doesn't include the need for daily brushing, which can take up to 30 minutes per day.
Old English Sheepdogs are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, which can lead to costly veterinary bills. According to the American Kennel Club, hip dysplasia alone can cost up to $1,000 to $2,000 in treatment.
They do require regular veterinary care, including annual check-ups and vaccinations, which can cost around $500 to $700 per year.
Before Owning
Before owning an Old English Sheepdog, it's essential to consider the costs involved.
You'll need to factor in the expenses of buying or adopting a puppy, which can range from $300 to $1,500.
The initial costs will also include vet care, supplies, grooming, training, and food, which can add up to a grand total of $2,667 to $4,458 per year.
To give you a better idea of the costs, here's a breakdown of the expenses associated with owning an Old English Sheepdog:
If you're looking to adopt an Old English Sheepdog, you can expect to pay around $300, with possible adjustments related to the dog's age or special needs.
Old English Sheepdog puppies can be hard to find, and responsible breeders often have a waiting list that may stretch into months.
Quick Facts and Care
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed that originated in the southwestern counties of England, bred to help drive cattle and sheep to market. They typically stand 21-22 inches tall and weigh 60-80 pounds.
These gentle, affectionate, and intelligent dogs are good with children and other pets, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training. They have a long, double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
Here are some key characteristics of the Old English Sheepdog:
- Origin: The Old English Sheepdog, or English Sheepdog, is a British dog breed that originated in the southwestern counties of England.
- Size: They are large dogs, typically standing 21-22 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 60-80 pounds.
- Lifespan: 10-12 years.
- Coat: The English Sheepdog has a long, double coat that can be straight or wavy.
- Temperament: They are gentle, affectionate, and intelligent dogs.
They require moderate exercise and high-maintenance grooming, and are prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.
Quick Facts
The Old English Sheepdog is a British breed that originated in the southwestern counties of England, where farmers bred them as drovers to help drive cattle and sheep to market.
They're large dogs, typically standing 21-22 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 60-80 pounds.
On average, they live for 10-12 years.
Their long, double coat can be straight or wavy, and is typically blue or gray with white.
These dogs are known for being gentle, affectionate, and intelligent.
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They're good with children and other pets, making them a great addition to many families.
English Sheepdogs require moderate exercise, which can be easily achieved with daily walks and playtime.
They're relatively easy to train, but can be stubborn at times, so patience and consistency are key.
To prevent matting, their coat needs to be brushed regularly, and they may also require professional grooming for trimming.
Unfortunately, they can be prone to health problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect when it comes to costs:
Old English Sheepdog Care
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need at least one to two hours of daily exercise, which can include sheepherding and agility trials.
Old English Sheepdogs are prone to hip dysplasia, so it's essential to provide them with a healthy and physically fit lifestyle. They can also be susceptible to eye problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are a must.
To prevent matting and tangling, you'll need to brush your Old English Sheepdog's coat daily, which can take around three to four hours a week. They also need to be bathed every six to eight weeks and have their nails trimmed once a month.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with owning an Old English Sheepdog:
- Buying or adopting an OES puppy: $300 to $1,500
- Vet care: $705
- Supplies: $225-$560
- Grooming: $390-$500
- Training: $500
- Food: $547-$693
- Grand total: $2,667-$4,458
Old English Sheepdog Coat Color and Grooming
The Old English Sheepdog's coat is a sight to behold, with its profuse, shaggy texture and beautiful color options. You can expect to see gray, grizzle, blue or blue merle, brown, and fawn colors, often mixed with white markings.
Grooming is a must for this breed, with a minimum of three to four hours a week spent brushing and combing their coat. This includes daily brushing to remove dead hair and prevent tangles.
The Old English Sheepdog is a heavy shedder, so be prepared for regular brushing sessions to keep their coat looking its best. You'll need to invest in a few tools, such as a pin brush, coarse steel comb, and slicker brush.
To prevent mats and skin problems, it's essential to brush all the way to the skin, not just the top layer of coat. A gentle brushing process is key to avoid pulling and hurting the dog.
One tip for brushing is to spray the dog lightly with a detangler and/or conditioner before you brush. This will make the process much easier and help prevent mats.
Here's a rough estimate of the costs associated with grooming an Old English Sheepdog:
Remember, grooming is an essential part of owning an Old English Sheepdog, and it's crucial to start grooming your puppy at an early age to make the process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Costs and Expenses
Owning an Old English Sheepdog can be a costly endeavor, but with some planning and research, you can prepare for the expenses ahead.
The initial cost of buying or adopting an OES puppy can range from $300 to $1,500. This includes the deposit required to hold a puppy from a reputable breeder.
To estimate the total annual cost of owning an Old English Sheepdog, let's break down the expenses into categories. Here's a list of common items you'll need for a year:
- Buying or adopting an OES puppy: $300 to $1,500
- Vet care: $705
- Supplies: $225-$560
- Grooming: $390-$500
- Training: $500
- Food: $547-$693
- Grand total: $2,667-$4,458
Investing in pet insurance can help alleviate the costs of treatment for injuries and illnesses. A good pet insurance plan can save you more than $270 a year on vet care.
Regular preventative care visits, including vaccinations and routine exams, can prevent costly illnesses and detect them when they're treatable for less money.
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Ownership and Training
Prospective Old English Sheepdog owners should be prepared for a significant upfront cost. Choosing the right breeder is crucial, and responsible breeders may require a deposit of $300 or more to hold a puppy, with the average cost of a purebred puppy ranging from $1,200 to $1,500.
Adopting an Old English Sheepdog from a shelter or rescue group can be a more affordable option, with costs averaging around $300. However, shelters may charge extra for preventative care and microchipping.
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and easily trained, but they do require attention and exercise. Daily exercise of one to two hours is recommended, with obedience training encouraged to prevent destructive behavior and ensure the dog's overall well-being.
Training
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and easily trained, making them a great breed for first-time dog owners. They enjoy contact with people and other dogs and exhibit few problem behaviors.
Obedience training is crucial for everyday living with an OES, especially with their large size and dense undercoat. Basic commands like "sit", "down", "come", and "stay" are essential.
The OES doesn't like being left alone for long periods, so training should begin when they're young puppies to prevent ingrained bad habits. This will help prevent destructive behavior when they get bored or suffer from separation anxiety.
Old English Sheepdogs can be trained through private in-home or facility classes, which can range from $90 to $400 per session. Group classes are less expensive, ranging from $125 to $300 for a four to six-week course.
In-home dog training through the Wag! platform costs around $60 an hour, while digital training with Wag! averages $29 to $33 for a thirty-minute session.
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Supplies
As you prepare to bring your Old English Sheepdog home, you'll want to stock up on the essentials. Buying or adopting an OES puppy can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500.
You'll need to factor in supplies, which can range from $225 to $560 per year. This includes everything from toys to grooming supplies, like a brush, shampoo, and nail clippers, which can cost between $15 and $35.
Toys for your OES can cost anywhere from $30 to $150, and walking supplies can range from $50 to $100. You'll also need food and water bowls, which can cost between $30 and $50, and a comfortable place to sleep, like a crate, which can cost around $75.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for OES supplies:
- Toys: $30-$150
- Walking supplies: $50-$100
- Grooming supplies: $15-35
- Food/water bowls: $30-$50
- Bedding: $25-$150
- Crate: $75
Old English Sheepdog Ownership
If you're considering bringing an Old English Sheepdog into your family, it's essential to understand the costs involved. The average cost of a purebred Old English Sheepdog puppy can range from $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the kennel and location.
To give you a better idea of the expenses, here's a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for an OES:
Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on your location and the specific needs of your dog. It's also important to consider that adopting an OES from a shelter or rescue group can be significantly less expensive, averaging around $300.
Old English Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They require at least one to two hours of daily exercise, which can include activities like sheepherding and agility trials. However, it's essential to adjust the exercise routine according to your dog's age and health.
Older dogs may prefer to lounge around, while puppies have boundless energy and need to be kept busy with approved activities. Be cautious not to overexert your OES, especially in hot weather, as their dense undercoat can make them prone to overheating.
Obedience training is crucial for any dog, but especially for a large breed like the OES. They learn quickly, so it's essential to start training early and consistently. Crate training is also recommended, but make sure to release your OES from the crate regularly to prevent feelings of confinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Old English Sheepdog rare?
Yes, Old English Sheepdogs are considered rare due to a decline in puppy registrations. This rarity contributes to their higher value.
Sources
- Old English Sheepdog Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Tarheel OES Rescue (tarheeloesrescue.org)
- Red River Old English Sheepdog Rescue (redriveroldenglishsheepdogrescue.org)
- Old English Sheepdog Club of America (oldenglishsheepdogclubofamerica.org)
- How Expensive Is It to Own an Old English Sheepdog? (wagwalking.com)
- Old English Sheepdog: Characteristics, Care & Photos (chewy.com)
- OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG - Breed Standard (fci.be)
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