The Ultimate Old English Sheepdog Puppy Handbook

Congratulations on bringing home an Old English Sheepdog puppy! These adorable fluffballs will steal your heart with their gentle nature and adorable wrinkles.

Old English Sheepdogs are born with a thick coat of fur that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Brush your puppy's coat at least twice a week to keep it looking its best.

As a breed, Old English Sheepdogs are prone to eye problems, so be sure to schedule regular eye exams with your veterinarian. This will help catch any issues early on and prevent long-term damage.

Old English Sheepdog puppies are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. Make sure to puppy-proof your home by removing any hazardous items or toxic substances that your puppy might ingest.

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The Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful breed, and understanding its characteristics is key to giving them the best life possible. They have a life expectancy of 10-11 years, so you're in for a long and loving relationship with your furry friend.

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Their size is a significant consideration - they can weigh between 60-100 pounds and stand between 21-22 inches tall, making them a large breed. This means they need plenty of space to move around and exercise.

The Old English Sheepdog's coat is long and double, requiring everyday grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This is a big responsibility, but it's worth it to keep your dog looking and feeling their best.

In terms of exercise, these dogs need over 2 hours of physical activity per day. They were bred for herding, after all, and still have a strong instinct to move and work. If you're not prepared to provide regular exercise, an Old English Sheepdog may not be the best fit for you.

Here's a quick summary of the breed's characteristics:

As an Old English Sheepdog owner, you want to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. Socialization and training are crucial for a well-adjusted dog, so be sure to enroll your puppy in early and ongoing classes.

Regular grooming is a must for this breed, with a "puppy cut" being an ideal option to prevent matting and tangling. You'll still need to brush and trim your OES between groomer visits, but this will help keep their coat looking its best.

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and hearing issues. To keep your dog healthy, make sure to provide a balanced diet and regular exercise, and keep an eye out for any signs of these conditions.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for:

Regular check-ups with your vet are essential to keep your OES healthy and thriving.

Old English Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their average lifespan is 10-12 years.

Hip dysplasia is a common health problem in Old English Sheepdogs, which can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Responsible breeders will guarantee the health of their puppies and provide evidence of health screenings of the parents.

Allergies, bloat, and deafness are also potential health concerns for this breed. Keeping your Old English Sheepdog at a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent obesity-related health issues like diabetes.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Old English Sheepdogs:

Regular health checks and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on, allowing you to take preventative measures and ensure your Old English Sheepdog lives a long and healthy life.

Regular walks are a great way to keep your Old English Sheepdog healthy and happy. Old English Sheepdogs are a moderately active breed, so they need some exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Trips to the dog park or games in the backyard are perfect for burning off energy and providing mental stimulation. Hide-and-seek, fetch, and puzzle toys are all great activities to keep your Old English Sheepdog engaged and active.

Old English Sheepdogs need a balance of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

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When feeding your Old English Sheepdog, make sure to give them a high-quality dog food that's suitable for their life stage. This could be puppy food, adult food, or senior food, depending on their age.

Portion out their food with a measuring cup to ensure you're not overfeeding them. A good rule of thumb is to limit treats to no more than 10 percent of their daily calories.

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Daily grooming is a must for Old English Sheepdogs, especially if you want to prevent mats and tangles. You'll need to brush them every day, ideally with a comb to strip the undercoat.

Their thick fur can't tolerate much heat, so stripping the undercoat is a good idea. However, even with this, you'll still need to brush them daily.

Shedding is a significant issue, especially in April and May, but regular brushing can help control it.

Old English Sheepdogs are not couch potatoes and require vigorous exercise every day, such as a brisk walk and a game of catch or a trip to the dog park.

Here's a quick rundown of their exercise needs:

Regular ear cleanings, nail trims, and dental care are also essential for Old English Sheepdogs. Start these grooming essentials when they're puppies to make them part of your routine.

The breed needs brushing or combing every other day to prevent mats, and their coat requires regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Living with an Old English Sheepdog is a big responsibility, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Old English Sheepdogs (OES) are known as "Velcro" dogs because they love to be around their owners and will often follow them everywhere.

They thrive on attention and companionship, so be prepared to spend a lot of time with your OES. These dogs are not suited for small apartment living because they need access to a fenced-in yard where they can run and play.

Old English Sheepdogs are a good family dog, but they might not be the best choice for families with small children. They have a tendency to "herd" children and their friends, so it's essential to teach your kids how to interact with animals and supervise their interactions.

Exercise is a must for OES, and they need daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent stress and anxiety. Teaching them skills, tricks, and competitive sports can help keep them happy and engaged.

To keep your OES happy and healthy, make sure to provide them with plenty of exercise and attention. With the right care and attention, an OES can make a wonderful companion for active families.

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Old English Sheepdog puppies are intelligent and can easily master basic commands, but they can get bored with repetitive training.

To keep them engaged, use a consistent and varied training routine that incorporates positive reinforcement and rewards.

Socialization is crucial, so introduce your puppy to new people, pets, and places to help them become well-mannered and well-adjusted dogs.

Old English Sheepdogs are natural herders, so be prepared for them to try to herd your other pets or even small children.

They are cheerful and fun, with an easy disposition, but they can be a bit of a handful when training due to their intelligence and headstrong nature.

You'll need to use constant reminders and positive reinforcement to keep the peace and keep them stimulated.

Old English Sheepdogs are adaptable and intelligent, but they can be shy and reserved if they don't get adequate socialization, play, and learning opportunities.

They have a strong desire to work and problem-solve, so provide them with plenty of mental and physical activities to keep them happy and engaged.

Daily exercise and play sessions are crucial to creating a happy, well-adjusted Old English Sheepdog.

Regular grooming is also necessary to remove dead hairs and keep their coat looking tidy, as they moult a lot.

Old English Sheepdogs are generally healthy, but Canine Hip Dysplasia can be a problem for some.

Training should start early on in their lives as they can be very boisterous and head-strong, and they'll thrive on human companionship and attention.

Old English Sheepdogs are naturally protective of their family, but in general, they're good with other dogs and strangers.

They love to lay down and curl up on the sofa, and they'll happily sleep off the entire walk after a daily walk.