Is a Old English Sheepdog Right for You?
Personality traits, family compatibility, and lifestyle match - everything you need to decide.
Is a Old English Sheepdog Right for You?
Take our 1-minute compatibility quiz based on real owner data
The Old English Sheepdog Personality
Personality traits reported by 7 Old English Sheepdog owners:
6 owners report this trait
5 owners report this trait
4 owners report this trait
4 owners report this trait
4 owners report this trait
4 owners report this trait
3 owners report this trait
3 owners report this trait
2 owners report this trait
Know Before You Commit
Important behavioral traits that potential owners should understand:
This is a "Velcro" breed in the truest sense. They were bred to work closely with shepherds and drovers, never straying far. In a modern home, this translates to a dog that may panic when left alone. Destructive chewing, howling, and house soiling are common symptoms of distress if isolation training is not started immediately in puppyhood.
The OES has a unique, ringing bark often described as "two pots clanging together." It is loud, deep, and can become a nuisance. They are alert watchdogs and will vocalize at delivery trucks, neighbors, and squirrels. This makes them poor candidates for apartments with noise restrictions.
As a drover's dog, the OES controls movement. In a family setting, this often manifests as nipping at the heels of running children or "body checking" people to move them. While not aggressive, this behavior can be frightening for toddlers and annoying for guests.
While generally social, some OES lines—particularly males—can develop aggression toward other dogs of the same sex around social maturity (18-24 months). This requires vigilant management in multi-dog households.
Family Compatibility
How Old English Sheepdogs typically interact with different family members and pets:
Children (0-5 years)
Old English Sheepdogs are typically patient and gentle with young children - always supervise interactions
Tip: Teach children to be gentle, never disturb during eating or sleeping
Children (5-12 years)
Excellent playmates! Old English Sheepdogs often bond strongly with school-age children
Tip: Great age to involve kids in feeding, grooming, and training
Teenagers
Old English Sheepdogs typically do well with teenagers who can help with exercise and care
Tip: Teens can take on walking and training responsibilities
Other Dogs
Most Old English Sheepdogs can live harmoniously with other dogs when properly introduced
Tip: Gradual introductions on neutral territory work best
Cats
Can learn to live with cats, especially if raised together
Tip: Early socialization with cats increases success
Small Pets (rabbits, hamsters)
Caution advised - most dogs have some prey instinct toward small animals
Tip: Always keep small pets securely housed when dog is present
Living Situation Compatibility
Apartment
Old English Sheepdogs may find apartment living challenging
- Daily walks are essential
- Generally quiet indoors
- Mental stimulation important
House with Yard
Ideal setup for most Old English Sheepdogs - space to play and explore
- Secure fencing required
- Supervised outdoor time recommended
- Still needs walks for enrichment
Rural/Farm
Old English Sheepdogs enjoy rural settings
- Good recall training essential
- Watch for wildlife
- Plenty of room to exercise
First-Time Owner
Old English Sheepdogs may be better suited for experienced owners
- Consider professional training
- Research breed thoroughly
- Be prepared for challenges
Work From Home
Old English Sheepdogs love having their people around all day
- Set boundaries for work time
- Schedule regular breaks for play
- Create a comfortable space for them
Away 8+ Hours
Old English Sheepdogs can handle being alone with proper setup
- Gradual training to be alone
- Enrichment toys
- Morning exercise before leaving
Training Your Old English Sheepdog
Independent Thinker
Intelligent but may have their own agenda - not for novice owners
Training Tips:
- Establish yourself as leader early
- Make training fun and rewarding
- Consider professional help
- Be very patient and consistent
Common Challenges:
- May ignore commands if uninterested
- Requires experienced handler
- Need strong boundaries
Pro tip: Consider professional training classes, especially for first-time Old English Sheepdog owners. Group classes also provide valuable socialization.
Behavioral Patterns to Know
Some behaviors reported by Old English Sheepdog owners that may need attention:
Jumping
Jumps up on people when greeting
How to manage:
- Ignore jumping behavior
- Reward four feet on floor
Pulling the leash
Tendency to pull on leash during walks
How to manage:
- Use front-clip harness
- Practice loose-leash walking
Hyperactive
A behavioral pattern observed in some dogs
How to manage:
- Consistent training helps
- Patience is key
Excessive Barking
Tendency to vocalize - may alert bark or bark for attention
How to manage:
- Train "quiet" command early
- Provide mental stimulation
Remember: These percentages show how many owners report this behavior, not severity. Most can be managed with proper training.
Exercise Needs
Needs 90-120 minutes of daily exercise
Recommended Activities:
- Daily walks (vary routes for mental stimulation)
- Fetch and interactive play
- Puzzle toys and training sessions
Mental Stimulation
Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent dogs that need mental challenges to stay happy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Ideas:
- Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys
- Short training sessions (10-15 min)
- Nose work and scent games
- New environments and experiences