

The Bobtail is a massive, surprisingly agile Treibhund (herding dog)—bred to drive cattle and sheep over long distances to market, which gives him enormous stamina, a deep voice, and an unwavering protective instinct to this day.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Old English Sheepdog fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
56–65 cm
Weight
27–45 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Old English Sheepdog, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Old English Sheepdog — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
Underneath the mountain of fluffy fur is not a giant stuffed animal, but an athletic, assertive worker who likes to make his own decisions. If you guide his stubborn herding streak with consistency and accept the dirt in the house, you get an unwavering clown who would literally walk through fire for his family.
The Old English Sheepdog, also affectionately known as the Bobtail, is a large, powerful dog known for its thick, long and slightly curly coat. He belongs to FCI Group 1, the herding dogs and cattle dogs. The characteristic coat color is usually blue, gray or blue-gray, often combined with white markings. His face is often obscured by his fur, which sometimes falls over his eyes, and he has a distinct "bear" look. His ears are small and droopy, and he has a strong build built for endurance and strength. His tail is often naturally short or is shortened in some countries. There are no strict distinctions between performance and show lines in the Old English Sheepdog, but you can still see differences in coat length and build between dogs from different breed lines.
The Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful companion who has both an active and loving side. Its origins as a herding dog are reflected in its intelligent and alert character. He is also very affectionate and people-oriented. A Bobtail loves spending time with his family and often develops a particularly close bond with a specific person in the household. As a herding dog, the Old English Sheepdog has an innate instinct to care for its "flock", which in this case is its family. He can be somewhat protective, but he is usually not aggressive. The temperament of the Old English Sheepdog is overall balanced. He is playful and active, but not hyperactive. He enjoys long walks, games and activities that challenge both his body and mind. It's important to note that this breed can also exhibit a bit of clownish behavior, which is often amusing and shows how much they enjoy life. The Bobtail also has a gentle side and can be very patient. This often makes him a good companion for children, although it should be noted that his size and strength make him a better fit for families with older children. Old English Sheepdogs can learn to stay alone, but they prefer being in company and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. It is also important to take care of their coat as it requires regular grooming to avoid mats and skin problems. In terms of hunting behavior, the Old English Sheepdog does not tend to exhibit strong prey-catching behavior, but it can still be stimulated by movement and sound. His alertness and herding instincts make him alert to his surroundings and he can be trained to be a good watchdog without becoming aggressive. In conclusion, the Old English Sheepdog is a loving, intelligent and active companion who is looking for a family willing to give him the time, activity and affection he needs. In the right environment, the Bobtail will be a loyal and happy part of family life, winning over the hearts of its people with its charming personality and endearing nature.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Old English Sheepdog is often called a "Bobtail" because in the past it was common to shorten its tail to identify it as a working dog? Today this is no longer common or even banned in many countries.
Bobtails are active and intelligent dogs that like to be kept busy. They can be alert and territorial, so appropriate breeding and training is important.
The Old English Sheepdog requires a lot of space and exercise and is therefore more suitable for living in the country or in a house with a garden than for a city apartment. He generally gets along well with children, but due to his size, caution should be exercised around very young children. He can also get along well with other pets, including cats, if he is introduced to them from an early age.
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
The Bobtail is intelligent and learns quickly, but it can also be a little stubborn. It is important to start training early and be consistent. This breed enjoys activities such as agility, obedience, and herding. Care should be taken not to over-exercise the dog as this can lead to stress. Old English Sheepdogs can sometimes become obsessed with balls or other toys. It is therefore important to offer them a balanced mix of activities and to ensure that they do not become too fixated on a single toy. It is also beneficial to teach them frustration tolerance and impulse control so that they can cope well in different situations. Since the Old English Sheepdog is a herding dog, it is in its nature to herd and protect. This behavior should be channeled appropriately to ensure the dog lives a happy and fulfilling life while being socially acceptable.
The Old English Sheepdog's diet should be balanced and nutritious to support his active lifestyle. High-quality dry food supplemented with fresh meat, vegetables and occasionally fish is a good choice. It is important to watch his weight, as being overweight can put strain on your joints and lead to health problems. When it comes to grooming, the Bobtail has a thick undercoat and a long, dense coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Thorough brushing is necessary at least once a week, and more often during shedding periods. The Old English Sheepdog copes well with the climate in Germany, but in the warmer months you should be careful that it does not overheat.
| Care Level Needs regular professional grooming — time-consuming and costly. | High-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
With the Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail), you need to watch out for breed-specific issues such as hip dysplasia (HD), degenerative myelopathy, and exercise-induced collapse (EIC). For breeding approval in the Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V., hip dysplasia (HD) X-rays resulting in HD A–B and an ophthalmological eye examination with a clear result are mandatory. A responsible breeder additionally tests for degenerative myelopathy, exercise-induced collapse (EIC), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), ensuring that carriers are only mated with clear partners. Always ask to see these official evaluation certificates and genetic tests of the parent animals in full before buying a puppy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should ensure joint-friendly development, maintain the dense coat consistently to avoid painful matting, and always inform the veterinarian about his drug sensitivity.
Responsible breeders test parent animals for HD and eye problems and use additional DNA tests for degenerative myelopathy and EIC to specifically prevent severe hereditary diseases in the line.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V. requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V. for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Not health tests, but required for breeding: the club asks for these results too. They don't count toward the risks or the rating.
Wesensbeurteilung
Required by Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V.
Acceptable result: Erfolgreiche Körung / angekört
Dental and bite evaluation
Required by Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V.
Acceptable result: Keine erheblichen Zahnfehler oder Kieferanomalien
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Old English Sheepdog costs around ~€210 per month (€110 – €400, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€6,070 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11 years) it comes to about ~€30,980.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€210 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€210
In the first year
~€6,070
Across the dog's life
~€30,980
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €2,000 – €3,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe Old English Sheepdog has its roots in the agricultural areas of western England. It was originally used as a herding and driving dog for sheep and cattle. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is thought to have descended from early European sheepdogs, and may also have been influenced by the Bearded Collie. The Old English Sheepdog quickly became valued for its skills and pleasant nature. The breed became popular in the late 19th century and received recognition from the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1888. The charismatic bobtail also became popular in pop culture, particularly through its appearances in films and advertisements.
The Old English Sheepdog was used as a herding dog for flocks of sheep and for driving livestock.
England
1700
Owners consistently describe the Old English Sheepdog as a very affectionate, good-natured and almost clownish family companion. A strong urge to keep its own "pack" together is typical of the breed: on walks together, many Bobtails carefully make sure nobody falls behind and the group doesn't split up. With children they're usually remarkably patient and playful. Owners warn, however, against underestimating the dogs' sheer size and strength; young Bobtails in particular tend to greet people boisterously and jump up when they're happy.
Because of its strong bond with its people, the Bobtail often struggles with being left alone. Many owners stress that the breed needs to be in the middle of things and becomes unhappy when isolated or shut away. A real hunting drive is rarely an issue off leash, which makes outings relaxed. The herding and guarding instinct, on the other hand, reliably kicks in at home: strange visitors or unfamiliar noises on the property tend to be announced with a deep, carrying bark.
The dominant topic in all owner accounts is the huge amount of grooming, which newcomers often badly underestimate. Owners agree that it takes several hours of brushing a week. If combing down to the skin is neglected, dense mats quickly form under the outer coat, and often the only fix is shaving the dog down. The change from puppy coat to adult coat is especially dreaded, since the dense coat then needs attention almost every day.
Then there's the dirt factor: outdoors, the profuse coat that hangs close to the ground acts like a magnet for burrs, twigs, mud and sand, which get carried into the house after every walk in the rain. Many family owners therefore make the practical decision to keep the coat shorter or have the dog professionally clipped in summer to give it relief in warm weather and prevent overheating. On the health side, owners and breed clubs mainly discuss susceptibility to hip and elbow dysplasia (HD/ED), the MDR1 gene defect affecting medication, and the breed-typical risk of congenital deafness and eye problems.
Sources:fressnapf.dehunderassen.dezooplus.atcheckpoint-charlies.depetbook.de
Owners describe the Bobtail as very willing to learn and smart in training, but by no means submissive. The breed carries the typical legacy of an independently working droving and herding dog: a Bobtail likes to question whether commands make sense and occasionally shows a real stubborn streak. Don't expect blind obedience; the dog cooperates best when motivated with humor, consistency and positive reinforcement.
At the same time, experienced owners highlight how sensitive these dogs are. The Old English Sheepdog responds to harsh tones, impatience or rough training methods by stubbornly withdrawing or refusing. From puppyhood on, you also have to work on teaching the dog to tolerate frustration and to put up with grooming routines calmly. According to owner accounts, a Bobtail that's mentally challenged and led with loving consistency grows into a pleasantly balanced companion that keeps up enthusiastically outdoors and stands out for its deep calm indoors.
Sources:hunde-zum-lorcheborn.comfressnapf.decheckpoint-charlies.dejosera.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Old English Sheepdog is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Old English Sheepdog is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Old English Sheepdog grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Old English Sheepdog can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Old English Sheepdog comes in these colors: Grey, Grizzle, Blue, White.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Old English Sheepdog.