Have you ever seen a walking, bouncing cloud of fluff on a leash and thought, “Wow, that’s a bundle of joy right there!”? More than likely, you just spotted an Old English Sheepdog. With its shaggy coat and friendly demeanour, this breed is a whole lot of dog packed into one package. An Old English Sheepdog will not only become your faithful companion, but also an eyecatcher in your neighborhood. While their adorable charm and warm nature can melt hearts, they’re not exactly the easiest pooches to manage.
Let’s dive into the surprising world of the Old English Sheepdog and see for ourselves if these dogs are high maintenance.
First, let’s talk about their most defining feature – their fur. It isn’t just an ordinary fur coat. The Old English sheepdog’s coat is a luxurious double layer of shaggy fur that, believe it or not, can grow at an impressive rate. It’s like the dog-hair equivalent of a fast-growing plant. While this fluffiness is cute, it demands regular grooming to keep your dog comfortable and healthy. Skimping on this aspect could result in a coat matted with knots and full of debris. If you’ve never tried detangling a knot from a dog’s long fur before, let’s just say it’s a good bicep workout.
And it’s not just about stopping the fur from getting messy. Grooming is also critical for the dog’s overall wellbeing. Their thick coats can trap heat, making every day feel like a summer afternoon. Regular grooming combats this issue, but that’s not all. Old English Sheepdogs can suffer from skin infections if their fur isn’t aired out and kept clean. It’s essential to regularly check your fluffy friend’s skin to make sure they’re not itching more than normal.
So, is a high-end doggy salon your only option? Not necessarily. As long as you’re ready to take up this grooming responsibility at home with the right tools and know-how, you can manage their upkeep. Expect to spend about three hours a week if you do decide to groom your Sheepdog at home. It’s a good bonding time, too, and a great opportunity to monitor your pet’s health closely.
No discussion about this breed would be complete without a mention of their unique backstory. Did you know that the Old English Sheepdog was initially bred for herding livestock? That’s right! These fluffy giants come from a long lineage of hardworking farm dogs. Even today, they retain their love for herding. You might notice your Sheepdog herding your children or even your cat. While this can be endearing, experts warn that this inherent quality can lead to behavioural issues if not managed correctly and may lead to occasional nipping.
Beyond grooming and tending to their herding instincts, Old English Sheepdogs need a good amount of exercise. Expect long walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep these dogs happy. If exercise is neglected, Sheepdogs can become bored, leading to destructive behaviour. To avoid coming home to a scene of chewed-up shoes, make sure your dog is well exercised and mentally stimulated.
Now, while the above might sound like an undertaking, let’s not forget about their highly-admirable qualities. These dogs are famously good-natured, adaptable, intelligent, and extremely loyal. Their loving and protective nature makes them excellent family pets. They are also known to get along well with other animals, which is a big plus if you’re a multi-pet family.
So, is an Old English Sheepdog high maintenance? The truth is, they are a considerable commitment with their extensive grooming needs, exercise requirements, and inherent herding instincts. However, with the right preparation and understanding, the challenges of raising an Old English Sheepdog can turn into rewarding experiences.
With their warm personality and unmistakable shaggy look, these dogs can enrich your life in ways you might never have imagined. After understanding their needs and considering your own lifestyle, if you think you can give an Old English Sheepdog a comfortable and happy life, then opening your home to one of these clouds of joy can be one of the most gratifying decisions you’ll ever make.
