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Bringing home an Old English Sheepdog is not a casual decision. Behind the shaggy coat is a clever, emotional, and sometimes stubborn dog that will change how your home feels and how your days look.
1. They are not low maintenance, no matter how calm they look
That big, fluffy coat needs real commitment. You will be brushing several times a week to prevent painful mats, and full grooming sessions can take a long time. Many owners book regular professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks just to keep things manageable. Their fur picks up dirt, grass, and leaves, so cleaning the house becomes part of the routine.
2. They are gentle giants, but they have energy to burn
Old English Sheepdogs often look relaxed inside the house, but they were originally bred to work. There is a lot of energy hiding under all that fluff. A quick walk around the block rarely satisfies them. They need time to run, play, and think. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may invent their own activities, and your furniture might be involved.
3. You will learn to live with fur and drool
Their coat sheds and drifts into corners, onto clothes, and into fabric you forgot you owned. After they drink, you may find trails of water and drool on the floor. A strong vacuum and a good sense of humor help a lot. If you like a spotless home at all times, this breed will gently challenge that standard.
4. Training works best with patience and a bit of humor
They are smart and sometimes like to test boundaries. They might obey perfectly one day and then pretend they have never heard a command the next. Positive reinforcement is essential. They do not respond well to harsh corrections. When you stay calm and consistent, they usually decide that listening is worth it, and the result can be a well-mannered and very reliable companion.
5. They are more sensitive than they look
Under the big body and shaggy face is a dog that feels things deeply. Tension in the home, raised voices, or being ignored for long stretches can really affect them. They like to be close to their people, often following from room to room. If you want a dog that stays emotionally distant, this is not the one. If you want a dog that seems to notice your mood and quietly lean into you, you will appreciate them.
6. Warm weather is a serious concern
All that coat is not designed for hot climates. They can overheat faster than you might expect, even when the air feels only mildly warm to you. Many owners keep them trimmed shorter during hot months and choose early morning or evening walks. Cool floors, shaded areas, and plenty of water are not optional. Heat awareness is part of responsible ownership with this breed.
7. They bring daily laughter and unexpected joy
Old English Sheepdogs move with a goofy, rolling gait that already looks amusing. Add in their funny vocalizations, dramatic sighs, and habit of sitting right on your feet, and it is hard to stay in a bad mood around them. They often seem to insert themselves into family life in the most endearing ways, quietly becoming the emotional center of the home.
Living with an Old English Sheepdog means more grooming, more sweeping, and more planning around their needs. It also means steady companionship, real personality, and a dog that can turn ordinary moments into memories. For someone prepared to handle the work, the reward is a loyal friend who gives back every bit of effort and more.
