Longevity
Life expectancy
In good living conditions, with a suitable diet, regular exercise and preventive monitoring, it generally lives between 10 and 12 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its build is robust and its dense undercoat protects it effectively from cold and moisture. Selecting a puppy from screened breeding dogs, rigorous coat maintenance and preventing overweight contribute greatly to preserving its health.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the joints, eyes, hearing and signs compatible with an endocrine disorder. Any lameness, decreased vision, change in behavior, unusual fatigue or unexplained weight gain should lead to consulting a veterinarian.
Hip and elbow dysplasia : These joint abnormalities can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs reduces the risk.
Hereditary eye disorders : Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are among the conditions to monitor through regular ophthalmological examinations.
Deafness : A congenital or acquired hearing impairment may occur in certain lines and may warrant a hearing test if in doubt.
Hypothyroidism : A decrease in activity, weight gain or skin disorders may lead the veterinarian to check thyroid function.
Cerebellar ataxia : This rare hereditary neurological condition impairs coordination; knowledge of bloodlines and available tests help prevent its transmission.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its double coat, the Bobtail tolerates cold and bad weather well. It tolerates high heat less well: in summer, outings must be scheduled during the cooler hours, exertion reduced and a shaded, ventilated area always accessible. A close shave is not recommended, as the coat also helps protect the skin.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
His ration must be adjusted to his weight, his age, his neutering and his activity level. Regular weighing and assessment of body condition make it possible to quickly detect weight gain, which would increase the strain on the hips and joints. Treats must remain occasional and be deducted from the daily ration.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the dog examined at least once a year by a veterinarian.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Regularly monitor the eyes, ears, paw pads, and the skin under the coat.
- Brush the dog every day to prevent knots and quickly spot any abnormality.
- Monitor weight and maintain regular activity without overloading the joints.
Vaccination
Old English Sheepdog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Old English Sheepdog? Like all cats, the Old English Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Old English Sheepdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Old English Sheepdog vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Old English Sheepdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Old English Sheepdog
Before breeding, it is recommended to check the hips and elbows, to carry out an ophthalmological examination and to find out about relevant genetic tests in the lines concerned. A hearing and thyroid function check may be indicated depending on family history or clinical signs. The veterinarian will adapt the screening program to each dog.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
