Longevity
Life expectancy
In good living conditions, with a suitable diet, regular exercise and preventive monitoring, it generally lives between 10 and 12 years.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Old English Sheepdog need? Like all dogs, Old English Sheepdogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Old English Sheepdog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Old English Sheepdog booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Old English Sheepdog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
