15 Best Old English Sheepdog Traits to Love

Growing up in the rolling hills of Devon, I never imagined that a shaggy, bear-like dog would become my most loyal companion through life’s ups and downs. My Old English Sheepdog, Baxter, has been my shadow for nearly a decade now, and through our years together, I’ve come to appreciate the unique qualities that make this breed so special.

If you’re considering welcoming an Old English Sheepdog (affectionately known as an OES) into your family, or are simply curious about these magnificent creatures, I’ve compiled this personal account of the 15 traits that make these dogs truly exceptional companions. From my own experience raising Baxter from a bouncy puppy to the distinguished gentleman he is today, these are the characteristics that have made our journey together so rewarding.

1. Gentle Giants with Hearts of Gold

The first thing most people notice about Old English Sheepdogs is their impressive size. Males typically stand between 22 and 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 80 to 100 pounds. Females are slightly smaller but still substantial. Yet despite their intimidating stature, these dogs possess remarkably gentle souls.

Baxter, all 90 pounds of him, treats our cat with the delicacy of a surgeon and plays with children as if they were made of porcelain. This gentleness isn’t trained—it’s innate. When my nephew was born, I worried about introducing him to such a large dog, but my concerns evaporated the moment I saw Baxter lying patiently beside the baby’s blanket, his watchful eyes never leaving the tiny human.

This combination of size and softness makes the OES a paradoxical delight: a massive dog who thinks he’s a lapdog, a powerful animal with the tenderness of a nursemaid.

2. Unparalleled Loyalty That Stands the Test of Time

Perhaps no trait defines the Old English Sheepdog more than their unwavering loyalty. These dogs don’t just live with you—they devote themselves to you with a dedication that’s humbling.

When I went through a difficult divorce five years ago, Baxter seemed to sense my distress. He stayed closer than usual, resting his heavy head on my knee during tearful evenings and sleeping protectively at the foot of my bed. Even now, he follows me from room to room, preferring to lie uncomfortably in my cramped home office rather than stretch out in the living room if it means being separated.

This loyalty extends to every family member. My elderly mother, who lives with us now, has become Baxter’s afternoon napping partner. He seems to understand her mobility issues and walks more slowly by her side, never pulling on the leash as he sometimes does with me.

3. The Distinctive “Bounce” That Brings Joy

Anyone who’s watched an Old English Sheepdog move has witnessed what breed enthusiasts call “the bounce”—a distinctive gait that appears almost like a frolicsome dance. This characteristic movement comes from their rectangular body shape and the way their powerful hindquarters drive them forward.

Even at eight years old, Baxter performs his signature bounce when excited. The morning walk routine begins with this joyful gallop through the house once he spots his leash, and nothing lifts my spirits faster than this display of pure canine happiness. During our countryside walks, his bouncing gait turns heads and elicits smiles from passing strangers.

This isn’t just an amusing trait—it’s a contagious expression of joy that transforms even the most mundane daily routines into celebrations.

4. Remarkable Intelligence Behind Those Shaggy Bangs

Behind that iconic fringe of fur that often covers their eyes lies a mind of impressive capability. Old English Sheepdogs were bred to be independent thinkers, capable of making decisions while herding livestock without constant human direction.

This intelligence manifests in fascinating ways. Baxter quickly learned to open the garden gate by pressing down on the latch with his nose—a skill I admired even as I installed a more complex lock. He knows the names of at least thirty objects in our home and can retrieve specific toys from his overflowing basket when asked.

What’s most impressive isn’t just their problem-solving abilities but their emotional intelligence. These dogs seem to read the room with uncanny accuracy, adjusting their behavior to match the household mood. When friends gather for lively dinner parties, Baxter becomes the sociable host, greeting each guest with a toy. On quiet evenings when I’m working to a deadline, he settles unobtrusively in the corner, only approaching when I take a break.

5. Built-In Weather Protection That’s Naturally Perfect

The Old English Sheepdog’s distinctive double coat isn’t just fashionable—it’s functional. Their waterproof outer coat and insulating undercoat allowed these dogs to work in the harshest British weather conditions, and this natural protection serves them well today.

During our winter walks through snowy fields, Baxter shows none of the discomfort my previous short-haired dog displayed. The snow collects on his coat rather than melting through to his skin, and he seems impervious to all but the most extreme temperatures. In summer, proper grooming (more on that later) helps them manage heat reasonably well, though they’ll always prefer a cool floor to sunbathing.

This weather-resistant quality means these dogs are adaptable to various climates, though they do better in cooler regions. Living in the damp Pacific Northwest, Baxter thrives in conditions that would leave other breeds shivering and miserable.

6. An Adaptable Nature That Fits Your Lifestyle

Despite their farming heritage, Old English Sheepdogs adapt surprisingly well to different living situations. While they certainly benefit from space to move, they don’t require acres of land to be happy.

When I moved from a country home to a city apartment for work, I worried about Baxter’s adjustment. To my relief, he adapted with minimal fuss, learning to enjoy urban walks through the local park instead of rural rambles. As long as they receive adequate exercise and companionship, these dogs can thrive in environments ranging from sprawling farms to compact apartments.

This adaptability extends to routine changes as well. When my work schedule shifted from regular hours to a more unpredictable freelance pattern, Baxter adjusted his expectations accordingly, showing patience on busy days and enthusiasm for longer walks when time permitted.

7. The Endearing “Bearwalking” Move

One of the most charming Old English Sheepdog quirks is their tendency to “bearwalk”—sitting back on their haunches and walking forward on their hind legs. This adorable behavior usually emerges during play or moments of excitement.

Baxter’s bearwalking performance first appeared when he was about six months old and continues to be his party trick. Visitors are invariably charmed when he rises up on his hind legs, front paws waving gently, looking for all the world like a small, shaggy bear.

This endearing trait seems particularly common in the breed and showcases both their playfulness and their impressive physical strength and balance.

8. A Surprisingly Low-Bark Temperament

Despite their size and working dog background, Old English Sheepdogs aren’t typically excessive barkers. While they’ll certainly alert you to visitors or unusual situations, they don’t tend to bark without reason.

Baxter’s measured approach to vocalization has made him an excellent neighbor, even in our apartment-dwelling days. He distinguishes between routine sounds and genuine reasons for alert, saving his impressive bark for appropriate moments.

This quieter nature doesn’t mean they’re silent companions—many OES owners report that their dogs “talk” through a charming repertoire of whines, grumbles, and sighs that become a form of communication between dog and owner. Baxter’s morning stretch is always accompanied by what I can only describe as a conversational groan, as if he’s commenting on the early hour or the weather.

9. Natural Herding Instincts in Everyday Life

Though few modern Old English Sheepdogs work as herders anymore, those instincts remain engagingly present in their behavior. This heritage appears in the way they interact with family members and other pets.

During family gatherings, I’ve watched Baxter gently “herd” scattered guests back to the main group, circling behind stragglers with gentle nudges. Children playing in the garden might find themselves subtly guided away from boundaries by a dog who’s simply following ancient instincts to keep his flock together and safe.

These herding behaviors, when properly channeled, make the OES an attentive and protective family member who takes the safety of their “flock” seriously.

10. Impressive Stamina for Active Families

Don’t let their sometimes lazy demeanor fool you—Old English Sheepdogs possess remarkable stamina when properly conditioned. These dogs were bred to work long days in challenging terrain, and that endurance remains part of their genetic makeup.

While Baxter enjoys his fair share of napping—sprawled dramatically across the cool kitchen tiles—he comes alive on our weekend hiking trips. At an age when many large breeds start slowing down, he still tackles moderate trails with enthusiasm, showing surprising agility on varied terrain. This energy makes the OES an excellent companion for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures.

The key is consistent exercise from puppyhood onward, building their conditioning gradually. A well-exercised Old English Sheepdog is more likely to be calm and content at home, having spent their considerable energy reserves in productive ways.

11. The Therapeutic Value of Grooming Time

The substantial coat of an Old English Sheepdog requires regular maintenance—a fact that potential owners should consider carefully. However, what begins as a necessary chore often transforms into valuable bonding time.

My Sunday evening grooming sessions with Baxter have become a peaceful ritual for both of us. As I work through his coat with brushes and combs, the repetitive motion becomes almost meditative. He gradually melts into relaxation, and I find my own stress dissipating as well. There’s something deeply connecting about this regular physical contact and care.

While professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain a manageable coat, the regular at-home sessions between appointments provide unexpected emotional benefits beyond just keeping mats at bay.

12. Social Butterflies Who Love Everyone

Old English Sheepdogs typically excel at social interactions, showing friendly interest in strangers and genuine delight in meeting other dogs. This sociable nature makes them wonderful companions for families with active social lives.

Baxter’s enthusiasm for visitors has earned him neighborhood fame. Delivery drivers know him by name, and local children often ask if they can say hello when we’re out walking. This openness to new people contrasts with some guardian breeds who may be more reserved or protective.

Of course, proper socialization from puppyhood is essential to develop this trait fully. Early, positive experiences with various people, animals, and environments help shape the confident, friendly adult dog that the breed is known for.

13. Surprising Agility Despite Their Size

Don’t let their substantial build fool you—Old English Sheepdogs can move with remarkable agility when motivated. Their working background required quick movements and sharp turns to control livestock, and this capability remains in the modern breed.

Watching Baxter navigate an impromptu backyard agility course of garden furniture and children’s toys is a study in surprising grace. Despite his bulk, he can change direction quickly and maneuver with precision that belies his size. Some OES owners channel this natural agility into formal dog sports, where these shaggy giants often surprise competitors with their nimble performances.

This combination of strength and agility makes them versatile companions for various activities, from casual backyard play to more structured canine sports.

14. Expressive Eyes That Speak Volumes

Though often hidden behind their signature fringe, Old English Sheepdog eyes are remarkably expressive. Many owners keep the fur around their dog’s eyes trimmed specifically to better see and connect with those soulful gazes.

Baxter’s eyes have different “languages” that I’ve learned to read over the years. There’s the wide-eyed, alert stare that means something unusual has caught his attention; the soft, half-closed contentment of relaxation; and the unmistakable focused gaze that means he’s trying to communicate a need—usually for dinner or a walk.

This expressiveness creates a sense of communication that transcends typical dog-human interaction, making owners feel deeply connected to their shaggy companions.

15. Enduring Playfulness Throughout Their Lives

Perhaps the most endearing trait of the Old English Sheepdog is their retention of puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood and even senior years. While they certainly mature and calm down from their boisterous puppy phase, they maintain a joy for play that keeps households lively.

At eight years old, Baxter still initiates play sessions, bringing toys and engaging in short bursts of what I can only describe as “zoomies” around the garden. This playfulness seems to keep them young at heart and contributes to their generally good health and longevity.

This lasting sense of fun means that life with an Old English Sheepdog is never dull. Even on ordinary days, their playful spirit brings unexpected moments of laughter and light to their human families.

 A Lifetime of Shaggy Companionship

Living with an Old English Sheepdog is not without its challenges. The grooming demands are substantial, they shed more than their shaggy appearance might suggest, and puppy training requires consistent effort to shape their independent nature in positive directions.

Yet the rewards far outweigh these considerations. In Baxter, I’ve found a companion who has grown with me through life’s changes, providing stability, comfort, and joy through both ordinary days and major transitions. His presence has introduced me to a community of fellow OES enthusiasts, created countless memories, and taught me patience and consistency in ways no human relationship could.

For those willing to meet their needs, the Old English Sheepdog offers a unique combination of gentle strength, intelligent companionship, and heartwarming loyalty that few other breeds can match. As Baxter rests his substantial head on my foot while I write these words, I’m reminded again of how fortunate I am to share my life with this remarkable example of one of the world’s most endearing dog breeds.

Also Read:-Dog Breeds that Start With B- Blogs Year