Males generally weigh 70 to 100 pounds(45 kg); females, 60 to 80 pounds. They stand around 22 inches at the withers. Their long coats can be any shade of gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle, with optional white markings. The undercoat is water resistant. The Old English Sheepdog's abundant coat is an effective insulator in both hot and cold weather.
Temperament
This breed is intelligent, funny, social, and adaptable which means can live outside and inside, although they sometimes seem to not be all that intelligent on first impressions. It generally gets along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and visitors. Like all herding breeds, it requires plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. They are bubbly and playful, and some times may be stubborn, depending on their mood. Sheepdogs are excellent, intuitive and loving companions, even earning the title "babysitter" or "Dear Nanny" around young children. The herding instinct that has been carried down through the generations is still astonishing. These animals are gentle with other dogs and are always willing to play with you.
Care
Prior to the acquisition of an OES, thought should be given to the extensive grooming required. The long coat protects not only from the cold, but from mild heat and sun as well. It is not necessary to keep the hair long over the eyes unless you are showing the dog. Some who show their dogs, use a band to hold the hair out of the dog's eyes when at home. Remember, if you cannot see the eyes then the dog can not see well either. The hair over the eyes can be kept even with the rest of the coat when it is trimmed. Like all dogs, they are prone to cataracts as they age but there is no evidence that they are more prone due to trimmed hair. The long coat requires thorough brushing at least weekly and can take an hour or longer to perform. The preferred method involves starting from the base of the hairs to keep the thick undercoat hair mat and tangle free. The brushing should be started at a very young age to get the dog used to it. Brushing only over the top of the longer outside (guard) hairs can compact the undercoat and promote mats. The dense undercoat between the pads of the feet, behind the ears, and at the base of the legs are especially prone to matting. Trimming the hair between the toes and the ball of the foot is especially important. Matting of the dog's coat is uncomfortable and can even be painful for the animal. For those who can not devote so much time to grooming, and are not really interested in showing their dogs, trimming the dog's coat in the springtime with a professional electric shear is a great solution, and helps the dog stay cool during the summer months. If you live in an area with hot summers and take the dog on outdoor outings, trimming is vital to avoid dangerous overheating. 1/4" or 1/2" inch are practical lengths, and will take the coat down to the soft hair beneath the matting. The dog will also become very excited and frisky after shedding his heavy winter coat. By the time winter comes around, the coat will be completely full again for protection against the cold weather. Along with the sometimes stubborn temperament as noted above, the grooming requirements should give a first time dog owner pause and consider a breed that is easier to maintain.
Matting of hair inside the ear canal is normal, and can easily be removed by a veterinarian or by the use of a hemostat by the owner. Clean the inside of the ears and underside of the ear flaps regularly with "Oti-Clens" (Pfizer) or other recommended solution.
Some people save their Old English Sheepdog's hair from grooming and have spun it into yarn.