Grooming the Old English Sheepdog

Coat

The OES coat is coarse and abundant on the outside — never soft or flat (softness is a breed fault per the AKC standard) — over a dense, waterproof undercoat. Colors range through any shade of gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle, with or without white markings. The hams (hindquarters) are the most heavily coated area, with a thick, long jacket that exceeds any other part of the body.

This is emphatically not a wash-and-wear breed. The coat requires either a committed daily home brushing routine or a professional clip every 6–8 weeks to remain mat-free and comfortable. There is no middle ground.

Character

The OES — affectionately called the Bobtail — is an adaptable, intelligent, and often clownish companion. Originally a cattle drover's dog from southwestern England, today's OES is a devoted family dog with a bear-like gait, a distinctive "pot-casse" bark, and a deep attachment to its people. They are intelligent but can be independently minded, doing best with consistent, varied training. The breed's high-maintenance coat is the primary challenge of ownership — the personality rarely is.

Recommended Cindra Products

• Moisturizing Shampoo — ideal for the dense double coat; keeps both outer and undercoat hydrated without softening texture
• Texturizing Shampoo — adds grip and structure to the outer coat; excellent for show preparation to build the coarse OES texture
• Moisture Plus Conditioner — use sparingly on the undercoat without weighing down or softening the outer coat
• Reconstructor — heavy repair-grade conditioner for coats with breakage, dryness, or stress from matting removal
• Super Coat — diluted 70/30 or 90/10; reduces static and flyaways during brushing without adding unwanted softness

Problems & Solutions

Hands-On Grooming Guide

Tools You Need

• Pin brush — primary tool for the long outer coat
• Slicker brush — loose fur and surface tangles
• Undercoat rake — reaching the dense undercoat
• Wide-tooth steel comb — final check and tangle work
• High-velocity dryer — non-negotiable for this coat volume
• Scissors or clippers — feet and sanitary trim only

Brushing

Line brush the entire dog systematically, working in sections from the skin outward. Lay the dog on its side for body work — experienced OES groomers brush the dog lying down, not standing. Part the coat in a horizontal line, hold the top portion back, and brush the section at the skin before releasing the next layer. Pay particular attention to the armpits, groin, behind the ears, and around the collar line — these mat first and fastest. A thorough session on an adult in full coat takes 60–90 minutes weekly. Daily maintenance sessions between full brushings prevent mats from forming. Mist lightly with Super Coat at 70/30 or 90/10 dilution to ease brush-through.

Bathing

Brush and de-mat fully before the bath — water sets mats and makes them nearly impossible to remove. Use Texturizing Shampoo to maintain outer coat coarseness, or Moisturizing Shampoo for dry or stressed coats. Work shampoo deep into the coat with your fingers. Rinse completely — any residue left in the undercoat causes skin irritation. Apply Moisture Plus Conditioner to the undercoat sparingly if needed.

Drying

A high-velocity dryer is essential — this coat cannot be air dried. Air drying leaves moisture trapped against the skin for hours, creating conditions for hot spots and fungal issues. Work section by section from the skin outward. Total bath and drying time on an adult OES runs 2–4 hours. The coat must be completely dry before the dog is crated or put to bed.

Trimming

The AKC standard permits trimming only at the feet and rear for cleanliness. For pet dogs not in show, a maintenance clip every 6–8 weeks significantly reduces daily brushing demands while preserving the double coat structure. Ear hair inside the canal should be plucked carefully to prevent moisture accumulation and ear infections.

Show Preparation

In the show ring, the OES is sculpted with a dryer and hands — not scissors. Backcomb sections to build volume; use a dryer to direct coat into shape. Texturizing Shampoo builds the grip and coarseness that holds this shaped finish. The hams should appear the most heavily coated area — presenting that excess length and density over the hindquarters is a key show ring priority.

Shedding

The OES sheds year-round at a moderate to heavy level, but shed hair tends to get caught in the outer coat rather than falling freely — this is what drives mat formation rather than loose hair on furniture. Seasonal coat blows are dramatic and require daily brushing during the transition to prevent the shed undercoat from felting against the skin. A deshedding bath with thorough high-velocity blow-out significantly reduces the volume of loose coat during blow season.

Puppy vs. Adult Coat

Quick Grooming Schedule

Resources

• Old English Sheepdog Club of America
• AKC Old English Sheepdog Breed Information