Old English sheepdogs tend to be good family dogs who grow quite close to and protective of their humans. Originally bred for herding cattle, these energetic and enthusiastic dogs require daily exercise. These friendly dogs grow large slowly, over a period of two to three years. They are strong-willed with thick, heavy coats that need constant grooming for proper maintenance.
Males vs. Females
An adult male old English sheepdog stands around 22 inches at his withers and weighs in at between 70 and 90 pounds, sometimes topping out at 100 pounds. An average adult female stands around 21 inches and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. These dogs are slow growing with a tendency to reach their adult heights at about 1 year old, but they continue to add muscle and bulk, not filling out to their full adult weights until they are 2 or 3 years old.