How often should I groom my Old English Sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdogs should be groomed every 4-6 weeks professionally; daily brushing at home. Consistent grooming keeps their long, shaggy, double coat healthy and prevents painful matting.

How difficult is Old English Sheepdog grooming?

Old English Sheepdog grooming is rated "Professional Recommended". We strongly recommend regular visits to a professional groomer for this breed due to the complexity of their coat.

What type of coat does a Old English Sheepdog have?

The Old English Sheepdog has a long, shaggy, double coat coat. Daily brushing is non-negotiable for a full coat — even one missed day can allow mats to form in the dense undercoat.

What are the most popular grooming styles for Old English Sheepdogs?

Popular Old English Sheepdog grooming styles include: Natural Bobtail Look, Puppy Clip, Summer Short Cut, Show Coat, Rounded Pet Trim. Each style has different maintenance requirements.

All Breeds

Professional Recommended

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a large, athletic herding breed instantly recognizable by its profuse shaggy double coat that covers its face and body. The dense, hard-textured outer coat protects against the elements, while the soft, waterproof undercoat provides insulation. Without consistent daily brushing, the coat mats severely and painfully close to the skin.

Coat Type

Long, Shaggy, Double Coat

Groom Every

Every 4-6 weeks professionally; daily brushing at home

Styles Available

5 cuts

Cuts & Styles

Grooming Styles

Natural Bobtail Look

Full show-length coat brushed out to a voluminous shaggy appearance. Face hair falls naturally over the eyes. Requires daily brushing without exception.

Puppy Clip

Uniform short trim (1-2 inches all over) for easier maintenance. Popular for puppies and owners who prefer a lower-maintenance version of the breed.

Summer Short Cut

Body clipped short with slightly longer head furnishings retained. Dramatically reduces grooming time and keeps the dog cooler.

Show Coat

Full-length coat with specific shaping for the show ring. The head coat is parted and the body coat is brushed into a rounded, voluminous silhouette.

Rounded Pet Trim

Medium-length all over with a rounded, balanced shape. A practical compromise between the full show coat and a very short clip.

Expert Advice

Care Tips

Daily brushing is non-negotiable for a full coat — even one missed day can allow mats to form in the dense undercoat.
Use a line-brushing technique: part the coat and brush from skin outward in layers, never just skimming the surface.
A slicker brush followed by a wide-tooth metal comb confirms you have reached all the way to the skin.
The coat behind the ears, in the armpits, and around the collar area mats fastest — check these spots every day.
Never shave the double coat — it damages the coat's ability to self-regulate temperature and may not grow back correctly.
Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is essential for full-coated dogs; a shorter clip every 8-10 weeks works for pet trims.

Recommended Tools

What you'll need

Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper

Nail Care

Used by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.

$10 - $15

Buy on Amazon →

Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake

Brush

The ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.

$40 - $60

Buy on Amazon →

FURminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs

Brush

The professional-grade deshedding tool that reaches deep beneath the long topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs. Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use. Essential for heavy seasonal shedders like Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons.

$30 - $65

Buy on Amazon →Chewy →

*As an Amazon Associate, Groomas earns from qualifying purchases.

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