Info on Sheepdogs?

Question

My boyfriend wants a sheepdog. He loves the breed. I am a total dog person but I am so concerned about the hair. I don't want to tell him "no" as I am sure I'll love any dog we get. Who knows or has a sheepdog that can help convince me it's not as bad as I am anticipating? BTW, in the past, I've had all non-shedding dogs.

Answer 1

I'll assume that you mean an OES (Old English Sheepdog) as they are the ones with the massive amounts of hair, but this will hold true for any breed with two coats ... yes, they will shed. Yes, you will have hair on things. The bottom line is that you must (absolutely MUST) be prepared either to groom the dog very regularly, which means not less that once per week, or be finacially prepared to have it done. It's really that simple! People shed, cats shed, and yes, dogs shed as well. Other than poodles (which do require grooming) and hairless breeds, you will find that hair is falling no matter the length. I have two bulldogs, one clumber and three Shiloh Shepherds. While the Shiloh's have undercoat and need much more grooming, I still find short bulldog hair on things. The longer hair is actually easier to remove, but because of the dog's size, there's more of it! The worst hair problem I know of is my mother's guide dog - a yellow lab. If not brushed weekly, she sheds as do my long-hairs, but it's short and actually gets into things!! Thus, are you ready to change your lifestyle to deal with hair? When you have kids, things change around the house - no more candles, flowers on low tables, etc. Same with dogs. If you don't have the commitment, don't get the dog. As a dog trainer, my entire wardrobe consists of materials that don't cling to hair, that can be washed easily, that are resistant to slobber! Many dogs end up outside because they shed and their owners are too lazy to brush them and that's simply a sin! But hey!, brushing a large dog can be both relaxing and a good upper-body workout!!! LOL!! Enjoy!

Answer 2

If you get an old engligh sheepdog, and I'm assuming that's what you're asking about - I can tell you the breeders of them I knew said they spent 8 hours a week per dog on grooming. That compares with the 1 hour per week I'd spend on an afghan hound. If you're worried about them losing a lot of hair around the house, they wouldn't lose more than other dogs. The hair tends to fall into them and stay there - one more reason why they need a ton of grooming. And a shaved old english is a pathetic sight so you need to be committed to looking after their coat.

Answer 3

Sheep dogs are gorgeous creatures but they have to be brushed daily. They are long haired dogs and shedding comes with the more hair they have, but if you keep the dog groomed regularly then the amount of shedding will be to a minimum. Do not cut the fur from their eyes as they will go blind.

Answer 4

You have to be more clear on Sheepdog. Croatian sheepdog ,Icelandic Sheepdog,Maremma Sheepdog,Old English Sheepdog,Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Belgian Sheepdog, ect... What breed are you wanting?

Answer 5

So...you've NEVER had ANY live animal???
**ALL DOGS SHED**
All ANIMALS shed! *YOU* shed!!

***ALL*** dogs shed,some a *little* less,some PROFUSELY!!! ***ALL*** dogs shed!
Got it???
An OES requires at LEAST an HOUR PER DAY of INTENSIVE grooming to keep it's coat from turning into MATTED *FELT*!!!
I once had to spend ALL DAY peeling an OSE & afterward WEIGHED the matted coat...****11 F'ing POUNDS***of FILTH!

Answer 6

It will shed but if you brush it everyday and keep ontop of its health it wont be as big of a problem.

If you add a raw egg or a small amount of olive oil to its feed every few days it will make its coat shiney.