Should old english sheepdogs get hair cut from around eyes?

Question

I have a six month old pup...When I look up info on this breed all the pics show a mass of hair on their faces. My dog can't see anything! Wondering if I should trim hair away from his eyes, and why everyone isn't doing that?

Answer 1

Bassetnut is right, most show dogs wear barrets or hair ties between shows. In fact agility & obedience regulations that forbid anything on the dog except a collar exempt hair ties that keep hair out of eyes.
If you don't trim or tie back the "eye fall" be sure to brush it(carefully!) daily. Hair caught in the eye can lead to damage.

Answer 2

Old English Sheepdog Puppy Cut

Answer 3

Believe it or not your dog can see... the hair is there for protection of the eyes...... (when they are used for working dogs). If you do decide to trim the hair be very careful... you don't want to poke your pooch in the eye!

EDIT:
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 the heat and sun as well. OES's are prone to cataracts, so the long hair over the eyes should be kept even when the rest of the coat is trimmed. 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. 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.

Answer 4

The dogs you saw may have been show dogs, in which case they would have to leave the natural coat with minimal trimming. I'm sure your pup would enjoy having all that hair out of his face!Then you could see his beautiful eyes too.

Answer 5

Trim the hair.

When people show OES they like to have that fluffy hair around its eyes, but many people who just have them as pets keep them trimmed.

Answer 6

YES!

Don't believe those who say they can see, their vision IS impaired.

Every show breeder I know ties the hair up when the dog is not showing, and cuts it when they retire. Same for Beardies, Lhasas etc.

Answer 7

No, they don't need the hair trimmed. It is natural and they re a very old breed, not a new one just invented.

Not everyone is doing it because it is unnecessary. Leave the hair alone and your dog will be fine.

Answer 8

yeah... let the poor dog see!