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should i shave my old english sheepdog

by Noelia Witting II Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Not only does it keep them warm in winter, but it keeps them cool in summer thanks to their own form of thermoregulation. If you have a shaved Old English Sheepdog, you will also promote parasites and skin problems in the dog. While trimming a Bobtail's coat can help them manage their daily life, shaving it will be harmful.

NOTE: It is not a requirement that your sheepdog be shaved. Some owners prefer to keep the hair long all year. If you prefer a dog in full coat, however, you will need the discipline to commit to the added grooming requirements.

Full Answer

Are old English sheep dogs difficult to groom?

If the coat is of the correct texture, the breed should not be any more difficult to groom than other long-haired dogs, provided a dog is introduced to it early. The Old English Sheep Dog or OES has a profuse, harsh and rough double coat with a dense, soft, fine undercoat that is weather resistant to withstand extreme conditions.

How do you take care of an Old English sheep dog?

The Old English Sheep Dog or OES has a profuse, harsh and rough double coat with a dense, soft, fine undercoat that is weather resistant to withstand extreme conditions. Grooming is suggested for 4-week intervals to clean ears, clip nails, check anal glands and insure the coat and skin are in healthy condition.

Can You shave a bobtail Old English Sheepdog?

If you have a shaved Old English Sheepdog, you will also promote parasites and skin problems in the dog. While trimming a Bobtail's coat can help them manage their daily life, shaving it will be harmful.

Do shepherds get shaved?

Working dogs sometimes get shaved right along with the herd of sheep as the long hair can be used to make clothing. Old English Sheepdogs are herding dogs useful for driving sheep, cattle or kids.

Should I shave my sheepdog in the summer?

While it's not advisable to shave a dog for the summer, you can help it stay cool with the following suggestions: Brush and wash your dog frequently during the summer months. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, clean fur that is free of mats allows for better air circulation.Mar 28, 2019

Can you trim an Old English Sheepdog?

Grooming sessions for this breed are recommended once every four weeks and these sessions should include cleaning its ears, clipping its nails and trimming its fur using dog clippers. Check its anal glands and make sure that its coat and skin are in the best possible condition.Aug 10, 2018

What dog breeds should not be shaved?

Dogs such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies and any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (part of its undercoat) should never be shaved. It is a misconception that shaving will help keep a dog cool on hot days.

How often do Old English Sheepdogs need to be groomed?

4-week intervals
The Old English Sheep Dog or OES has a profuse, harsh and rough double coat with a dense, soft, fine undercoat that is weather resistant to withstand extreme conditions. Grooming is suggested for 4-week intervals to clean ears, clip nails, check anal glands and insure the coat and skin are in healthy condition.

How do you shave an Old English Sheepdog?

Part of a video titled Grooming an Old English Sheepdog using a Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion ...
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And I'm easy maintenance type trim. So I've put on one of my snap-on combs and you can see howMoreAnd I'm easy maintenance type trim. So I've put on one of my snap-on combs and you can see how easily this clipper just glides through this dog's coat.

How do you groom an Old English Sheepdogs face?

Part of a video titled Old English Sheepdog Grooming - YouTube
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When something is balanced when you look at it your eye is like almost drawn to the center you knowMoreWhen something is balanced when you look at it your eye is like almost drawn to the center you know your tuck up your top line your neck line everything kind of meets in the middle.

Why you shouldn't shave your dog?

A dog's fur coat protects him from sunburn and decreases his risk of developing skin cancer.” Shaving a double-coat can also do long-term damage. When it is shaved down to the skin, the undercoat hair will grow back faster, and sometimes will crowd out the slower-growing guard hairs.Jun 10, 2020

Why do groomers shave dogs?

Your groomer probably shaves your pet because much of its coat is matted, which you may not see or feel. Large-scale dematting is time-consuming, which is difficult for your dog when its has to stand and stay while its hair is being pulled on.Apr 22, 2011

How do you tell if your dog is double coated?

When a dog has a double coat, it means he has an undercoat that is typically shorter than his outer coat, and his hair has a dense, woolly texture. And as the name suggests, single coated dogs have only one coat, without this undercoat. Dogs of any coat length and texture may have single or double coats.

Can sheepdogs be shaved?

If you have a shaved Old English Sheepdog, you will also promote parasites and skin problems in the dog. While trimming a Bobtail's coat can help them manage their daily life, shaving it will be harmful.Dec 1, 2020

How much exercise do Old English Sheepdogs need?

two hours exercise
Ideally, a large, secure garden or walks in areas with lots of open space are perfect for Old English Sheepdogs. Your Old English Sheepdog will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This should be split into several walks with off-lead time in a secure area, spread across the day.

What are the different styles of haircuts for Old English sheepdogs?

Haircuts for Old English Sheepdogs. There are different styles for Old English Sheepdog haircuts, but they generally fall into two categories: long or short. The way a cut turns out will depend on the way the hair falls.

What is the name of the old English sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdog coat characteristics. The Old English Sheepdog is nicknamed a bobtail, something you might find surprising if you have every seen one. The name derives from the once standard practice of docking the dog's tail to make it short and stumpy, but this practice is fortunately becoming less common.

What is the name of the dog with white hair and grey hair?

However, some breeds have a signature which makes them stand out compared to others and the Old English Sheepdog is one of them. The first thing most people notice with the Old English Sheepdog is their beautiful grey and white hair which hangs down over their face in shaggy locks.

Why do dogs have undercoats?

The dog's undercoat is vital for the dog's health and well-being. Not only does it keep them warm in winter, but it keeps them cool in summer thanks to their own form of thermoregulation. If you have a shaved Old English Sheepdog, you will also promote parasites and skin problems in the dog.

What color is a sheep dog?

Old English Sheepdog's typically have a bicolor coat of white and gray. This gray can be of varying shades, from bluish gray to dark charcoal. When they are a puppy, they are white and black. The grey color only develops as they age.

Why is it called a lion cut?

It is called a lion cut because it can look a little like a mane. Top knot: regardless if the hair on the rest of the body is longer or shorter, some people like to keep the hair on the top of the Old English Sheepdog's head long. This gives them a look as if they had a head of hair.

Do groomers cut old English sheepdogs?

Since the long shaggy hair can cover the dog's eyes, it is common for groomers to trim it. They can also provide distinctive shape and body to the overall coat with various styles to choose from.

Grooming

The Old English Sheep Dog or OES has a profuse, harsh and rough double coat with a dense, soft, fine undercoat that is weather resistant to withstand extreme conditions. Grooming is suggested for 4-week intervals to clean ears, clip nails, check anal glands and insure the coat and skin are in healthy condition.

Eyes

Eyes should be alert and bright. Use Opti-Soothe Eye Wash during the bath to flush any foreign objects. Check eyes after working out in the field each time.

Ears

Monthly ear cleaning with Ear Care is advised to be sure no ear problems that might need vet attention arise. Only clean as far as you can see, never further.

Bathing

The OES requires 2 baths. The first bath should be a general bath. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, then we recommend Energee Plus Shampoo for that extra dirty dog.

Common Problems

Hot spots are a common problem for this breed, especially during the summer months. To prevent hot spots you must remove the dead undercoat so the air can get down to the skin, if not moisture will cause irritation and form hot spots; keep Hot Spot Foam on hand just in case.

Coat Care

Aloe Hydrating Spray should be used during the dry winter months as well if you live in a dry climate. Simple Shed and Static Spray between grooming is a great help to keep the shedding under control. Detangling and Dematting Spray or Quick Finish Styling Spray to help during brush-out should be used.

Show Dog Tips

Add Freeze! Styling Gel while fluffing for that extra volume where needed. High Sheen Finishing Spray before entering the ring to add a shine without leaving a residue. Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner will add silk proteins and elasticity to the coat to keep hair from breaking while brushing.

What do Old English Shepherds need?

Two Important Needs: Attention and Grooming. Old English Sheepdogs need lots of attention. They become very attached and may suffer separation anxiety if left alone daily or for long periods. They are not dogs that can be easily passed along to another family. These dogs have no problems with commitment.

How long should I wait to be a sheepdog owner?

If you have small children that need your time and attention you may need to wait for a few years until they are old enough to understand how to act around a large boisterous Sheepdog.

Why are sheepdogs shy?

Too many experiences where the other dogs acts defensively will make a Sheepdog shy and afraid. Proper socialization is essential in the puppy’s early life. Do not keep them away from socializing experiences. They have many instincts that make training them fairly easy. But owners must demand obedience strictly.

What is an OES dog?

An OES has a big personality to go with its large body. These dogs are overly enthusiastic in everything they do. They are intelligent and eager to please and will study your movements, making them easy to train. Old English Sheepdogs bond passionately with their families.

What is the temperament of a sheepdog?

Temperament: A Big Personality. Old English Sheepdogs are herding dogs useful for driving sheep, cattle or kids. When you bring a puppy home he may immediately try to herd you and your family. They do this by using their body to block your way, resembling a cat rubbing on someone, not by nipping or biting.

How long do Old English Shepherds live?

Owning an OES is a long term commitment since they live around 12 years.

Do lap dogs greet visitors?

They will greet visitors as if their sole purpose was to meet the dog. They could easily knock children down in their eagerness to find an idle hand to pet them. They want very much to be lap dogs. Their big feet will step on your toes as they impose their large head into your lap seeking love and attention.

Does loose hair make a dog cooler?

However, if you (like me) are not somebody that regularly and completely brushes out your dog’s coat, that loose hair actually traps heat next to your dog’s skin, making the situation worse.The bottom line is that if your dog is getting AIR to his skin, he will be cooler.

Do you have to shave a dog if it's matted?

You see, once your dog gets really matted, you’ve got no choice— you will have to shave your dog. (Eyes blacked out below to protect the innocent!) As you can see, there was no way any air was getting to these dogs’ skin, and unfortunately had to be shaved all the way down.

Why do dogs shed in summer?

In summer, a dog will shed a good bit of this under layer, but what remains will help capture air between the two coat layers, allowing the dog to keep the heat at bay and regulate his body temperature. The outer coat (or guard hair) consists of longer hair that gives a dog his color and is not shed as much. Examples of double-coated dogs are ...

How to keep a dog from getting matting?

Brush your dog’s fur regularly to eliminate the dead hair, prevent matting , and allow for better air circulation in his coat. Give your dog regular cool baths to keep him clean and free of pests. Since your dog’s cooling sweat glands are located on his feet, keeping his paws trimmed of excess fur can help the sweat evaporate and cool him off. ...

How to keep a dog cool in hot weather?

Rather than shaving your dog, there are some steps you can take to keep him comfortable when the weather is hot: 1 Brush your dog’s fur regularly to eliminate the dead hair, prevent matting, and allow for better air circulation in his coat. 2 Give your dog regular cool baths to keep him clean and free of pests. 3 Since your dog’s cooling sweat glands are located on his feet, keeping his paws trimmed of excess fur can help the sweat evaporate and cool him off. 4 Groomers suggest it is also a good idea to keep a dog’s legs and stomach trimmed of very long hair to enhance cooling. 5 Make sure your dog always has access to cool water and shade; takes walks and exercises only during the coolest parts of the day; and is never left unattended in a vehicle, even for just a few minutes.

Why do dogs have double coats?

A dog’s fur coat protects him from sunburn and decreases his risk of developing skin cancer .”. Shaving a double-coat can also do long-term damage. When it is shaved down to the skin, the undercoat hair will grow back faster, and sometimes will crowd out the slower-growing guard hairs. This can change the texture and color ...

What are some examples of double coated dogs?

Examples of double-coated dogs are Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and English Springer Spaniels. As they shed their undercoats in warm weather, their outer layer, or guard hairs, remains to protect them from sunburn and insect bites.

What is a single coated dog?

Single-Coated Dogs. Single-coated dogs include dogs such as Greyhounds, Boxers, Dalmatians, Poodles, Maltese, and Afghan Hounds. They can have very short hair or long hair, and it can be wiry, smooth, or curly – but all have even-looking hairs with no soft undercoat.

Should dogs be shaved?

Many dogs should not be shaved at all, depending on their coat type. Shaving can actually have the opposite effect of what you intend and make your dog even hotter. Here are some insights on shaving your dog, and some steps you can take instead to keep your dog healthy in hot weather.

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