Breed Health
Old English Sheepdog Health Issues
A generally healthy herding breed, though its size and heavy coat bring a few conditions worth screening for.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Hip Dysplasia
A joint malformation common in larger herding breeds; screening breeding parents lowers the odds in puppies.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
A gradual, inherited deterioration of the retina; a DNA test can identify carriers before breeding.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain, coat changes, and lethargy; a simple blood panel diagnoses it.
Deafness
Congenital deafness appears somewhat more often in this breed, especially in merle-patterned individuals; BAER hearing testing can identify affected puppies.
Preventive Care
Hip and eye screening before breeding covers the most significant hereditary risks. Regular grooming — beyond aesthetics — also serves as a health check, since the breed’s thick coat can hide skin issues and matting that trap moisture against the skin. BAER hearing testing is worth requesting for puppies from merle-patterned parents.
Did You Know?
The Old English Sheepdog’s coat is thick enough that skin problems, weight changes, and even minor injuries can go unnoticed far longer than in short-haired breeds — regular hands-on grooming checks matter more for this breed than most.
Old English Sheepdog Gifts
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