Coat Care for the Old English Sheepdog

A beautiful Bobtail coat requires attention

The Old English Sheepdog has a distinctive double coat: a soft, woolly undercoat and a firm, thick outer coat. This coat changes twice during their life: from puppy coat to junior coat, and from junior coat to adult coat. Tangling can occur quickly during these transitional periods, even with regular brushing. You may think the coat is tangle-free, and a short while later, new tangles appear. This can be frustrating, but with the right approach you can prevent problems and keep the coat healthy.

Why regular brushing is indispensable

A healthy, tangle-free coat starts with a good brushing routine. Regular brushing not only removes dead hair but also keeps the coat light and well maintained. Do tangles still form? Remove them immediately. The longer you wait, the harder they are to treat. Tangles can arise from various causes, such as:

1. Using unsuitable brushes.
2. Hormonal changes, for example after a heat cycle.
3. Itching due to allergies or parasites.
4. Saliva tangles caused by playing with other dogs.
5. A damp coat from swimming, rain, or after surgery.

Prevention is better than cure

With a good routine, the right brushes, and timely action, you can keep your Old English Sheepdog’s coat healthy and free of tangles. Pay extra attention to problem areas such as the armpits, belly, and hind legs.

Good grooming starts in puppyhood

An Old English Sheepdog puppy needs to get used to brushing step by step. A good breeder often introduces this process carefully. As the new owner, it’s essential to continue this routine consistently. This lays the foundation for stress-free and effective grooming later in life.

5 simple steps to get your puppy accustomed

These five steps form a solid basis for a smooth and successful brushing routine in the future.

1. Start with short sessions, with your puppy calmly lying on its side. This will eventually be the goal for every brushing session.
2. Make it a daily habit to brush briefly.
3. Let your puppy sniff the brush first and reward positive behavior.
4. Begin with a few strokes over the back and immediately give a reward.
5. Gradually expand this to the legs and other parts of the body.

Why consistency is crucial

Once your puppy is used to lying still, brushing becomes much easier. Consistency is key here. You decide when the brushing session is over, not your dog. A clear command, such as “stay,” helps your puppy understand what is expected.

If your dog tries to stand up, stay calm. Gently place him back on his side and patiently repeat. It’s not cruel to have longer brushing sessions. As long as you remain calm and patient, your puppy will accept it as normal.

With trust and positive experiences, brushing becomes a natural part of grooming. Once your puppy is used to it, you can reduce brushing to once a week. However, keep in mind that a full brushing session, especially at first, can take several hours.

The right brushes for puppies

A puppy’s coat is still soft and delicate. Heavy brushes or tools are unsuitable and can damage the soft puppy coat. Whether it’s an adult dog or a puppy, the Maxi Pin and ActiVet brushes are indispensable. With these tools and a positive approach, you lay a strong foundation for caring for your Old English Sheepdog’s coat.

From puppy coat to adult grooming

Around the age of six months, the puppy coat gradually changes into a junior coat. Not only the color but also the texture changes. The black coat becomes (light) gray, and the soft puppy hair is replaced by a somewhat coarser outer coat and a woolly undercoat. This process brings extra challenges.

The typical silver-gray junior coat of a 9-month-old Old English Sheepdog puppy

The junior coat needs more attention and regular care. Tangles can form faster, so consistent brushing is crucial. During this phase, you benefit from a thorough routine that includes not just brushing but also washing and regular checks to keep the coat healthy and free of tangles.

Getting started with coat care

A healthy, well-groomed coat starts with a clean foundation. While brushing is essential, it doesn’t remove all the dirt that accumulates in the coat. By regularly washing and conditioning the coat, brushing becomes easier and the coat stays tangle-free. Also, a clean, slightly damp coat is less prone to hair breakage and easier to maintain.

Three steps to a beautiful coat

You can divide the care of your Old English Sheepdog into three main parts:

1. Washing and conditioning
2. The brushing routine
3. Inspection and additional care

Step 1: Washing and conditioning for a fresh start

The first step in an effective grooming routine is thoroughly washing the coat. The quality of the products you choose is very important. Avoid shampoos intended for people; they often have the wrong pH and can irritate your dog’s skin. Instead, opt for specialized products like Bio-Groom, which deeply clean the coat while protecting the skin’s natural balance.

For dogs that are brushed regularly (for instance, every two weeks), it’s useful to first wash the feet, legs, and beard, especially the white parts of the coat. This removes stubborn dirt and prepares the coat optimally for brushing.

Applying and rinsing out the shampoo

With these three easy steps, you can give the white coat of your Old English Sheepdog a proper wash.

1. Dilute the Bio Groom Super White Shampoo in a 1:4 ratio (1 part shampoo to 4 parts water).
2. Massage the shampoo thoroughly, especially on dirty areas like the beard, feet, and around the penis and legs for males.
3. Rinse the coat completely with lukewarm water to remove all shampoo.

Conditioning for a hydrated coat

Using a quality conditioner is essential to keep the coat healthy.

1. Use Bio Groom Conditioner, also diluted in a 1:4 ratio.
2. Distribute the conditioner evenly over the coat, paying extra attention to areas prone to tangling.
3. Rinse out the conditioner thoroughly to prevent any skin irritation or dryness.

Drying without damage

After washing, the right drying technique is crucial to avoid tangles and hair breakage.

1. Gently squeeze out excess water with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent tangles.
2. Allow the coat to dry about 70% before you start brushing.
3. Use a dog dryer or blaster for even drying and to avoid tangles. In warmer temperatures, your dog can also dry outside without problems.

The importance of a blaster

A blaster is an indispensable tool for grooming an Old English Sheepdog. This device removes dust, loose hair, and moisture from the coat. By focusing on one section at a time and blowing the coat open, you work more efficiently and prevent tangles.

Step 2: The Ideal Brushing Routine for a Tangle-Free Coat

Brushing becomes much more efficient and less stressful with a structured approach. By following a set sequence, you can thoroughly groom all parts of the coat and avoid missing any spots. This predictable routine helps your Old English Sheepdog get used to grooming sessions, turning it into a positive experience.

Step-by-Step Plan for Effective Brushing

1. Start at the head and work your way down to the neck and halfway along the back.
2. Continue with the hindquarters, tail, and the back of the hind legs up to halfway.
3. Work on the front and inner parts of the hind legs, moving to the belly and sides.
4. Brush the shoulders, front legs (both front and back), and the chest.
5. Turn the dog over and repeat the process on the other side.

By following this structure, you work systematically and leave no tangles behind. Randomly brushing, for example starting with the head and then moving to the hindquarters, increases the likelihood of missing tangles. A systematic approach avoids this problem and makes the routine more efficient.

Preparation for Smooth Brushing

Lightly spray the coat with a mixture of 50 ml Bio Groom Super Cream and half a liter of warm water (ratio 1:10). This softens the coat, reduces resistance during brushing, and prevents damage. Avoid over-spraying; a small amount is sufficient.

Step-by-Step Brushing

Now you can begin the “real” work. Lay your Bobtail on its side and use the Maxi Pin brush solely to loosen the coat. Then switch to the ActiVet brush: the green ActiVet is ideal for preserving the undercoat and maintaining a voluminous show coat, while the red ActiVet is perfect for house dogs that need a neat and tidy look. When this routine refers to brushing, it always means using the ActiVet. An important detail for a pleasant experience: hold the coat taut with your other hand while brushing. This prevents the skin from moving, which can be painful for your dog. Make sure to hold only the coat taut, not the skin. This makes brushing not only more effective but also more comfortable for your dog.

Left: Preparing for smooth brushing with the Bio Groom Super Cream spray. Right: Loosening the coat.

Head

Start brushing at your dog’s head and carefully proceed to the muzzle. Pay extra attention to removing any tangles around the mouth and nose.

Hold the skin taut to brush the muzzle painlessly.

Next, move on to the ears and brush them gently to remove tangles and dirt, working softly. Finally, use the Spratts70 comb to carefully comb both the inside and outside of the ears.

Brushing the ears with the ActiVet and then combing with the Spratts.

Then brush the underside of the beard and the sides of the head to ensure the entire head is thoroughly groomed. Once you’re done with the ActiVet, most tangles will be removed. Use the V Rake as a final check to ensure all tangles are gone and to smooth out the coat.

Brushing the head, first with the ActiVet and then optionally with the V Rake.

Neck and Back

Once the head is done, proceed to the neck and back, again using the ActiVet. Start at the middle of the neck and brush slowly towards the back. Work in sections and focus on brushing the coat halfway down the back. For the neck, the V Rake is particularly effective for stubborn tangles or thinning.

Hindquarters, Tail, and Hind Legs

From the back, move towards the hindquarters and tail. Gently brush the coat underneath and around the base of the tail. Make sure to work thoroughly but avoid pulling too hard to prevent discomfort for your dog.

From hindquarters to the tail.

Continue with the hind legs. Start at the back of the legs and work your way halfway down.

Back of the hind legs.

Once these are tangle-free, move to the front of the hind legs and carefully groom this area as well. Be sure to pay extra attention to the inner parts of the legs, where tangles and dirt often accumulate.

Front of the hind legs.

Once this is done, you can brush the entire hind leg to ensure it is completely tangle-free. Don’t forget to carefully comb between the toes with the Spratts No 70 comb.

Brushing the hind leg.

Belly and Side

Move on to the belly and work your way gently towards the dog’s side. Start at the lower belly and brush halfway up the side. Check carefully for dirt or tangles, especially in the space between the armpits.

From belly to armpits.

Front Legs

When the belly and side are done, move on to the front legs. Start at the back of the legs and work your way to the front. Brush carefully and ensure the coat is neat and tangle-free. Use an ActiVet brush and avoid a metal comb on the legs to prevent damage.

Use an ActiVet brush for the front legs.

Chest

Finish grooming the front side with the chest. Work carefully and thoroughly to ensure this part of the coat is completely tangle-free. The chest can optionally be thinned out with a V Rake.

Left: Thinning with the V Rake. Right: Brushing with the ActiVet.

Cleaning Teeth

As the final step in the routine, you can clean your dog’s teeth. This completes the grooming routine and contributes to your dog’s overall health.

Cleaning teeth.

Treating the Other Side

Once one side is fully groomed, gently lay your dog on the other side. Avoid rolling the dog over to prevent bloat. Repeat the process on the other side with the same sequence and care.

Step 3: Inspection and additional care

After a thorough brushing session, it’s time for the final checks. This step focuses on hygiene and extra care. With these guidelines, you ensure your Old English Sheepdog not only looks great but also stays healthy and comfortable.

Maintaining the anus and tail

Check the area around the anus for excess hair that can trap dirt or cause irritation. Trim it neatly to prevent hygiene issues. Also inspect the tail and remove any tangles. Keep this area clean for optimal comfort.

Regular nail trimming

Overgrown nails can cause your dog discomfort and even lead to painful feet or abnormal stances. Check the nails regularly and trim if needed. Don’t forget to inspect the dewclaw, as it’s often overlooked.

A healthy mouth and fresh teeth

Inspect the teeth, especially the molars, for tartar and plaque. Use a tartar scraper to remove it gently, but limit this to once every four weeks to protect the tooth enamel. Then brush the teeth with special dog toothpaste. Regular oral care helps prevent issues like bad breath and gum inflammation.

Keeping the beard clean and fresh

Your Old English Sheepdog’s beard collects dirt, especially after eating or drinking. Wash the beard weekly with a mild shampoo like Bio Groom Super White Shampoo and dry it with a towel after each drink. This prevents unpleasant odors and keeps it looking fresh.

Thorough ear cleaning

Clean your dog’s ears every 4 to 6 weeks. Remove excess hair from the ear canal with an ear forceps or Kocher, and use a suitable ear cleaner, such as Bio Groom Ear Cleaner, to remove earwax. For ear infections, THORNIT Ear Powder is effective. Regular ear care prevents discomfort and costly vet visits.

Invest in a stable grooming table

A good grooming table makes caring for your Old English Sheepdog much easier. Choose a table measuring 110×60 cm and use a non-slip mat for extra safety. If you don’t have a grooming table, a sturdy garden table with a non-slip mat is a fine alternative. However, investing in a real grooming table will help prevent back pain and make the care more comfortable for both you and your dog.

Shaving or trimming: why it’s better to keep the coat unshaved

Shaving an Old English Sheepdog is strongly discouraged unless there is a medical need. The natural coat protects and insulates the dog optimally. By removing the guard hairs, you not only change the structure but also the quality of the coat. This can have negative consequences for your dog’s health and appearance. With regular grooming and the right techniques, you can keep the coat in top condition without the need for shaving. Below are the three main reasons to avoid shaving:

1. Loss of insulation and temperature regulation

The strong guard hairs of an Old English Sheepdog naturally insulate the dog. They trap air between the hairs, allowing your dog to protect itself from both heat and cold.

When you shave these guard hairs, they are replaced by soft, woolly hairs that can’t perform this function. This makes your dog more vulnerable to extreme temperatures, negatively affecting its well-being.

2. Higher risk of tangles and dirt

A shaved coat tangles faster because woolly hair twists together more easily. This means more maintenance and a greater chance of matting. Moreover, a shaved coat repels dirt less effectively, causing your dog to become dirty more quickly and need more frequent baths.

3. Reduced shine and color

The natural guard hairs have a protective layer that provides a beautiful shine and rich color. Shaving removes this layer, leaving the coat dull and robbing it of its original quality. Over time, both the color and texture can change permanently.

With love and consistency to a beautiful coat

Caring for an Old English Sheepdog’s coat takes time and dedication, but it’s a rewarding process in its own right. With regular brushing sessions, high-quality products, and attention to details like nails, teeth, and ears, your dog stays healthy and happy—and will always look its best.

Patience and consistency are essential. By lovingly caring for the coat, you not only strengthen the bond with your dog but also make grooming an enjoyable experience for both of you. A radiant dog starts with your commitment!