Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, gentle herding dog with an unmistakable thick coat and a playful, clownish character. It adores its family, but needs a lot of time for grooming and plenty of exercise.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 6 examinations:
- 4 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 eye examination
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (6)
-
Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- GDNF: g.70875561C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Cerebellar ataxia (CA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RAB24 XM_005619162.3:c.113A>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CCDC39-related PCD): CCDC39: XM_545213.6:c.286C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail), Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 17/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS), Cerebellar ataxia (CA), Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Hip dysplasia (HD), Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. An Old English Sheepdog needs enough daily exercise and play. Its thick, long coat needs a thorough brush right down to the skin several times a week, or a shorter trim.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD) and Elbow dysplasia (ED)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Old English Sheepdog is playful, clownish and adores its family, staying young at heart for a long time. Given its size and strength, it must learn as a puppy to walk nicely on the lead. Factor coat care into your time and budget.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
