Quick Answer:
Old English Sheepdog grooming costs $100-$180 every 4-6 weeks. Their iconic shaggy coat requires daily brushing to prevent severe matting. Many owners opt for a shorter clip for easier maintenance.
Old English Sheepdog Grooming Costs
Here's what to expect for professional Old English Sheepdog grooming based on size and service type:
| Size | Weight | Basic Groom | Full Groom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old English Sheepdog | 60-100 lbs | $100-$140 | $140-$180 |
Annual grooming costs: $1,200-$2,160 (based on grooming every 4-6 weeks).
For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.
Old English Sheepdog Coat Type & Care
OES have a profuse, shaggy double coat with a harsh-textured outer coat and soft undercoat. The coat covers the entire body, including the face. Colors are gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle with white.
| Coat Type | Double |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Grooming Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Brushing | Daily (full coat) or 2-3 times weekly (clipped) |
| Grooming Difficulty | Very High |
Popular Old English Sheepdog Haircuts
Here are the most popular grooming styles for Old English Sheepdogs:
Full Show Coat
Best for: Show dogs or very dedicated owners
Full-length coat maintained with daily grooming. Requires extreme commitment.
Maintenance: Very High - 1-2 hours daily brushing
Puppy Cut
Best for: Most pet owners
Body clipped to 1-2 inches for manageability while keeping breed essence.
Maintenance: Medium - brush 2-3 times weekly
Teddy Bear Cut
Best for: Cute appearance with easier care
Short body clip with rounder face styling.
Maintenance: Medium - regular brushing
Working Trim
Best for: Active dogs
Short all over for practicality. May not look like breed standard.
Maintenance: Low - weekly brushing
Old English Sheepdog Grooming Schedule
Follow this schedule to keep your Old English Sheepdog looking and feeling their best:
- Professional grooming: Every 4-6 weeks
- Brushing: Daily for full coat, 2-3 times weekly for clipped
- Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks
- Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
- Ear cleaning: Weekly
Puppy Grooming
Start grooming very early. Puppy coat tangles easily. Establish daily routine before adult coat comes in.
Senior Dog Grooming
Older OES almost always do better with shorter clips for comfort.
Find a Old English Sheepdog-experienced groomer
Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Old English Sheepdogs and similar breeds.
Find Groomers Near MeCommon Old English Sheepdog Grooming Problems
Severe Matting
Full coat mats extremely quickly without daily maintenance.
Prevention: Daily thorough brushing to skin. Most owners opt for shorter clips.
Eye Issues
Hair covering eyes can cause irritation and obstruct vision.
Prevention: Keep eye area trimmed or tie hair back.
Hot Spots
Dense coat can trap moisture and cause skin issues.
Prevention: Ensure complete drying and regular coat maintenance.
At-Home Old English Sheepdog Grooming
Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Old English Sheepdog's coat at home.
Essential Tools
- Pin brush
- Slicker brush
- Wide-tooth comb
- Mat splitter
- Detangling spray
- High-velocity dryer
Grooming Tips
- Consider a puppy cut for manageability
- If keeping long coat, brush daily without fail
- Keep eye area clear
- Use detangler before every brushing session
- Accept that extensive grooming is part of OES ownership
Finding a Old English Sheepdog-Experienced Groomer
Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Old English Sheepdog:
- Find groomers experienced with Old English Sheepdogs
- Ask about their approach to heavily coated breeds
- Verify drying capabilities
- Discuss realistic maintenance options
For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Old English Sheepdog grooming cost?▼
$100-$180 per session due to coat density and size.
How often should an Old English Sheepdog be groomed?▼
Every 4-6 weeks professionally, with daily brushing at home for full coats.
Do Old English Sheepdogs shed?▼
Moderately, but the shed hair often gets caught in the coat causing mats.
Should I keep my OES in a full coat?▼
Unless you can commit to 1-2 hours of daily grooming, a shorter clip is recommended.
Are Old English Sheepdogs hard to groom?▼
Yes, they are one of the most challenging breeds to maintain in full coat.
What is the easiest OES haircut?▼
A puppy cut or working trim is easiest to maintain.
The Bottom Line
Old English Sheepdog grooming requires professional appointments every 4-6 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Old English Sheepdog looking and feeling their best.
Find a groomer experienced with Old English Sheepdogs, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Old English Sheepdog will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.
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