Old English Sheepdogs are people‑oriented herding dogs that may try to “herd” by circling, leaning, or heel‑nipping when there’s fast movement; they can become vocal if bored or separated, so a quiet room with the owner present often reduces stress. Their dense double coat and large size can make them prone to overheating in warm rooms, cars, or after exercise—offer a cool waiting area and minimize time outside. Facial hair can obscure vision and make head-on approaches startling; approach slowly and from the side, and ask about any sensitive, matted, ear, or eye areas from grooming. If an owner reports heavy panting, drooling, confusion, seizures, collapse, or other heat‑related signs after exertion or heat exposure, alert a clinician immediately—this is an emergency.
Front desk script: “Old English Sheepdogs are herding breeds and sometimes get more vocal or try to ‘herd’ when there’s a lot of movement. Would [Name] be more comfortable in a quiet room with you present? Also, are there any sensitive or matted areas—especially around the eyes or ears—we should avoid? If you’ve noticed heavy panting, drooling, confusion, or any collapse after heat or exercise today, please tell me now so we can get the doctor right away.”
Old English Sheepdogs have documented breed-linked risks that front desks should be aware of: orthopedic screening issues (hip dysplasia); inherited eye disease now defined as “multiocular defect (MOD)” with cataracts and other ocular changes; primary ciliary dyskinesia (respiratory signs); congenital deafness; autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) per breed testing schemes; and MDR1 drug-sensitivity seen in herding breeds. As a large, deep‑chested breed they are at increased risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV, bloat); red‑flag signs include unproductive retching, a rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, restlessness/collapse—treat these as an emergency and direct the client to immediate care.
Front desk script: I’ll note this is a breed that can be prone to certain inherited issues (hips, eyes, thyroid, hearing, and some respiratory conditions). Has your dog had breed health testing or an MDR1 drug-sensitivity result we should add to the chart? If you ever see unproductive retching with a swollen belly or sudden collapse, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way. For any new breathing difficulty or persistent nasal discharge, we’ll flag the case for same‑day veterinary assessment.
Large, shaggy, people‑oriented herding dogs that thrive on daily walks and mental play, Old English Sheepdogs need frequent brushing or regular professional grooming to prevent mats; expect moderate shedding and to monitor ears/skin under the coat, especially in warm weather. Common questions: Are they good family dogs?—yes with training/socialization; Exercise?—daily moderate activity; Grooming?—high; Health?—ask breeders for OFA hip results and recent eye/thyroid exams, and many owners add DNA tests for MDR1 drug sensitivity and cerebellar degeneration. Potential breed issues include hip dysplasia and inherited eye disease; your care team will advise timing for routine screenings. URGENT: if you ever see a tight, swollen belly with repeated unproductive retching, pale gums, collapse, or severe heat distress, go to the nearest emergency vet immediately and call us on the way.
Front desk script: They’re big, friendly, high‑grooming dogs—plan on daily exercise and regular brushing or a standing grooming appointment. Please bring any breeder health records (OFA hips, recent eye/thyroid results); many owners also do MDR1 drug‑sensitivity and cerebellar‑degeneration DNA tests. If you notice unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly, or signs of heat stroke, that’s an emergency—go straight to the ER and call us en route; for sudden eye redness/pain or severe limping, call us for a same‑day appointment.
Front desks most often hear from Old English Sheepdog owners about: heavy-coat problems (mats trapping moisture/dirt, foul odor, painful moist skin sores hidden under hair), ear complaints (odor, redness, head-shaking) linked to hairy/matted ears, eye concerns (discharge, squinting, hair in eyes) given breed eye/eyelid risks, and new hind‑limb stiffness or limping typical of large-breed hip concerns; warm‑weather overheating questions are also common with this dense coat, and medication questions may arise because herding breeds—including OES—can carry the MDR1 drug‑sensitivity variant. Escalate immediately if the caller reports non‑productive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, pale/white gums, collapse, or unresponsiveness (possible bloat/heatstroke).
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—this breed commonly needs visits for coat/skin matting with odor or sore spots, ear odor/shaking, eye discharge/squinting, or new limping. If you’re seeing non‑productive retching, a tight/bloated belly, severe weakness/collapse, or signs of overheating, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. Otherwise, I can book a same‑day exam; I’ll note recent grooming, any eye/ear changes, and any medications or parasite preventives given (important in herding breeds with possible MDR1 sensitivity).
Old English Sheepdogs have a long, shaggy double coat with a dense, waterproof undercoat that mats quickly; plan for very frequent at‑home brushing/combing (at least every other day) and regular professional grooming or clips to keep the coat manageable and to prevent hidden skin issues. The heavy coat can conceal problems—ask about itching, foul skin or ear odor, moist/oozing or painful areas, and recent swimming/bathing. Excess moisture and hair in/around the ears can predispose to ear inflammation, so confirm owners dry the dog thoroughly and monitor for head‑shaking or ear discharge. If severe matting is causing discomfort, or there is strong odor, discharge, or apparent pain under the coat or in the ears, escalate for a same‑day veterinary exam.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat is very high‑maintenance and mats easily. Do you have a regular groomer, or would you like referrals to set up a standing schedule? If you notice strong skin or ear odor, moist/oozing spots, head‑shaking, or sensitivity when you touch under the coat, we recommend a same‑day appointment so a veterinarian can check for infection or discomfort. For routine care, we can add a skin/coat check to your next wellness visit and share our groomer list.
Old English Sheepdogs are large, deep‑chested, heavy‑coated herding dogs—during intake, quickly screen for emergency red flags: unproductive retching with a tense/bloated abdomen, heat stress signs after exertion/heat (collapse, extreme panting, markedly red or very pale gums), or an acutely red/painful/cloudy eye or sudden vision change; these require immediate ER or same‑day care. For routine routing, expect ear/skin concerns from dense hair (ask about ear odor/discharge or head‑shaking) and note that eye and orthopedic issues are not unusual in this breed. Ask owners if the dog has MDR1 (ABCB1) drug‑sensitivity testing on file; if unknown, flag for veterinarian review before any sedation/anesthesia or medications on the MDR1 risk list. In young dogs with recurrent nasal discharge and wet cough since puppyhood, prioritize a sick visit (PCD has been reported in this breed) and advise records/images if available.
Front desk script: Because Old English Sheepdogs can be at higher risk for bloat and heat stress, I need to check: is your dog retching without bringing anything up, does the belly look/feel swollen or painful, or is there extreme panting or collapse? If yes, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now and I can provide directions. For ear or eye issues (odor/discharge, redness, squinting, cloudy eye), we’ll book a same‑day exam. Has your dog ever had an MDR1 drug‑sensitivity test? I’ll note this so our veterinarian can review before any sedation or certain medications.
Puppies: book vaccine visits every 3–4 weeks through 16–20 weeks, start parasite prevention, introduce regular brushing/grooming; at intake, note any breeder health records (hips/eyes/thyroid/EIC) and plan spay/neuter timing with the doctor for this large breed. Adults: schedule annual preventive exams and testing; confirm prevention refills, weight/body condition, and coat care; ensure any MDR1 drug-sensitivity test results are on file before new meds or sedation. Seniors: plan more frequent wellness visits and screening labs as advised; ask about mobility, vision/hearing, and cognition. Urgent red flags at any age—sudden non‑productive retching, tight/bloated abdomen, collapse—advise immediate ER care due to GDV risk. ([aaha.org](https://www.aaha.org/resources/life-stage-canine-2019/life-stage-checklist/?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Let’s schedule by life stage: puppies come every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks, adults yearly, and seniors more often as the doctor recommends. ([aaha.org](https://www.aaha.org/resources/life-stage-canine-2019/life-stage-checklist/?utm_source=openai)) Do you have any CHIC/health test results (hips, eyes, thyroid, EIC) and, if done, MDR1 status so we can note them before any new medications or sedation? If you ever see sudden retching without vomit or a bloated, painful belly, please go straight to the nearest ER and call us on the way so we can alert the team. ([acvs.org](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/gdv/?utm_source=openai))
Old English Sheepdogs are large, shaggy herders with dense double coats—plan slightly longer check-ins to ask about brushing/grooming frequency, mats, ear/skin concerns, and any recent weight change (the thick coat can hide it). Many are affectionate but exuberant and can be headstrong, so ask owners to keep dogs leashed and offer a quieter waiting option if the lobby is busy. Proactively request breed-health records for the chart (OFA/PennHIP hips, ophthalmologist eye exams, thyroid testing, EIC DNA; optional MDR1/hearing/cardiac per the breed club). For large dogs, sudden belly swelling with unproductive retching or collapse is an emergency—advise owners to call en route or proceed to the nearest 24/7 ER.
Front desk script: “Because Old English Sheepdogs have very dense coats, we’ll take a moment to check for mats, ear/skin issues, and recent weight changes—about how often is she brushed or groomed?” “Please keep her leashed; these friendly herders can be bouncy—if she’s more comfortable, we can place you in a quieter area.” “If you ever see a suddenly swollen belly with dry heaving/unproductive retching or collapse, that’s an emergency—call us on your way or head to the nearest 24/7 ER.”
Old English Sheepdogs benefit from breed‑directed scheduling and quick escalation when red flags appear: book OFA/PennHIP hip screening at 24 months; schedule ACVO eye exams yearly until age 5, then every 2 years; run thyroid screening for autoimmune thyroiditis annually through age 5 and then every other year; confirm one‑time DNA tests for Exercise‑Induced Collapse (EIC) and MDR1 (drug‑sensitivity) and note results before any new medications/anesthesia; educate families on bloat risk in large, deep‑chested dogs—nonproductive retching, sudden abdominal swelling, restlessness, or collapse = emergency now; thick double coat adds heat‑stress risk—heavy panting with weakness, vomiting, seizures, or bloody diarrhea in heat also warrants emergency care.
Front desk script: For Old English Sheepdogs, we follow a set schedule: hips at 2 years; eyes yearly to age 5 then every 2 years; thyroid yearly to 5 then every other year; plus one‑time DNA tests for EIC and MDR1. Would you like me to book the next eye/thyroid screens and confirm MDR1/EIC status in the chart? If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight, enlarged belly or sudden collapse, proceed to the emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way. In hot weather, heavy panting with weakness, vomiting, or bloody diarrhea is also an emergency.
People‑oriented, bouncy herding dogs that are generally friendly and adaptable but can be stubborn; handle with calm, confident, positive interactions. Heavy double coat is high‑maintenance—mats and hair over eyes/ears can hide problems and limit vision, so approach from the front, speak first, and use slow touch. Large and strong: provide non‑slip footing and gentle guidance at weigh‑in/checkout. Note breed relevance for MDR1 drug sensitivity—ensure any prior reactions or MDR1 test results are flagged in the chart. Commonly discussed issues include orthopedic (hips), eye disease, and thyroid concerns; for triage, if owners report unproductive retching, a tight/bloated abdomen, collapse, or sudden severe lethargy, instruct immediate emergency evaluation.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Old English Sheepdog—these friendly, strong herding dogs do best with a calm greeting. We’ll approach from the front so they can see and smell us and use non‑slip mats for comfort. Please tell us if your dog has ever had a medication reaction or MDR1 testing so we can note it. If you ever see unproductive retching with a swollen belly or collapse, this is an emergency—go to the nearest ER immediately and call us on the way.”
Old English Sheepdogs often arrive with heavy, matted coats that can hide skin/ear issues and even body condition—flag for prompt grooming assessment and do a thorough microchip/physical scan. Veterinary references note breed‑linked risks including congenital deafness and inherited eye disease (e.g., PRA), hip dysplasia, and MDR1 drug sensitivity; document any hearing/vision concerns and request prior test results (BAER/eye/hips/thyroid/MDR1) for the medical record. As a large, deep‑chested breed, they carry some risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat)—if staff or adopters report non‑productive retching, a rapidly enlarging/tight abdomen, restlessness/collapse, or pale gums, instruct immediate emergency care. Expect herding behaviors (chasing/“gathering”) and high grooming needs; set clear expectations about time, cost, and safe enrichment during acclimation.
Front desk script: We’ll book a grooming check and baseline vet exam since this breed’s heavy coat can hide problems. Old English Sheepdogs can carry an MDR1 gene that changes how some medicines and sedatives work—until testing is known, we’ll flag the chart and have our veterinarian review any medications. They may also have hearing or vision differences; please tell us if you notice startle responses or poor sound/hand‑signal response. If you ever see a tight, swollen belly with unproductive retching or sudden distress, call us immediately and go to the nearest emergency clinic now.
Typically placid, people‑oriented herding dogs; friendly with strangers but can be exuberant and headstrong. Expect occasional herding behaviors (leaning/bumping) in busy lobbies—seat away from small, fast‑moving pets and keep on a short leash close to handler. Long hair can obscure vision, so announce your approach, allow sniffing, and approach from the side; use calm voice and slow movements. Food‑reward luring works well for scale and handoff. Provide a cooler, quieter spot when possible (heavy coat). If you observe heavy panting with drooling, wobbliness, or collapse, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Hi! Old English Sheepdogs are friendly but can get bouncy—please keep your dog close on a short leash, and we’ll seat you in a quieter spot. We’ll use treats to guide onto the scale and let your dog sniff before we touch. If you notice hard panting with drool or unsteady steps at any time, please tell us right away so a nurse can assist.
For Old English Sheepdogs, trigger immediate escalation for any signs of suspected bloat/GDV (restlessness, repeated unproductive retching with little or no vomit, a tight or rapidly enlarging abdomen, pale gums, weakness/collapse)—treat as an emergency now; any breathing distress or heat-related illness signs (this thick‑coated breed is at higher risk in heat/humidity), including excessive panting, drooling, confusion, seizures, or collapse—emergency; and acute neurologic signs after recent medication exposure in MDR1‑susceptible herding breeds (vomiting, ataxia, tremors, seizures, sudden blindness)—same‑day to emergency. If any of these are present, direct the client to a 24/7 emergency hospital immediately and alert the clinician.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this could be a life‑threatening emergency for an Old English Sheepdog. Please proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital now; I will call ahead to expect you. If transportation is a barrier, tell me right away so we can help you get to emergency care.