Coat care

An Old English Sheepdog with a long, well-maintained coat is an impressive sight and attracts admiring glances everywhere. Few breeds make as much of an impression on passersby. Often, you hear comments like: “What a beautiful dog! That must be a lot of work?” The answer: if you keep up with coat care, it’s manageable. However, neglecting it quickly leads to tangles and, worse, matting. In this article about grooming the Old English Sheepdog, you’ll find plenty of practical tips, even for regular household dogs.

A beautiful Bobtail coat requires attention

The Old English Sheepdog has a unique double coat: a soft, woolly undercoat and a strong, thick topcoat. This coat changes twice during their lifetime: from puppy coat to juvenile coat and from juvenile coat to adult coat. These transitional periods are particularly prone to tangles, even with regular brushing. You might think the coat is tangle-free, only for tangles to appear again shortly after. This can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can prevent problems and keep the coat healthy.

Why regular brushing is essential

A healthy, tangle-free coat starts with a good brushing routine. Regular brushing not only removes dead hair but also ensures an airy and well-maintained coat. If tangles do occur, remove them immediately. The longer you wait, the harder they become to treat. Tangles can arise due to various reasons, such as:

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

Prevention is better than cure

With a proper routine, the right brushes, and timely action, you can keep your Old English Sheepdog’s coat healthy and tangle-free. Pay extra attention to problem areas like the armpits, belly, and hind legs.

Essential brushes and combs for the Bobtail coat

Good materials make brushing easier and protect your dog’s coat. Ensure you have the following tools at home:

- Maxi Pin Brush
  The Maxi Pin Brush is ideal for the general maintenance of long and demanding coats, such as that of an Old English Sheepdog.
  - Suitable for brushing out the coat without breaking the hair.
  - Gentle on the skin, ideal for daily use.
  - Also suitable for grooming a dog into shape for shows.
- Green ActiVet Brush
  The Green ActiVet brush is perfect for the Old English Sheepdog, thanks to its flexible design that effectively removes tangles and loose undercoat without stressing the skin. The Green ActiVet is perfect for maintaining a show-quality coat.
  - Ideal for removing loose undercoat.
  - Effortlessly detangles a thick, double coat.
  - Reduces strain on your hands and arms.
  - Combines gentleness with thorough care, making it comfortable for your dog.
  More information about the Green ActiVet brush can be found on this website.
- Red ActiVet Brush (Mat Zapper)
  The Red ActiVet brush, also known as the Mat Zapper, is a valuable tool for maintaining a thick or long-haired coat. Do not use this Red ActiVet if you want to preserve the coat for shows!
  - Tangles and matting: Removes stubborn tangles and matted areas. Work gently and in small sections to protect the skin and coat.
  - Ergonomic design: Reduces strain on arms and joints, making longer grooming sessions less tiring.
  - Careful use: Apply light pressure and work slowly through the coat. This prevents pulling and minimizes discomfort for your dog.
  The Red ActiVet brush or Mat Zapper can be ordered from this website.
- V Rake
  The V Rake is an essential tool for a tangle-free and well-maintained coat. It removes loose undercoat and tangles without damaging the coat or skin. Use the V Rake as follows:
  - Gently pull the V Rake through the coat from the hair roots.
  - Always work in the direction of the handle, not sideways.
  - Ensure you can see the skin for effective and safe brushing.
  - Hold the skin opposite the pulling direction firmly to prevent it from being pulled.
  - Stretch the skin tight to avoid discomfort or pain.
  - Brushing becomes more enjoyable and safer for your dog.
  You can order the V Rake from Amazon.
- Metal Comb: Spratts No. 70
  The Spratts No. 70 is an indispensable comb for grooming the finer parts of your dog. With its hand-placed teeth, this comb offers precision and gentleness. Use it as follows:
  - Brushing delicate areas such as behind the ears, between the toes, and around the tail.
  - Always work with the direction of hair growth to make it comfortable for your dog.
  - Carefully remove tangles without irritating the sensitive skin.
  - Ideal for areas where the coat tends to tangle, to maintain a neat and healthy coat.
  Spratts No. 70 is available at TransGroom.

Good grooming starts from puppyhood

An Old English Sheepdog puppy must gradually get used to brushing. A good breeder often introduces this process carefully. As a new owner, it is essential to consistently continue this routine. 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.

Start with short sessions where your puppy lies calmly on its side. This will eventually become the goal for every brushing session.
Make it a daily habit to brush briefly.
Let your puppy sniff the brush first and reward positive behavior.
Begin with a few strokes on the back and immediately give a reward.
Gradually extend this to the legs and other parts of the body.

Why consistency is crucial

When your puppy becomes accustomed to lying calmly, brushing becomes much easier. Consistency plays a key role here. You decide when the brushing session is over, not your dog. A clear command like “stay” helps your puppy understand what is expected.

If your dog tries to get up, stay calm. Gently place them back on their side and patiently repeat the process. It is not cruel to have longer brushing sessions. As long as you remain calm and patient, your puppy will come to see this as normal.

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

The right brushes for puppies

A puppy’s coat is still soft and delicate. Heavy brushes or tools are not suitable and can damage the soft puppy fur. Whether for 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 your Old English Sheepdog’s grooming routine.

From puppy coat to adult grooming

Around the age of six months, the puppy coat gradually transitions into a juvenile coat. Not only does the color change, but the texture also shifts. The black coat becomes (light) gray, and the soft puppy hair gives way to a slightly harder topcoat and woolly undercoat. This process brings additional challenges.

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

The juvenile coat requires more attention and regular grooming. Tangles can form more quickly, so consistent brushing is essential. During this phase, you as the owner benefit from an extensive routine that includes not only brushing but also washing and regular checks. This keeps the coat healthy and tangle-free.

Getting started with coat care

A healthy, well-groomed coat starts with a clean foundation. While brushing is essential, it does not 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. Additionally, a clean, slightly damp coat is less prone to breakage and easier to maintain.

Three steps to a beautiful coat

The care of your Old English Sheepdog can be divided into three main parts:

Washing and conditioning
The brushing routine
Inspection and maintenance

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 crucial. Avoid shampoos intended for humans, as they often have an incorrect pH balance and can irritate your dog’s skin. Instead, opt for specialized products like Bio-Groom, which deeply cleanse the coat while maintaining the natural balance of the skin.

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

Essential products for washing your Old English Sheepdog

Here are all the products you need for a good wash.

Bio-Groom Super White™ Coat Brightener Dog Shampoo
Purpose: For white coats
Ratio: 1:4
Usage: Enhances the natural white color and gives a bright shine without harsh ingredients. Ideal for cleaning the white coat of Old English Sheepdogs.
Bio-Groom Extra Body Tearless Texturizing Shampoo
Purpose: For gray and dark coats
Ratio: 4-5:1
Usage: Adds texture and volume, especially for breeds with an undercoat. Ideal for cleaning gray and dark coat sections. The dark coat of a Bobtail is rarely washed.
Bio-Groom Silk™ Conditioning Creme Rinse Dog Conditioner
Purpose: Softens and seals the coat
Ratio: 1:4
Usage: Provides a smooth, anti-static, and hydrated coat. Enriched with chamomile extract for a silky shine.
Super-Cream™ Coat Conditioning Dog Conditioner
Purpose: For brushing sessions, diluted as a spray
Ratio: 1:10 (mix 50 ml of cream in a pan with 500 ml of warm – not boiling – water)
Usage: Improves combability and prevents damage during brushing.

Applying shampoo and rinsing

With these three simple steps, you can give your Old English Sheepdog’s white coat a good wash.

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

Conditioning for a hydrated coat

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

Use the Bio-Groom Conditioner, also diluted in a 1:4 ratio.
Evenly distribute the conditioner over the coat, paying extra attention to areas prone to tangling.
Rinse the conditioner thoroughly to prevent irritation or skin dryness.

Drying without damage

The correct drying technique is essential after washing to prevent tangles and hair breakage.

Gently press out excess water with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent tangling.
Allow the coat to dry to 70% before starting to brush.
Use a dog dryer or blower for even drying and to prevent tangles. With higher temperatures, the dog can also dry well outside.

The importance of a blower

A blower is an indispensable tool in the care of an Old English Sheepdog. This device removes dust, loose hairs, and moisture from the coat. By focusing on one section at a time and opening the coat with the blower, you can work more efficiently and avoid tangles.

Shaving or Trimming: Why the Coat Is Better Left Unshaved

Shaving an Old English Sheepdog is strongly discouraged unless there is a medical necessity. The natural coat provides optimal protection and insulation for the dog. Removing the guard hairs not only changes the structure but also the quality of the coat. This can have negative effects on 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 thick guard hairs of an Old English Sheepdog provide natural insulation. They trap air between the hairs, allowing your dog to stay protected from both heat and cold.

When these guard hairs are shaved, they are replaced by soft, woolly hairs that cannot perform this function. This makes your dog more sensitive to extreme temperatures, which negatively impacts their well-being.

2. Increased Risk of Matting and Dirt

A shaved coat mats more easily as the woolly hair tangles quickly. This means more maintenance and a higher chance of matting. Additionally, a shaved coat is less effective at repelling dirt, causing your dog to get dirty more quickly and require more frequent baths.

3. Reduction in Shine and Color

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

With Love and Consistency Towards a Beautiful Coat

Caring for the coat of an Old English Sheepdog requires time and dedication, but it is a reward in itself. With regular brushing sessions, high-quality products, and attention to details such as nails, teeth, and ears, your dog will remain healthy and happy. They will also always look their 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 a pleasant experience for both of you. A radiant dog starts with your dedication!