Health-tested Old English Sheepdog stud dogs

Old English Sheepdog Stud Dogs

Under the shaggy coat and the rolling, bear-like walk is an athletic drover's dog with a clownish streak. The breed is uncommon today, so each sire matters to its future. On VerifiedStuds, every owner is identity verified, and each profile shows health results beside the fee.

$800 to $2,000+

estimated fee, while champion sires cost more

4 tests

hips, eyes, thyroid and EIC DNA

Natural, chilled, frozen

breeding methods

Old English Sheepdog stud dogs: grey and white Old English Sheepdog standing on a lawn. Photo by Mona, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Old English Sheepdog stud dogs: founding spots

Old English Sheepdog profiles are opening now. Meanwhile, owners of health-tested males can claim a free Founding Stud spot.

Founding Stud spot open

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Show his OFA hips, eye exam, thyroid result and DNA panel to breeders who are ready to book.

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Founding Stud spot open

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Founding Studs pay 0% commission on their first booking, and listing is also free.

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Founding Stud spot open

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Short on time? Then send us the documents, and we will build the listing for you.

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What Old English Sheepdog stud dogs cost

Old English Sheepdog stud fees usually run from $800 to $2,000. A health-tested male with no proven litters often asks $800 to $1,200. However, champions and proven sires can ask $1,500 to $2,500.

These are market estimates, since fees are private. Because the breed is rare, breeders often ship semen a long way to find an unrelated sire. The stud fee guide explains contracts and return services.

$800 to $2,000+

Overall range (estimate): $800 to $2,500

Health-tested, unproven male: $800 to $1,200

Champion or proven sire: $1,500 to $2,500

Young Old English Sheepdog trotting across grass. Photo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Health tests for Old English Sheepdog stud dogs

The Old English Sheepdog Club of America is the AKC parent club. A stud can carry our Verified Health badge when the owner uploads the results on its recommended list:

Test

What we accept

Hips

OFA hip evaluation or PennHIP

Eyes

Exam by a board-certified ophthalmologist

Thyroid

OFA thyroid evaluation

EIC

DNA test for exercise-induced collapse

Brucellosis

Negative test taken before the breeding

In addition, breeders often test for MDR1 drug sensitivity, primary ciliary dyskinesia and cerebellar degeneration, which all have DNA tests. A BAER hearing test is sensible too, since deafness occurs in the breed. Registered results are public on the OFA website.

See our health testing guides for how each test works.

How to choose between Old English Sheepdog stud dogs

First, feel what is under the coat. A good Sheepdog is compact and square, with a strong rear that stands a little higher than the shoulder. Since the coat hides everything, use your hands or ask for photos of him clipped.

Next, check how related he is to your female. The gene pool is small, so shared ancestors are hard to avoid. Therefore, compare pedigrees and read our guide to the coefficient of inbreeding.

Finally, look for the right temperament. The standard asks for an even, adaptable dog with no sign of aggression or nervousness. A good one is steady, friendly and a little silly.

Old English Sheepdog temperament and background

Despite the name, the breed is not very old. It was developed in the west of England in the 1800s to drive sheep and cattle to market. Tails were docked to mark working dogs, which gave the nickname "Bobtail". The AKC describes the breed as adaptable, gentle and smart. Males stand 22 inches and up.

At home, the breed is affectionate and good with children. However, the coat takes several hours of brushing each week. As a result, many pet owners keep it clipped short.

Natural breeding, chilled and frozen semen

Old English Sheepdogs usually breed naturally, although the coat is often trimmed first. However, with so few sires available, chilled and frozen semen are both common. Each profile lists the methods on offer.

The dog artificial insemination guide explains timing and shipping. Then see how VerifiedStuds works.

How booking a stud works here

1

First, shortlist studs and message owners through the site to agree on dates and terms.

2

Then book the stud and pay the listed fee by card at checkout.

3

After that, accept the breeding terms before the booking confirms.

4

Finally, the owner is paid through Stripe, and you can leave a verified review after the breeding.

Own an Old English Sheepdog stud? List Your Stud free. The first 100 studs pay no commission on their first booking.

Also compare Collie studs, Bernese Mountain Dog studs, Great Pyrenees studs and Australian Shepherd studs, or see every breed on our stud dogs by breed page. Planning his workload? Then read our guide to how often a stud can breed.

Old English Sheepdog stud service FAQ

How much is an Old English Sheepdog stud fee?

Most owners charge $800 to $2,000. However, champions and proven sires can ask up to $2,500. These figures are estimates.

What health tests should an Old English Sheepdog stud have?

Hips, an eye exam, a thyroid evaluation and the EIC DNA test, plus a recent negative brucellosis test.

Do Old English Sheepdogs shed?

They shed less than many breeds, because loose hair stays in the coat. However, that hair mats unless it is brushed out.

Are Old English Sheepdogs born without tails?

A few are born with a natural bobtail. Traditionally, tails were docked, although many countries no longer allow it.

How do I list my Old English Sheepdog at stud?

Create a free account, upload his health results and photos, and set your fee. Or let our team build the listing.

Have a health-tested Sheepdog male?

List him free while the 100 Founding Stud spots are open, or compare typical fees first.