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The Old English Sheepdog breed is a large, smart, and fluffy canine companion well known for their archetypical shaggy coat.
While their soft fur makes them huggable, it also requires dedicated grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Whether you’re a first-time Sheepdog owner or a seasoned pro, getting to know the different grooming styles, techniques, and haircuts can make a world of difference.
And for the DIY groomers out there, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow dog grooming tips that will help you pamper your Sheepdog’s unique coat at home.
18 English Sheepdog Grooming Styles & Haircuts
1. The Classic Show Cut
If you’ve ever been to dog shows, then you must be familiar with this classic show cut that suits breeds with shaggy coats.
The hair on the body is left long and brushed out, while the face is gently shaped to keep it neat, and the topknot is tied back to keep hair out of the eyes.
This classic cut requires regular maintenance with frequent brushing to prevent matting, and it’s ideal for Sheepdogs who are frequently groomed and attended to.
2. The Sheepdog Puppy Haircut
The Puppy Cut is a popular, low-maintenance style where the coat is trimmed evenly all over, typically around 1-2 inches in length.
It gives the dog a neat, soft, and youthful appearance, much like that of a puppy. This style is practical and ideal for active dogs, as it helps reduce tangles and is easy to maintain.
3. The Summer Trim
The Summer Cut is designed to keep dogs cool during warmer months by trimming the coat close to the body, but still leaving some fluff for protection.
The body is trimmed short, while the legs, face, and tail maintain a bit of volume, giving the dog a stylish yet practical appearance.
This trim helps reduce overheating and keeps the coat clean, especially for dogs who are active outdoors.
4. The Lion Cut
The Lion Cut for Sheepies is a bold trim where the body is cut short, while the fur around the head, neck, and sometimes the tip of the tail is left longer, resembling a lion’s mane.
The legs may also have a gradual tapering of fur, leaving a fluffy cuff at the ankles. This cut provides a dramatic look and is often chosen for its fun, attention-grabbing appearance.
5. The Kennel Cut
This is a versatile and low-maintenance trim where the coat is clipped relatively short all over, typically to about 1-2 inches in length.
It helps to reduce matting and shedding, making it easier to manage the dog’s coat, especially during warmer months or for active dogs.
6. The Teddy Bear Cut
The Teddy Bear Cut gives your Old English Sheepdog a soft, rounded, and cuddly appearance, similar to a plush toy.
The coat is trimmed evenly all over to about 1-2 inches in length, with the face carefully shaped into a round, fluffy appearance.
7. Puppy Cut with a Top Knot
This lovely Sheepie is rocking a classic Puppy Cut, where the coat is trimmed to a uniform, manageable length all over.
However, there is a top knot on the head which adds to the beauty of the new grooming style! This style is perfect for keeping a young Sheepadoodle comfortable and tangle-free.
8. Modified Summer Cut
This popping canine grooming style strikes a good balance between a short summer cut and a fluffier puppy cut.
The body is clipped shorter for easier maintenance, but there’s still a decent amount of fur left to give a soft, shaggy look. The face and legs are also trimmed, but not as short as in a typical summer cut.
9. Rounded Face Trim
This cute Sheepie has a neatly rounded and trimmed face, while the body fur is left longer and more natural.
The hair around the eyes and muzzle is carefully shaped to prevent obstruction and maintain a clean appearance, but the rest of the coat retains its characteristic fullness and texture.
10. Natural Tidy Trim
This Sheepie looks has a mostly natural coat with a light trim to keep things neat with the fur being kept at a medium length all over.
The groomer added some subtle shaping around the face and feet to prevent matting and keep the dog looking polished.
11. Topknot Hairstyle
The topknot hairdo can go with any Sheepie grooming style. All you have to do is gather enough fur on the dog’s head and tie it with a headband.
12. Short & Sweet
For this trim, the groomer kept the dog’s body fur short with a clipper to minimize shedding and matting while still offering some protection.
The dog’s face is however neatly trimmed with a keep emphasis placed on the eyes which exude a clean, alert expression.
13. Freestyle Hairdo
This Old English Sheepdog has a natural, free-flowing coat showcasing the breed’s characteristic shaggy and voluminous fur, with a beautiful blend of colors and textures.
You can also rock this style on your dog, but remember it requires dedication to regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangles.
14. Half & Half Trim
This Sheepie dog has a half & half grooming style where the body is clipped short, while the head and face retain a longer, fluffier coat.
15. Designer Cut
This Sheepie has a designer cut, where the body fur is trimmed short for comfort and easy maintenance during warmer months, and dyes ears.
16. The Clean-Cut Look
This Sheepie’s coat is trimmed to a uniform, manageable length all over, to create a neat and polished appearance.
It helps to keep the dog cool through the hot summer months while maintaining a flair for beauty and character.
17. Topknot with a Short Body
This playful Sheepie is sporting a unique style with a focus on the head. The body fur is clipped short for easy maintenance, while the hair on the head is left long and styled into a topknot.
18. Poodle Cut
The Poodle Cut is a stylish grooming style that is adapted for any hairy dog breed including the Old English Sheepdogs.
In this cut, the hair on the body is clipped short while leaving longer, fluffy areas on the legs, head, and tail, creating a well-defined contrast.
The face, neck, and feet are often trimmed close for a poodle-like appearance. The groomer can also add a topknot or a tail pom-pom.
Helpful Tips for Grooming Your Old English Sheepdog
With such shaggy hair, you should always aim to prevent knots and tangles on this breed by regular brushing, combing, and occasional bathing.
Daily combing and regular brushing will help remove dead undercoat from your Sheepie’s dense double coat.
We recommend a thorough grooming session every month. This should include cleaning your dog’s ears and paws, trimming their nails, and checking their anal glands.
Unlike what you may have thought, clipping the coat too short can make an Old English Sheepdog hotter in warm weather.
If you do decide to clip your OES, be sure to leave enough hair to provide some shade and help them regulate their body temperature.
It’s best practice to bathe your Old English Sheepdog once or twice a month depending on the season. Make sure to use canine-specific shampoo and warm water during the shower session.
If you keep your pup too long and their fur gets tangled, it’s best to take them to a pet salon for a professional bath.
During the scheduled bath time, it’s a good idea to rinse out any dust or debris from the dog’s eye using canine eye drops, which may also soothe irritation.
Remember to clean your dog’s ears with a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution to make sure there aren’t any developing infections that need a vet’s attention.
Using Paw Balm once a week helps keep your dog’s paw pads soft and healthy. This way, they’re less likely to get dry and cracked.
Above all these, remember that diet and overall care are the foundation for a healthy dog. Feed your dog high-quality canine foods and take them for regular workout sessions.
Conclusion
Grooming an Old English Sheepdog might look like a lot of work at first, but with the right approach and tools, it can turn into a fun bonding time with your furry friend.
No matter the haircut style you go for, be it a trendy Sheepdog haircut or a more natural, flowing style, remember to keep your Sheepie’s coat from tangling.
Share your favorite Sheepdog haircut with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to show off your furry friend’s transformation with before and after photos.
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Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
2 Responses
Je voudrais savoir quel rasoir est le meilleur pour tondre le berger anglais. Merci !
Hi Alain, for trimming a thick, double-coated breed like the Old English Sheepdog, a powerful, professional-grade clipper is key. Brands such as Andis (UltraEdge), Wahl (KM series), or Oster (A5) work well. Pick a #5 or #7 blade (or comb attachments) depending on how short you’d like the coat. Make sure you brush out any mats first, keep the blades sharp and cool. Always consider professional help or seeking your local groomer advice if this is your first time trying to groom your dog and / or if the coat is heavily tangled. Hope this was helpful 🙂