The Old English Sheepdog is physically strong and generally not prone to frequent illness, so as long as regular health checks are done, owners may not need to worry too much about disease. The breed is also not especially picky about food, which reduces some of the stress of feeding and can even save money in some areas. But if the breed has these advantages, why are fewer and fewer people willing to keep one?
Too large in size
The Old English Sheepdog is a very large breed. Although it is not extremely demanding about living conditions in principle, a cramped indoor space is clearly not suitable for it. Taking such a large and impressive dog outside may look stylish, but keeping a giant dog inside a limited human living space often feels crowded and uncomfortable both for the family and for the dog itself.
High daily expenses
The breed has a dense, heavy coat, and long hair may block its vision. During eating and drinking, the hair around the mouth can easily become messy, so daily cleaning is somewhat troublesome. The coat also requires regular trimming. If the owner cannot groom it personally, professional grooming at a pet shop becomes necessary. In addition, as a large dog, the Old English Sheepdog eats a great deal and needs enough quality nutrition. Providing reliable dog food for such a big breed is already a significant expense. Without a stable income, keeping a dog like this can become a burden, so owners should think carefully before deciding.
As a large breed, the Old English Sheepdog does not adapt especially well to city life. Being kept indoors for long periods is not good for its physical health. It needs long daily outings, and large dogs like this usually need to be walked twice a day, with each outing taking quite a while. If the owner does not have enough time and energy, it is hard to care for the breed properly. That is one of the main reasons why fewer people in cities now choose to keep Old English Sheepdogs.