How much are Old English sheepdogs?
The Old English sheepdog is one of the most iconic dog breeds in Britain, which to many is fondly known as the Dulux dog from TV adverts going back to the 1960s. With his gentle and goofy nature, he brings love and laughter to his forever home. If you plan to get him as your family companion, you may be asking yourself, “How much does an Old English sheepdog cost?” Continue reading to find out more.
The average price of an Old English sheepdog puppy is approximately £950 to £1,500. The value of the puppy will depend on numerous factors, such as the litter’s size, litter’s lineage, breeder’s reputation, and breeder’s location.
It is also worth noting that reputable breeders spend thousands of pounds to produce healthy and well-natured puppies. They have to pay for the litter’s health tests, vaccinations, deworming, and other necessities that the puppies need before finding their new homes. These factors may also affect the Old English sheepdog’s price.
Where should you buy an Old English sheepdog puppy?
Be sure to purchase your Old English sheepdog puppy from a responsible breeder. They are very knowledgeable of the dog’s temperament and health history and pay great attention in breeding strong and healthy puppies. Moreover, reputable breeders provide the litter with proper care and socialisation to ensure that they can easily adapt to their new families and the environment.
The best way to find a reputable breeder is through inquiring in kennel clubs and breed organisations in your area. You may also ask for referrals from your fellow dog enthusiasts, the vet, or obedience training schools. You will know that a breeder is reputable if:
- They offer kennel tours.
- They allow you to meet the parents of the litter.
- The dogs and their puppies are healthy, friendly, and sociable.
- The room where the dogs are kept is clean and spacious
- They have a set of questions for you to answer about your home environment and your experience in raising dogs.
- They are honest about the breed’s temperament and health including any genetic diseases.
- They will require you to sign a contract that states you will return the puppy if you can’t take care of him in the future.
Be wary of breeders who don’t practise what’s listed above. There’s a big chance that they may be backyard breeders or running a puppy farm. Although these types of breeders often sell puppies at a low price, it is best to avoid purchasing from them.
They care little about the dog’s health issues, temperament, and need for socialisation when breeding. Thus, the puppies they produce tend to be sickly and timid or aggressive towards people.
What are the differences between expensive puppies and cheap puppies from reputable breeders?
Some puppies from reputable breeders may be pricier than the others. This is because of their show quality. Puppies primarily bred for show are steep in price compared to those that are bred solely for companionship.
Do not worry though. The big difference in prices doesn’t mean that you get the shorter end of the stick if you chose the less pricey pup. They are still well-bred, healthy, and properly socialised. Sometimes the reason behind the expensive value is the small difference in physical qualities such as the coat colour.
Can I get an Old English sheepdog puppy for less cost?
There are other ways to find an Old English sheepdog at a cheaper price than going to a breeder. Old English sheepdog rescue organisations, animal shelters, and rehoming centres are good options to check out.
Adoption fees for Old English sheepdogs may vary in every adoption establishment. Getting Old English sheepdog puppies from these places may range from £185 to £200. For adult Old English sheepdogs, the adoption cost can amount from £135 to over £240.
Some non-profit organisations don’t charge fees for any of their dogs. Others will only ask for adoption/rehoming donations, which will only cost a few pounds. The fees they incurred will help in covering the expenses for maintaining their facilities and caring costs for the dogs that they are looking after.
What are the initial expenses in raising an Old English sheepdog?
Did you know that for dog owners, their first year of owning a puppy is the most expensive? It’s because they have to purchase their new pet and also buy his necessities. Below is a rough outline of the costs of an Old English sheepdog puppy’s basic needs during your first year:
Food = £372–£504
Equipment (e.g., dog bed, lead, and crate) = £150–£200
Vaccinations = £100–£120
Check-ups = £60–£65
Deworming = £120–£180
Flea Treatment = £60
Spaying/Neutering = £60–£180
Microchipping = £15–£20
Insurance = £240–£360
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Total Cost: approximately around £1,177–£1,689
What is the Old English sheepdog’s annual cost?
After dealing with the exorbitant expenses of your puppy’s first year, the fees in the following years will be less steep. Microchipping, initial vaccinations, and spaying or neutering are one-off costs. These will be crossed off completely from your expense list once they are fully paid. The necessities listed below are the ongoing annual costs after the first year:
Food = £372–£504
Check-ups = £60–£65
Annual Boosters = £50–£60
Deworming = £120–£180
Flea Treatment = £60
Insurance = £240–£360
Miscellaneous Fees = £250
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Total Cost: approximately around £1,152–£1,479
What are the other potential costs of the Old English sheepdog?
There are times when you need to shell out extra money for your dog because the situation calls for it. Here are a few things that you may need to pay in certain circumstances:
- Boarding/Pet-sitter
If you are planning to go on a trip, you may need to spare some pounds for a boarding kennel or pet-sitter. A decent boarding kennel may cost you about £17 with extra fees per day. Getting a pet-sitter will be more costly as their rates may amount to £25 a day. - Dog walker/Daycare
You may need to send your dog to doggy day-care or hire a dog walker if you don’t have time to walk your pooch. The average price of a dog walker may range from £5 to £20 depending on where you live. Meanwhile, doggy day-care price is approximate about £10–£30 per day. - Dog groomer
The grooming fee may vary depending on your location, the size of your dog, and his coat type. Dog owners of large dog breeds like the Old English sheepdog may need to pay between £35 and £56.
Does the Old English sheepdog’s health affect its expenses?
Yes, it does. Medical bills are the most expensive part of getting a dog. Some dog owners have to pay hundreds and sometimes thousands for their pet’s treatment or surgery. Avoid this pitfall by keeping your Old English sheepdog in tip-top shape.
Make it a habit to visit the vet regularly for check-ups. Ensure that your dog gets the necessary vaccinations and booster shots. His preventative care should be a part of your routine too.
You need to be knowledgeable about the Old English sheepdog’s common illnesses as well. This will help you keep an eye out for early signs of any predisposed diseases. With that said, below are the prevalent health issues found in Old English sheepdogs:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)
- Deafness
- Eye problems such as hereditary cataracts and congenital hereditary cataracts
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia
Make sure that your Old English sheepdog gets early health screening tests. This allows the vet to detect any underlying diseases, provide better diagnosis, and give early treatment whilst the illness is still easy to cure.
Read more about the Old English Sheepdog breed.
