Old English Sheepdog: The "Bunny-Hop" Gait and a Coat That Hides Trouble

Old English Sheepdog with a shaggy coat against a dark background, genetic disease medical guide title

Are you thinking about bringing home an Old English Sheepdog, or already living with one? With their shaggy, endearing appearance and that distinctive rolling gait, this breed has long been a favorite among large-breed lovers, known for their sturdy build and gentle, easygoing temperament.

However, the rugged physical traits that once helped them herd livestock across the rough pastures of England don't always translate smoothly into a modern indoor lifestyle. This guide looks at the Old English Sheepdog's historical origins to understand why this breed is prone to certain structural and genetic health risks, and shares a detailed home-care roadmap aimed at improving your dog's quality of life.

🚨 Before You Adopt an Old English Sheepdog: A Reality Check

  • Vigorous play within an hour of eating can be genuinely dangerous: Because of their deep, narrow chest structure, getting excited right after a meal can trigger Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists on itself. This is a true medical emergency that can become life-threatening within just a few hours if not treated promptly.
  • A "bunny hop" gait can be a sign the joints are already struggling: If your dog sways their hips noticeably from side to side or hops with both hind legs together during walks, this can be an early sign of hip dysplasia, a common issue in large breeds.
  • That gorgeous coat can trap more than just charm: Fur covering the eyes and ears can block airflow almost completely, which can significantly raise the risk of chronic ear infections, corneal irritation, and cataracts. Regular coat checks around these areas really matter.

1. The Market Drover's "Bobtail": History and Anatomy of the Old English Sheepdog

In 18th-century western England, the Old English Sheepdog worked as a drover's dog, guiding sheep and cattle safely to market. Their nickname, "Bobtail," actually comes from an old practice of docking working dogs' tails short as visual proof that they qualified for a tax exemption given to herding dogs at the time.

To protect themselves from thorny brush and England's famously unpredictable weather year-round, these dogs developed a thick, weatherproof double coat. Because they also needed to control large livestock and cover long distances, they evolved a deep, sturdy chest structure built for endurance.

The challenge is that these same efficient traits can become real vulnerabilities in a lower-activity, humid indoor environment. That deep chest structure contributes to emergency digestive risks, and their signature coat can end up hiding developing eye and ear conditions.

2. Three Major Medical Risks Rooted in Their Herding Dog Genetics

1) Orthopedic Concerns: Hip Dysplasia, a Common Large-Breed Issue

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop normally where the pelvis meets the thigh bone. Because large breeds grow quickly, this often becomes noticeable between 4 months and 1 year of age.

  • Warning signs: If you notice your dog swaying their hips heavily from side to side when viewed from behind, a "bunny hop" gait, frequently sitting down during walks, or whimpering when getting up, an X-ray evaluation is worth pursuing.
  • 💡 Veterinary care tip: Avoid activities like frisbee or ball games that involve sudden stops or high jumps, and instead build core strength around the pelvis through regular, steady walks on flat ground.

2) A True Emergency Condition: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) Linked to Chest Structure

Because of their deep, narrow chest, Old English Sheepdogs face a notably higher risk of GDV, where the stomach fills with gas or food and can twist on itself. This is a serious emergency condition that can rapidly cut off blood flow to vital organs if not treated within hours.

  • Warning signs: If the belly becomes drum-tight and swollen after eating, along with repeated unproductive retching and excessive drooling, get to an emergency veterinary facility capable of surgery right away.
  • 💡 Veterinary care tip: Avoid vigorous exercise for an hour before and after meals, feed smaller portions two to three times a day instead of one large meal, and ask your vet about a preventive gastropexy procedure during spay or neuter surgery.

3) Eye and Ear Risks: Infections Hidden Beneath the Coat

Hair covering the eyes and their naturally floppy ear structure can trap moisture and block airflow almost entirely, significantly raising the risk of chronic ear infections, corneal irritation, and cataracts.

  • 💡 Veterinary care tip: Regularly trim or clip back the hair around the eyes to prevent irritation, and keep the hair inside the ears trimmed as well. Cleaning the ears with a proper veterinary ear cleanser once a week, followed by thorough drying, is a good habit to build.

3. A Daily At-Home Medical Checklist During Brushing Time

Because sheepdogs tend to be quite tolerant and can hide discomfort well, using your evening brushing routine as a chance to gently check your dog by hand is especially valuable.

Area to Check Warning Sign Recommended Action
Hips & Thighs Does your dog flinch when you touch the hip area, or does one thigh muscle look noticeably smaller than the other? Check for signs of hip dysplasia or discomfort (an X-ray is recommended).
Abdominal Symmetry Does the belly area below the ribs feel unusually tight, bloated, or gassy? Monitor closely for early signs of GDV (this is a true medical emergency).
Inside the Ears Does gently massaging around the ear produce a squishy sound or an unusual odor? This may suggest a chronic ear infection or a yeast/mite issue.
Eyes (Pupils) Excessive tearing, or a cloudy, whitish appearance developing at the center of the lens. Early screening for hereditary cataracts or corneal ulcers is recommended.

Conclusion: A Prepared Owner Can Transform Your Dog's Whole Life

The Old English Sheepdog is an independent yet deeply devoted companion. Even though this breed carries certain hereditary risks, an owner who understands the anatomy behind these conditions and manages the home environment thoughtfully can go a long way toward preventing chronic pain and maximizing quality of life.

For structural conditions common in large breeds, early detection really does shape the long-term outcome. Consider using tonight's brushing routine as a chance to check in on your dog's joints and belly.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If you notice any of the symptoms described above, please consult a licensed veterinarian promptly.

Related Reads

Sources

  • American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – early screening and management protocols for hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs
  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) – warning signs and preventive feeding guidelines for GDV in deep-chested large breeds
  • World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) – guidelines for preventing chronic otitis externa and protecting eye health in long-coated, floppy-eared breeds

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