There are no Old English Sheepdogs currently listed with Calgary-area rescues. New dogs arrive regularly through Calgary shelters and southern-Alberta intake — this page refreshes automatically as they do.
Browse all available Calgary dogs →About Old English Sheepdogs in Calgary
The Old English Sheepdog (OES), the shaggy "bobtail" of the herding group, is a big, bear-like dog with a famously easygoing, affectionate temperament. Despite the herding heritage, the OES is more of a mellow companion than a high-octane worker. They are playful, clownish, and devoted to their families, with a surprisingly gentle nature for their size. They still need daily exercise and engagement, but they are calmer than most herders.
OES end up in rescue most often because of their coat. That magnificent double coat mats severely without frequent brushing and regular professional grooming, and owners who were not ready for the time and cost frequently surrender or rehome them. Others come in through life changes or because a big, hairy dog became too much for the household. The Old English Sheepdog is a rare breed in Alberta rescue, so you are far more likely to find an OES mix than a purebred. Honest rescues will be clear about grooming demands, hip and eye concerns, and exercise needs.
We pull adoptable dogs from 15+ Calgary-area rescues including Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, ARF Alberta, and Cochrane Humane Society. Listings are updated regularly. Because the OES is genuinely uncommon here, there may be none listed on a given day. Set up an adoption alert or browse the wider large-breed and herding listings, and check back as new dogs come into care.
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Browse all Calgary large dogs →Old English Sheepdog Adoption FAQ
Where can I adopt an Old English Sheepdog in Calgary?
Check Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, ARF Alberta, and Cochrane Humane Society first. The OES is a rare breed in Alberta rescue, so purebreds seldom appear and most listings will be sheepdog-type mixes. An adoption alert is the best way to be notified when one becomes available.
How much grooming does an Old English Sheepdog need?
A lot. The dense double coat mats quickly and needs brushing several times a week plus professional grooming every couple of months. Many OES are surrendered precisely because owners underestimated this. Some adopters keep the coat in a shorter "puppy cut" to make upkeep manageable, especially through Calgary winters.
Are Old English Sheepdogs good with kids?
Generally yes. The OES is known for a patient, gentle, playful temperament that does well with children. They are large and can be bouncy, so supervision around small kids is wise. Their herding instinct may show up as gentle nudging or circling, which is easily managed with training.
Do Old English Sheepdogs need a lot of exercise?
They need moderate daily exercise, around an hour of walking and play, plus mental engagement. They are calmer than working herders like the Border Collie but still need a job to stay content. Calgary's off-leash parks suit them well, though their heavy coat means you will want to watch for overheating in summer.