Best Pet Insurance for Old English Sheepdogs
The Old English Sheepdog is an instantly recognizable breed — a large, shaggy, bear-like dog known for its ambling gait and exuberant, good-natured personality. Bred to drive cattle and sheep across England, the OES is an intelligent, adaptable working dog that thrives as a family companion. They are playful, affectionate, and surprisingly athletic beneath all that coat. Their distinctive double coat requires extensive grooming (2–3 hours per week minimum). Health-wise, the breed is vulnerable to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and a rare but serious hereditary cerebellar ataxia. With attentive care and good insurance, most OES enjoy a full and active decade-plus lifespan.
Best Pet Insurance for Old English Sheepdogs (Ranked)
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Score Breakdown
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Old English Sheepdog Health Risks & Conditions
Understanding your Old English Sheepdog's specific health risks helps you choose the right coverage.
Hip Dysplasia
high riskOFA data shows elevated rates of hip dysplasia in Old English Sheepdogs, with over 15% of tested dogs affected. The condition causes joint laxity, progressive arthritis, and pain. For mild-to-moderate cases, medical management with NSAIDs, joint supplements, and weight management costs $500–$1,500/year. Severe cases require total hip replacement ($4,500–$7,000 per hip) or triple pelvic osteotomy in young dogs ($3,000–$5,000). Physical therapy is a valuable adjunct treatment.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
moderate riskPRA is a hereditary degenerative eye disease that progressively destroys retinal photoreceptors, leading to blindness. The Old English Sheepdog breed carries a documented form of PRA. Night blindness is typically the first sign, followed by total vision loss. There is no treatment or cure. Annual ophthalmology exams ($150–$300) are recommended to monitor progression. A DNA test is available to identify affected dogs and carriers, enabling responsible breeding decisions.
Hypothyroidism
moderate riskHypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in Old English Sheepdogs where the thyroid underproduces hormone. Symptoms include weight gain despite normal appetite, lethargy, coat changes, and skin issues — challenging to spot in a heavily coated breed. Diagnosis requires thyroid panel bloodwork ($100–$250). Daily levothyroxine ($20–$50/month) effectively manages the condition lifelong. Recheck bloodwork every 6 months to adjust dosing.
Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia
low riskA form of hereditary cerebellar ataxia has been documented in Old English Sheepdogs, causing progressive loss of coordination and balance. Onset typically occurs in young adults. Affected dogs show uncoordinated gait, balance problems, and tremors. A DNA test is available. There is no cure; management is supportive with physical therapy and environmental modifications. The condition is progressive but some dogs can have reasonable quality of life for several years.
Deafness
low riskCongenital deafness — linked to the merle-related pimentation genes — occurs at low rates in Old English Sheepdogs. BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing ($100–$200) can detect unilateral or bilateral deafness in puppies. Deaf dogs require specialized training but can live fulfilling lives. No medical treatment exists; management focuses on visual cues and vibration signals for communication. Responsible breeders BAER test litters.
What to Look for in Old English Sheepdog Pet Insurance
Old English Sheepdogs have several hereditary conditions that require coverage over their lifetime. Hip dysplasia is the biggest financial risk, with bilateral cases running $9,000–$14,000+ in surgery costs. The breed's thick double coat also means regular grooming costs that insurance doesn't cover. Key priorities: (1) Hereditary and congenital coverage for hip dysplasia and PRA; (2) Orthopedic surgical coverage; (3) Coverage for neurological conditions including cerebellar ataxia. Top picks: Embrace (strong hereditary coverage), Figo (unlimited annual limits), Trupanion (covers 90% of actual costs).
Old English Sheepdog Quick Stats
Common Old English Sheepdog Health Conditions
All Providers Ranked for Old English Sheepdogs
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Old English Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Consider alternatives with stronger hereditary condition coverage for Old English Sheepdogs.
Consider alternatives with stronger hereditary condition coverage for Old English Sheepdogs.
Covers your breed's key risks: