Does the OES require a lot of grooming?

Yes. Yes. Yes. When showing or growing out the initial puppy coat, daily grooming is an absolute necessity to avoid mats and tangles. If you do not plan to show your OES, a weekly grooming session (usually taking a couple of hours) is satisfactory.

Does the OES shed?

With daily/weekly grooming sessions, the brush will remove most of the loose hair. The OES is not considered a "shedding breed" as it maintains its dense coat throughout the year. The little hair that is shed is relatively easy to remove from carpeting and clothing, more so than the short prickly hairs of some of the shorter coated breeds (e.g., Bull Terriers).

Is the OES considered to be a hypoallergenic breed?

Because the breed’s coat is so soft and “human like” it is less likely to harbour the dander that most people react to. While many people with allergies seem to have little or no reaction to the OES hair, it is still not considered to be a truly hypoallergenic breed.

Does the OES eat a lot?

During their first year, OES grow from about one pound (500g) to about sixty pounds (30kg). When fully grown, they will often weigh between 70 to 110 lbs. (30-50 kg). Consequently, OES require plenty of food to support that growth. Once they reach adulthood, however, they have a very low metabolism and do not eat a lot. Of course, the amount of food consumed varies significantly depending upon level of exercise, individual variation, and climate. Overfeeding an OES is easy to do because the profuse coat readily hides extra pounds. It is extremely important that you check your dog's weight regularly.

Is the OES protective of the home and family?

Some are and some are not. Of course, the sheer size of the OES and the barking he will provide is protective in and of itself. However, many OES have been known to welcome friends and strangers alike into the home without so much as a bark. If you are specifically looking for a guard dog, you may want to consider another breed.

How much exercise does the OES require?

Because of its herding origins, an OES should be exercised regularly. The amount of exercise required will vary depending upon the dog's age. Puppies have a lot of energy, so much so that they will use it to destroy your home if they do not have daily outlets. On the other hand, aging dogs often prefer to lie on the couch and will need substantially less exercise. Between those extremes, 1-2 hours of daily exercise should be sufficient. It is important to note that the OES can readily adjust to less exercise, but this is not particularly healthy for him. OES are very capable participants in sheep herding and agility trials, both of which demand a healthy and physically fit dog. The amount of daily exercise is really left to the owner's discretion. Be sure to adjust your dog's food intake to the amount of exercise he receives. Finally, DO NOT exercise your OES when the weather is hot. Their dense undercoat is extremely warm and the dog can get overheated easily and quickly. One way to exercise your OES when it is too hot is to exercise his mind. Searching for a toy, playing hide and seek, opening boxes to find goodies within, and teaching him new tricks are all favorite pastimes.