The 3 Best Brushes for an Old English Sheepdog

 

If you share your home with an Old English Sheepdog, you already know what a lovable giant they are. These dogs are full of personality — playful, loyal, and always ready to make you laugh. But that beautiful, shaggy coat? It takes work to keep it healthy and tangle-free.

Because of their long double coat, Old English Sheepdogs need regular brushing to prevent mats and keep their fur soft and fluffy. Without it, tangles can form close to the skin and turn into painful mats that are hard to remove. The good news is that with the right tools and a simple routine, grooming your Sheepdog can be easy and even enjoyable for both of you.

Below are the three best brushes for an Old English Sheepdog, plus a bonus product that makes brushing smoother and faster.

Why Grooming Matters So Much for an Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs have a thick double coat — a soft, dense undercoat covered by a long, coarse outer coat. This coat protects them from the cold but also traps dirt, debris, and loose hair. If you don’t stay on top of grooming, the undercoat can quickly mat up, making your dog uncomfortable and sometimes even causing skin irritation.

Brushing a few times a week helps remove dead hair, prevent tangles, and keep your Sheepdog’s skin clean and healthy. It also gives you a chance to check their skin, ears, and body for any issues that might be hiding under that long fur.

Now, let’s look at the brushes that really make a difference for this breed.

1. Long Pin Slicker Brush — The Grooming Essential

If you only get one grooming tool for your Old English Sheepdog, make it a long pin slicker brush. This type of brush is perfect for working through thick, fluffy coats like theirs. The long pins reach deep into both layers of fur, helping to remove loose hair, small tangles, and dirt before they turn into big mats.

What makes this slicker brush so effective is how gentle yet thorough it is. The pins glide through the coat without pulling, while still reaching all the way down to the undercoat. It’s great for brushing your Sheepdog’s back, legs, chest, and tail — basically everywhere that tends to get tangled.

For best results, brush in small sections and use short, gentle strokes. Always hold the hair near the base if you feel resistance so you don’t pull the skin. With consistent use, this brush keeps your Sheepdog’s coat fluffy, soft, and free of mats.

2. Metal Comb — For Finishing and Finding Hidden Tangles

After using your slicker brush, follow up with a metal comb. This tool helps you find any tangles or knots the slicker might have missed. The metal teeth glide through the fur, separating each strand and giving the coat a smooth, polished finish.

What’s great about this comb is that it also reaches deep into the coat, helping to remove loose hair from the undercoat. It’s especially helpful around problem areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail — spots where mats love to form.

The metal comb is also perfect for daily quick checks between full grooming sessions. Even a few minutes a day with this comb can help prevent tangles and keep your Sheepdog’s coat in great shape.

3. Dematting Comb — For Tough Mats and Knots

Even with regular brushing, an Old English Sheepdog’s coat can still get mats — especially if they’ve been rolling around or missed a few grooming sessions. That’s where a dematting comb comes in handy.

This comb is designed with safe, rounded blades that gently cut through mats without hurting your dog. It’s made for thick coats like the Sheepdog’s and works wonders on stubborn tangles that regular brushes can’t handle.

When you find a mat, hold the hair close to the skin to avoid pulling, then slowly work through the tangle from the ends toward the roots. Go slow and be patient — forcing it can make it worse. With this tool, you can remove mats safely and keep the coat looking beautiful without shaving or cutting large sections of fur.

Bonus Tool: Detangler Spray — Your Grooming Game Changer

Before you start brushing, a good detangler spray can make everything smoother and easier. It helps loosen tangles, adds a light “slip” to the coat, and lets your brushes glide through without tugging.

This Freshly Bailey Detangler Spray is especially useful for long, heavy coats like the Old English Sheepdog’s. It softens the fur, adds shine, and helps reduce static. Just spray lightly over the coat or focus on tangled areas, wait a minute or two, and then start brushing. You’ll feel the difference immediately — less resistance and a much happier dog.

How to Brush an Old English Sheepdog (Step by Step)

Grooming such a large, furry dog might seem intimidating, but it’s easy once you break it down. Here’s a simple step-by-step routine that works:

1. Get your tools ready

Grab your long pin slicker brush, metal comb, dematting comb, and detangler spray. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother.

2. Spray the detangler

Lightly mist your Sheepdog’s coat with detangler spray, especially around the areas that mat easily — behind the ears, under the legs, and near the tail. Give it a minute to absorb.

3. Start with the slicker brush

Use your long pin slicker brush to gently brush through the coat. Work in small sections, starting from the bottom layers and moving up. Brush with gentle, slow strokes, and if you hit a tangle, don’t force it — just move to another area and come back to it later.

4. Use the metal comb

After the slicker, use your metal comb to go over the entire coat. This helps catch any tangles you might have missed and removes leftover loose hair. Focus on the thick areas where mats usually form.

5. Handle mats with the dematting comb

If you find a mat, hold the fur close to the skin and use the dematting comb to carefully work through it. Always start from the ends and move toward the roots. Take your time — slow and steady is the key.

6. Do a final brush-through

Finish up with one last pass using the slicker brush to smooth everything out. This gives the coat that soft, fluffy look Old English Sheepdogs are known for.

7. Reward your dog

Don’t forget the treats! End each session with praise or a small snack so your dog learns that grooming time is a positive experience.

Freshly Bailey Tips for Easier Grooming

• Brush several times a week — daily if possible during shedding season.
  
  
• Always brush when the coat is dry; wet hair is more likely to tangle.
  
  
• Keep grooming sessions short if your dog gets restless. You can always finish later.
  
  
• Check for any redness or irritation while brushing. Regular grooming helps catch small issues early.
  

Old English Sheepdogs may have high-maintenance coats, but with the right tools and a regular routine, you can keep their fur beautiful, soft, and mat-free.

Start with a long pin slicker brush for daily brushing. Follow with a metal comb to find hidden tangles and keep the coat smooth. Keep a dematting comb nearby for stubborn mats, and don’t forget the Freshly Bailey Detangler Spray to make brushing effortless.

Regular grooming isn’t just about looks — it keeps your dog healthy, comfortable, and happy. And when your Old English Sheepdog feels good, you’ll feel good too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grooming an Old English Sheepdog

How often should I brush my Old English Sheepdog?
Ideally, you should brush your Old English Sheepdog at least three to four times a week. Their thick double coat can mat quickly, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or has a longer coat, daily brushing is even better.

Do Old English Sheepdogs shed a lot?
Yes, they do shed — especially when the seasons change. Regular brushing with a long pin slicker brush and metal comb helps remove loose hair and reduces the amount that ends up around your home.

Can I shave my Old English Sheepdog to make grooming easier?
It’s not recommended to shave their coat completely. Their double coat protects them from both heat and cold. Instead, keep it well brushed and trimmed around the eyes, paws, and sanitary areas to stay clean and comfortable.

What’s the best shampoo for an Old English Sheepdog?
A gentle, moisturizing shampoo works best — especially one that cleans, conditions, and helps with tangles. We recommend using the Freshly Bailey Dog Shampoo and Conditioner, which soothes the skin with aloe and oatmeal and helps prevent matting while leaving the coat soft and fresh.

How do I deal with stubborn mats?
Use a detangler spray and a dematting comb. Spray the area first to soften the tangle, then gently work through it with the dematting comb. Start from the ends of the mat and work your way toward the base. Be patient — never pull or cut mats directly with scissors.

Should I brush my Old English Sheepdog when the coat is wet or dry?
Always brush when the coat is dry. Brushing a wet coat can cause breakage and make tangles worse. If your dog just had a bath, wait until they’re fully dry before brushing.

How often should I bathe my Old English Sheepdog?
Every 4–6 weeks is usually enough, unless your dog gets especially dirty. Regular brushing helps keep their coat cleaner between baths and reduces the need for frequent washing.