We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

They are so much more than just the famous Dulux pups

Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our monthly series, Dog Breed of the Month. First up, we look at the lovable Old English Sheepdog, from their personality to grooming requirements.

"Old English sheepdogs are very energetic and require a household where they can have lots of exercise and play," PDSA Vet Claire Roberts tells Country Living. "Training will help stop them from getting bored. They have a double coat, which consists of a longer, protective top coat and a soft undercoat. This acts to keep them warm and dry, but it requires a lot of grooming and care!"

In recent news, the Old English Sheepdog is no longer at risk of extinction following an increase of 66% in puppy registrations last year, the Kennel Club has found. The shaggy white pup moved to the Vulnerable Native Breeds list in 2020 after falling below 300 annual puppy registrations, but has now seen a significant surge in registrations far exceeding the national average.

Take a look at everything you need to know about these pups...

Yes, Old English Sheepdogs do make good pets. They were developed as a drover's companion that could work in the changing climate of the English countryside. With a thick double coat and loving personality, he is an ideal family pet that needs plenty of human attention.

Originally bred for driving cattle and sheep, Old English Sheepdogs are active and high energy dogs that need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. If you love getting out and about, then these pups are perfect for you.

"Old English Sheepdog are thought to have descended from Scottish or Bearded Collies in the 18th Century. They were bred in the South West to drive sheep and cattle to market," Claire tells us.

According to Animal Health Centre, Old English Sheepdogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper (although other dog breeds can get these too). Many of these infections are preventable through vaccinations, so it's important to head to your local vet for more information.

Claire continues: "They can be prone to some health issues including arthritis and gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), which is sometimes known as 'bloat'. This is where the stomach bloats and twists around itself, which can be fatal if left untreated."

Follow Country Living on Instagram.

Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.  

Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.

Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints. 

In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back. 

This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology. 

"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."

A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat. 

In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life. 

On the hunt for a warm knit jumper? To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk. 

READ MORE: The Barbour Christmas advert 2021 stars Paddington Bear and his heart-warming family

Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.  

William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off. 

This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy. 

In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.