Best Shampoo for Old English Sheepdogs

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

We independently research and pick every product. When you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey — best for Sensitive skin and allergies. Why it wins: Gentle and non-irritating.

Old English Sheepdogs require regular bathing to prevent matting and tangling of their long, shaggy coats. With their high shedding rate and propensity for skin fold allergies, it's essential to choose a shampoo that's gentle, moisturizing, and specifically formulated for their needs. A good shampoo should not only clean the coat but also address skin sensitivities and allergies. For Old English Sheepdogs, a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo is often the best choice. These types of shampoos are designed to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and hot spots. When selecting a shampoo for an Old English Sheepdog, it's crucial to consider the individual dog's skin type, coat condition, and specific needs. A shampoo that's too harsh can strip the coat of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, and irritation.

What to look for

Skin Sensitivities

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to skin fold allergies and sensitivities, so it's essential to choose a shampoo that's gentle and non-irritating. Look for shampoos labeled as hypoallergenic or fragrance-free to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Coat Type

The long, shaggy coat of the Old English Sheepdog requires a shampoo that's specifically formulated for their coat type. A shampoo with moisturizing ingredients, such as oatmeal or shea butter, can help to keep the coat soft and manageable.

Shedding

Old English Sheepdogs are heavy shedders, so a shampoo that helps to reduce shedding can be beneficial. Look for shampoos containing ingredients such as omega fatty acids or papaya leaf extract, which can help to reduce excess shedding.

pH Balance

A shampoo that's pH-balanced for dogs is essential to prevent irritation and discomfort. Look for shampoos with a pH level that's close to the natural pH of a dog's skin, which is around 5.5.

Size and Concentration

Old English Sheepdogs are large dogs, so they require a shampoo that's concentrated and effective. Look for shampoos that come in large sizes or have a high concentration of active ingredients to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey	Sensitive skin and allergies
2	Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo	Dry and itchy skin
3	FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo	Reducing shedding
4	TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo	Convenient and gentle cleaning
5	Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo	Severe skin issues

Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo with Shea Butter & Honey

Best for Sensitive skin and allergies

This hypoallergenic shampoo is specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. The addition of shea butter and honey provides long-lasting moisturization and soothes irritated skin. The pH-balanced formula ensures that the shampoo won't strip the coat of its natural oils, making it an excellent choice for Old English Sheepdogs.

✓ Gentle and non-irritating
✓ Moisturizing ingredients for soft coat
✓ pH-balanced formula

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with severe skin allergies

Check price →

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo

Best for Dry and itchy skin

This soap-free shampoo is designed to relieve itching and dry skin, making it an excellent choice for Old English Sheepdogs with skin allergies or sensitivities. The colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera provide long-lasting moisturization and soothe irritated skin.

✓ Relieves itching and dry skin
✓ Soap-free and pH-balanced formula
✓ Moisturizing ingredients for soft coat

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with oily coats

Check price →

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo

Best for Reducing shedding

This deshedding shampoo is specifically formulated to reduce excess shedding in Old English Sheepdogs. The omega fatty acids and papaya leaf extract help to reduce shedding, while the calendula extract soothes and calms the skin.

✓ Reduces excess shedding
✓ Soothes and calms the skin
✓ pH-balanced formula

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with sensitive skin

Check price →

TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo

Best for Convenient and gentle cleaning

This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner is designed to provide a convenient and gentle cleaning experience for Old English Sheepdogs. The papaya and coconut extracts provide moisturization and nourishment to the coat, while the soap-free and paraben-free formula ensures that the shampoo won't strip the coat of its natural oils.

✓ Convenient 2-in-1 formula
✓ Gentle and non-irritating
✓ Moisturizing ingredients for soft coat

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with severe skin allergies

Check price →

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo

Best for Severe skin issues

This medicated shampoo is designed to treat severe skin issues such as seborrhea, mange, and scale buildup in Old English Sheepdogs. The antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic formula provides fast and effective relief from skin irritations and infections.

✓ Treats severe skin issues
✓ Fast and effective relief
✓ Antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic formula

✕ May require a prescription from a veterinarian
✕ May not be suitable for dogs with sensitive skin

Check price →

Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe my Old English Sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdogs require regular bathing to prevent matting and tangling of their coats. It's recommended to bathe them every 2-3 weeks, depending on their individual needs and lifestyle.

What type of shampoo is best for my Old English Sheepdog's sensitive skin?

For Old English Sheepdogs with sensitive skin, it's best to use a hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoo that's specifically formulated for their skin type. Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate their skin.

Can I use human shampoo on my Old English Sheepdog?

No, it's not recommended to use human shampoo on your Old English Sheepdog. Human shampoos are formulated for human skin and can be too harsh for dogs, stripping their coats of natural oils and causing irritation.

How can I reduce shedding in my Old English Sheepdog?

To reduce shedding in your Old English Sheepdog, use a deshedding shampoo or conditioner, and brush their coat regularly to remove loose hair. You can also try adding omega fatty acids to their diet to help reduce shedding.

What are the most common skin issues in Old English Sheepdogs?

Old English Sheepdogs are prone to skin fold allergies, seborrhea, and hot spots. They can also be prone to skin infections and irritations due to their long, shaggy coats. Regular grooming and bathing can help to prevent these issues, but if you notice any signs of skin problems, consult with your veterinarian for advice.

When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your Old English Sheepdog, consider their individual skin type, coat condition, and specific needs. A gentle, moisturizing shampoo that's specifically formulated for their coat type can help to keep their coat soft and manageable, while also addressing skin sensitivities and allergies. By selecting the right shampoo and following a regular grooming routine, you can help to keep your Old English Sheepdog happy and healthy.

More for your Old English Sheepdog

Other breed-matched picks worth a look.

Best Shampoo for other breeds

The same category, matched to a different breed.