Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Old English Sheepdog and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Old English Sheepdog
A lovable, shaggy companion known for playful energy and gentle loyalty. Brings warmth and joy to family life with a distinctive bobtail and endearing nature.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Large
32–45 kg
Double coat, profuse
10–12 years
27–36 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Old English Sheepdog
Warm, welcoming, and enjoys family interaction
Quick learner, responds well to training
Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Loves games and playful with children
Adjusts well to various living conditions
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Old English Sheepdog
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Old English Sheepdog
Moderately challenging
Grooming and training needs can overwhelm new owners
Not ideal
Needs space and regular exercise, often struggles in small apartments
Highly suitable
Thrives with active owners who provide daily exercise and mental stimulation
Great choice
Gentle, patient, and playful with children, making them good family dogs
Good fit
Usually sociable with other pets if properly introduced and socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation issues
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Old English Sheepdog
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Generally good with children
- Strong herding instincts and intelligence
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Distinctive, attractive shaggy appearance
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Old English Sheepdog
- High grooming and coat maintenance needs
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- May herd people or other pets
- Needs regular, vigorous daily exercise
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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