German Shepherd vs Old English Sheepdog

Side-by-side comparison

Choosing between German Shepherd and Old English Sheepdog depends on your specific needs and priorities.

When it comes to weight, German Shepherd offers 50-90 lbs compared to Old English Sheepdog's 60-100 lbs. When it comes to height, German Shepherd offers 22-26 inches compared to Old English Sheepdog's 21-22 inches. When it comes to lifespan, German Shepherd offers 7-10 years compared to Old English Sheepdog's 10-12 years.

Below is a detailed side-by-side breakdown to help you make an informed decision between these two breeds.

Size
German Shepherd
Large
Old English Sheepdog
Large
Weight
German Shepherd
50-90 lbs
Old English Sheepdog
60-100 lbs
Height
German Shepherd
22-26 inches
Old English Sheepdog
21-22 inches
Lifespan
German Shepherd
7-10 years
Old English Sheepdog
10-12 years
Temperament
German Shepherd
LoyalConfidentCourageous
Old English Sheepdog
AdaptableGentleSmart
Group
German Shepherd
Herding
Old English Sheepdog
Herding
Origin
German Shepherd
Germany
Old English Sheepdog
England

German Shepherd

German Shepherd is a large Herding breed from Germany. Known for being loyal, confident, courageous. Has an average lifespan of 7-10 years and a weight range of 50-90 lbs.

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdog is a large Herding breed from England. Known for being adaptable, gentle, smart. Has an average lifespan of 10-12 years and a weight range of 60-100 lbs.

Key Differences

AttributeGerman ShepherdOld English SheepdogVerdict
SizeLargeLargeBoth are large-sized dogs
Weight50-90 lbs60-100 lbsOld English Sheepdog is heavier (approx. 12% difference)
Height22-26"21-22"Different heights (22-26" vs 21-22")
Life Span7-10 yrs10-12 yrsOld English Sheepdog tends to live longer (10-12 vs 7-10 years)
Breed GroupHerdingHerdingBoth are Herding breeds
OriginGermanyEnglandDifferent origins: Germany vs England
TemperamentLoyal, Confident, CourageousAdaptable, Gentle, SmartDifferent temperaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a German Shepherd bigger than a Old English Sheepdog?

Both are large-sized dogs. German Shepherd weighs 50-90 lbs while Old English Sheepdog weighs 60-100 lbs.

Which lives longer, German Shepherd or Old English Sheepdog?

Old English Sheepdog tends to live longer (10-12 vs 7-10 years)

Are German Shepherds and Old English Sheepdogs good family dogs?

Both breeds can make great family pets. The German Shepherd is known for being loyal, confident, courageous, while the Old English Sheepdog is adaptable, gentle, smart.

What is the difference between a German Shepherd and a Old English Sheepdog?

The main differences are in size (Large vs Large), origin (Germany vs England), and breed group (Herding vs Herding).

Which breed is easier to train, German Shepherd or Old English Sheepdog?

Trainability varies by individual dog. The German Shepherd (Loyal, Confident, Courageous) and Old English Sheepdog (Adaptable, Gentle, Smart) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.