Comparison: Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog

Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Bearded Collie
Photo: marbla123, CC BY 2.0, source
Old English Sheepdog
Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Bearded CollieOld English Sheepdog
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategoryMediumLarge
Height at withers51–56 cm56–61 cm
Weight18–27 kg27–45 kg
Life span12–14 years10–12 years
Recognition features
  • Long tousled coat with a beard and fringe
  • Slimmer than an Old English Sheepdog, with a long tail
  • Grey, brown or black with white markings
  • Massive shaggy grey-blue and white coat covering the eyes
  • Square, stocky build and a rolling gait
  • Short or absent tail (no longer docked in many countries)
CoatLong, harsh, flat or slightly wavy coat with a soft undercoat.Profuse, harsh shaggy coat with a waterproof undercoat.
PurposeA Scottish Highland herding dog that drove sheep long distances in harsh weather.An English drover's dog that moved cattle to market; the docked tail once identified a working dog exempt from tax.

Breed page: Bearded Collie · Breed page: Old English Sheepdog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.