Comparison: Bergamasco Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog

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

Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
Photo: Josephine06, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Old English Sheepdog
Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Bergamasco Shepherd DogOld English Sheepdog
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originItalyUnited Kingdom
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers54–62 cm56–61 cm
Weight26–38 kg27–45 kg
Life span–10–12 years
Recognition features
  • Medium-sized, square-built dog with an exceptionally abundant coat
  • Coat forms broad felted strands ("flocks") over the body
  • Rustic appearance, hair falling over face and ears
  • 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)
CoatVery abundant coat of three hair types (goat-like, woolly and undercoat) matting into broad felted "flocks"; grey through black.Profuse, harsh shaggy coat with a waterproof undercoat.
PurposeAn Italian Alpine herding dog that helped shepherds drive and guard flocks.An English drover's dog that moved cattle to market; the docked tail once identified a working dog exempt from tax.

Breed page: Bergamasco Shepherd Dog · 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.