Comparison: Old English Sheepdog and South Russian Shepherd Dog

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

Old English Sheepdog
Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
South Russian Shepherd Dog
Photo: user:Przykuta, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Old English SheepdogSouth Russian Shepherd Dog
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originUnited KingdomRussia
CategoryLarge–
Height at withers56–61 cm–
Weight27–45 kg–
Life span10–12 years–
Recognition features
  • 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)
  • Large, moderately long-bodied, not stocky dog with a long, harsh, shaggy coat
  • Head furnishings form eyebrows, moustache and beard; the nasal bridge is well covered with hair
  • Topline with a slight curve over the loin
CoatProfuse, harsh shaggy coat with a waterproof undercoat.Abundant, long (at least 10 cm), harsh, thick, shaggy, slightly wavy coat over the whole body; mane desirable in males.
PurposeAn English drover's dog that moved cattle to market; the docked tail once identified a working dog exempt from tax.A herding and guard dog of the Russian steppes that protected livestock and premises.

Breed page: Old English Sheepdog · Breed page: South Russian Shepherd Dog

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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.