Is the Bearded Collie or the Old English Sheepdog better for families with children?

Both the Bearded Collie and the Old English Sheepdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bearded Collie or the Old English Sheepdog?

The Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Bearded Collie or the Old English Sheepdog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bearded Collie or Old English Sheepdog bigger?

Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed; Bearded Collie is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Bearded Collie or Old English Sheepdog?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Bearded Collie or Old English Sheepdog?

For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.

Bearded Collie vs Old English Sheepdog: Which Is Calmer?

Bearded Collie vs Old English Sheepdog: full comparison

Trait	Bearded Collie	Old English Sheepdog
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	High	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Old English Sheepdog is a larger dog than the Bearded Collie, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Bearded Collie is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Old English Sheepdog is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bearded Collie demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Old English Sheepdog wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Bearded Collie demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Old English Sheepdog demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bearded Collie picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Old English Sheepdog picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bearded Collie is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Old English Sheepdog is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Bearded Collie has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Bearded Collie has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bearded Collie if you want a more adaptable dog, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Old English Sheepdog if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bearded Collie or the Old English Sheepdog better for families with children?: Both the Bearded Collie and the Old English Sheepdog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bearded Collie or the Old English Sheepdog?: The Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Bearded Collie or the Old English Sheepdog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bearded Collie or Old English Sheepdog bigger?: Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed; Bearded Collie is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Bearded Collie or Old English Sheepdog?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Bearded Collie or Old English Sheepdog?: For apartment or apartment living, Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog are an even match — either can work well.

Bearded Collie vs Old English Sheepdog