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

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

Which sheds more, the Old English Sheepdog or the Otterhound?

The Otterhound sheds more than the Old English Sheepdog. If shedding is a concern, the Old English Sheepdog is the lower-maintenance choice.

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

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

Is Old English Sheepdog or Otterhound bigger?

Old English Sheepdog and Otterhound are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Otterhound?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Old English Sheepdog vs Otterhound: Which Sheds Less?

Old English Sheepdog vs Otterhound: full comparison

Trait	Old English Sheepdog	Otterhound
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	High	Very High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	11 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Old English Sheepdog is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Otterhound is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Old English Sheepdog thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Otterhound thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Old English Sheepdog is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Otterhound requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Old English Sheepdog trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Otterhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Old English Sheepdog shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Otterhound shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Old English Sheepdog and Otterhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Old English Sheepdog and Otterhound are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Old English Sheepdog and Otterhound are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Otterhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Old English Sheepdog has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Old English Sheepdog if you want less shedding around the home or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Otterhound if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Old English Sheepdog or the Otterhound better for families with children?: Both the Old English Sheepdog and the Otterhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Old English Sheepdog or the Otterhound?: The Otterhound sheds more than the Old English Sheepdog. If shedding is a concern, the Old English Sheepdog is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Old English Sheepdog or the Otterhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Old English Sheepdog or Otterhound bigger?: Old English Sheepdog and Otterhound are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Otterhound?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Old English Sheepdog or Otterhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Old English Sheepdog and Otterhound are an even match — either can work well.

Old English Sheepdog vs Otterhound