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

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

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

The Rough Collie 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 Rough Collie?

The Rough Collie is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Old English Sheepdog or Rough Collie bigger?

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

Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Rough Collie?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Old English Sheepdog vs Rough Collie: Which Sheds Less?

Old English Sheepdog vs Rough Collie: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Old English Sheepdog is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Rough Collie is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. 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 Rough Collie 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 demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Rough Collie demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. 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 is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Rough Collie is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Old English Sheepdog shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Rough Collie announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

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

Choose the Rough Collie if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a more adaptable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Old English Sheepdog or the Rough Collie better for families with children?: Both the Old English Sheepdog and the Rough Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Old English Sheepdog or the Rough Collie?: The Rough Collie 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 Rough Collie?: The Rough Collie is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Old English Sheepdog or Rough Collie bigger?: Old English Sheepdog and Rough Collie are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Rough Collie?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Old English Sheepdog or Rough Collie?: For apartment or apartment living, Old English Sheepdog and Rough Collie are an even match — either can work well.

Old English Sheepdog vs Rough Collie