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

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

Which sheds more, the Old English Sheepdog or the Spinone Italiano?

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

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

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

Is Old English Sheepdog or Spinone Italiano bigger?

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

Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Spinone Italiano?

Old English Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Spinone Italiano is the quieter choice.

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

For apartment or apartment living, Spinone Italiano has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Old English Sheepdog vs Spinone Italiano: Which Sheds Less?

Old English Sheepdog vs Spinone Italiano: full comparison

Trait	Old English Sheepdog	Spinone Italiano
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	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 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 Spinone Italiano 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 wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Spinone Italiano wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. 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 Spinone Italiano requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. 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 moderate amount, usually with reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Spinone Italiano trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Old English Sheepdog is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Spinone Italiano is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Spinone Italiano has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Old English Sheepdog and Spinone Italiano are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Spinone Italiano has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Spinone Italiano has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Spinone Italiano has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Old English Sheepdog if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Spinone Italiano on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Spinone Italiano if you want a more adaptable dog, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want less shedding around the home.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Old English Sheepdog or the Spinone Italiano better for families with children?: Both the Old English Sheepdog and the Spinone Italiano are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Old English Sheepdog or the Spinone Italiano?: The Old English Sheepdog sheds more than the Spinone Italiano. If shedding is a concern, the Spinone Italiano is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Old English Sheepdog or the Spinone Italiano?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Old English Sheepdog or Spinone Italiano bigger?: Old English Sheepdog and Spinone Italiano are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Old English Sheepdog or Spinone Italiano?: Old English Sheepdog tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Spinone Italiano is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Old English Sheepdog or Spinone Italiano?: For apartment or apartment living, Spinone Italiano has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Old English Sheepdog vs Spinone Italiano