Australian Cattle Dog vs Old English Sheepdog
Herding · Medium vs Herding · Large
Australian Cattle DogMedium
An alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise.
Weight: 35–50 lbsLifespan: 12–16 years
Old English SheepdogLarge
An adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes.
Weight: 60–100 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Quick take
- • Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed at 60–100 lbs (males) vs 35–50 lbs for the Australian Cattle Dog.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
- • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog sheds less.
- • The Australian Cattle Dog is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Australian Cattle Dog | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Herding |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | Australia | England |
Height (male) | 18–20" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 17–19" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 35–50 lbs | 60–100 lbs |
Weight (female) | 35–50 lbs | 60–100 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–16 years | 10–12 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.
About the Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is an adaptable, smart, gentle drover from western England — the shaggy 'Dulux dog' with hidden eyes. Originally from England, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as adaptable, smart, gentle.
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Australian Cattle Dog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Deafness
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
Old English Sheepdog health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Cataracts
- • Hypothyroidism
- • Deafness