Old English Sheepdog vs Schipperke

Herding · Large vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed at 60–100 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
  • The Schipperke typically lives longer (12–14 years).
  • The Schipperke has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Schipperke sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitOld English SheepdogSchipperke
Group
HerdingNon-Sporting
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
EnglandBelgium
Height (male)
22–24"11–13"
Height (female)
21–23"10–12"
Weight (male)
60–100 lbs10–16 lbs
Weight (female)
60–100 lbs10–16 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Low (2/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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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.

About the Schipperke

The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.

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Old English Sheepdog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Deafness

Schipperke health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • MPS IIIB
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hypothyroidism