What is the Difference Between Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog?

The Bearded Collie and Old English Sheepdog are both herding breeds with long, shaggy coats, but they have several key differences:

1. Size: The Old English Sheepdog is larger than the Bearded Collie. On average, an Old English Sheepdog stands about 24 inches tall and weighs between 60 and 100 pounds, while the Bearded Collie is smaller.
2. Appearance: The Bearded Collie has a smoother, silkier fur with a longer length, giving it a more refined appearance. The Old English Sheepdog has a double coat of fur that is very shaggy and long. The Bearded Collie's fur frames its head, giving the dog an expressive "eyebrows" look, while the Old English Sheepdog has bangs that fall near or over its eyes instead of prominent eyebrows. The Bearded Collie often carries its tail low, while the Old English Sheepdog commonly has a docked tail for hygiene.
3. Origin: The Old English Sheepdog is from England, while the Bearded Collie hails from Scotland, where it was once a working dog used as a herder.
4. Gait: The gait of a Bearded Collie is smooth and gives the impression that the dog could work all day, while the Old English Sheepdog has a different movement style.
5. Tail: The Bearded Collie has a long tail that is carried low, while the Old English Sheepdog has no tail.

Despite their differences, both breeds are known for their intelligence, herding abilities, and friendly nature. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary checkups, both breeds can enjoy long, healthy lives.

Comparative Table: Bearded Collie vs Old English Sheepdog

The Bearded Collie and the Old English Sheepdog are both herding breeds with long, shaggy coats, but they have some key differences that can help you distinguish between them. Here is a table comparing their main characteristics:

Both breeds are intelligent, friendly, and make excellent active family companions. They have similar colors, but the Bearded Collie has a smoother, silkier coat, while the Old English Sheepdog has a shaggy, double coat. The Bearded Collie also has a long tail carried low, while the Old English Sheepdog may have a short or docked tail. The Old English Sheepdog is generally larger and more muscular than the Bearded Collie, and they have a shorter lifespan.