Old English Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie: two shaggy British drovers compared

Both breeds worked British farms moving livestock and share a profuse, weatherproof double coat that ranks among the heaviest grooming commitments in the dog world. The Old English Sheepdog is the larger, calmer of the two, while the Bearded Collie brings noticeably more energy and a livelier working drive that still shows up at home today.

Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this

	Old English Sheepdog	Bearded Collie
Weight	27 to 45 kg	18 to 25 kg
Height	54 to 66 cm	51 to 56 cm
Life expectancy	10 to 12 years	12 to 14 years
Daily exercise	60 to 90 min	120 to 150 min
Energy	3 / 5	5 / 5
Easy to train	3 / 5	3 / 5
Shedding	3 / 5	3 / 5
Good with children	4 / 5	5 / 5
Apartment friendly	2 / 5	2 / 5

Size and coat

The Old English Sheepdog weighs 27 to 45 kg (60 to 99 lb) and stands 54 to 66 cm (21 to 26 in), with a dense, shaggy coat over a waterproof undercoat that mats within days if left unbrushed.

The Bearded Collie is notably smaller and lighter, 18 to 25 kg (40 to 55 lb) and 51 to 56 cm (20 to 22 in), with a similarly long, harsh coated double layer that parts naturally along the spine.

Grooming demands

Both breeds need brushing several times a week at minimum, and many owners of either breed brush daily to keep on top of matting, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail.

The Old English Sheepdog's greater coat volume simply means longer sessions, often 45 minutes to an hour, while the Bearded Collie's somewhat lighter coat can usually be managed in 20 to 30 minutes with the same frequency.

Energy and exercise

The Old English Sheepdog is moderate energy for a herding breed, content with 45 to 60 minutes of walking and play, and settles indoors more readily once that need is met.

The Bearded Collie is considerably more energetic, scoring at the top of the energy scale, and needs closer to 60 to 90 minutes of varied activity including off lead running, since a bored Beardie tends to invent its own entertainment around the house.

Temperament and trainability

Both breeds are famously good natured with children and other dogs, and the Old English Sheepdog in particular is known for a gentle, sometimes clownish patience that suits a busy family home.

The Bearded Collie carries more of a herding dog's independent problem solving streak, which can look like stubbornness in training, though it responds well to varied, engaging sessions that keep its quick mind occupied.

Health and lifespan

The Old English Sheepdog lives 10 to 12 years and, given its larger frame, is prone to hip dysplasia and a heart condition that responsible breeders screen for before breeding.

The Bearded Collie lives 12 to 14 years, somewhat longer on average, and is a generally hardy breed, though hip screening and an eye exam are still worth requesting from a breeder before bringing a puppy home.

Cost and daily practicalities

Grooming costs run high for both breeds if you use a professional groomer regularly, and many owners invest in a proper slicker brush, comb and dryer to manage the coat themselves between visits.

The Old English Sheepdog's larger size means higher food costs and a need for more space at home, while the Bearded Collie's higher energy means the real ongoing cost is time spent on exercise rather than square footage.

Choose the Old English Sheepdog if

Wants a larger, calmer household presence
Prefers a dog content with a moderate daily exercise routine
Comfortable with longer grooming sessions given the coat volume
Drawn to the breed's classic bear like rolling gait
Fine with a gentle, patient temperament around young children

Choose the Bearded Collie if

Wants a smaller, more energetic herding companion
Ready to commit to 60 minutes or more of varied daily activity
Prefers a slightly lighter coat to manage day to day
Interested in the breed's Scottish droving history
Comfortable with more independent problem solving in training

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

Both breeds shed moderately given their double coats, though the Old English Sheepdog's greater coat volume often means more loose hair around the house. Regular brushing reduces shedding noticeably in either breed by removing loose undercoat before it falls out on its own.

Are Old English Sheepdogs or Bearded Collies good with children?

Yes, both breeds score very highly for friendliness with children and are known for a patient, tolerant nature around family life. The Old English Sheepdog's calmer energy can make it a slightly easier match for a home with very young kids.

Which breed needs more exercise, the Sheepdog or the Beardie?

The Bearded Collie needs noticeably more exercise, often 60 to 90 minutes of varied activity compared with 45 to 60 minutes for the Old English Sheepdog. A Beardie left under exercised is more likely to become restless or vocal indoors.

How much time should I budget for grooming either breed?

Plan on daily brushing of 20 to 45 minutes depending on the breed and coat length, plus a professional groom every six to eight weeks. Skipping more than a few days in a row usually means dealing with painful mats later.