Old English Sheepdog vs Boerboel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Old English Sheepdog
Herding Group
Boerboel
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Old English Sheepdog Overview
Majestic and shaggy, the Old English Sheepdog boasts a distinctive bear-like appearance with a thick, weather-resistant double coat. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage. Standing 22-24 inches at the shoulder, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their most striking feature is the abundant coat that flows over their eyes, giving them their characteristic peaked appearance.
Boerboel Overview
Powerful and muscular, the Boerboel exhibits a distinctive blocky head, strong bone structure, and imposing presence. Their short coat comes in various shades including fawn, red, and brindle. Despite their intimidating size, these dogs display remarkable intelligence and calm confidence, showing deep loyalty to their families while maintaining a naturally protective instinct.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Old English Sheepdogs are more energetic than Boerboels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Boerboels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boerboels.
- Trainability: Boerboels may be slightly easier to train due to their Boerboel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Old English Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Boerboels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Old English Sheepdog and Boerboel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 9-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 150-200 lbs 68-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Confident, Intelligent, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Boerboel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Old English Sheepdog Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is known for being adaptable, gentle, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Boerboel Temperament
The Boerboel is characterized by being confident, intelligent, calm, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Old English Sheepdog and Boerboel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
Boerboel
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Boerboel
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Old English Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Old English Sheepdogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Old English Sheepdogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Boerboel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boerboels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boerboels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Old English Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Thyroid Issues
Boerboel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Old English Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming requirements
- Can be stubborn
- Requires significant exercise
Boerboel
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent
- Calm temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Requires extensive training
- Not suitable for small spaces
- High food costs
- May be too powerful for inexperienced owners
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Old English Sheepdog and Boerboel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.