Old English Sheepdog vs German Shorthaired Pointer
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
German Shorthaired Pointer
Sporting 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.
German Shorthaired Pointer Overview
German Shorthaired Pointers embody versatility with their athletic build and distinctive liver-and-white spotted coat. Their muscular frame supports effortless movement, while their noble head features a broad nose and intelligent expression. These dogs combine power with grace, displaying medium-sized, well-proportioned bodies that excel in both field work and companionship.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Old English Sheepdogs are less energetic than German Shorthaired Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to German Shorthaired Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Shorthaired Pointers.
- Trainability: Old English Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Old English Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Old English Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while German Shorthaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Old English Sheepdog and German Shorthaired Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
German Shorthaired Pointer Temperament
The German Shorthaired Pointer is characterized by being friendly, smart, willing to please, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Old English Sheepdog and German Shorthaired Pointer, 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
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
German Shorthaired Pointer
Rating: 3/5
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.
German Shorthaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Shorthaired Pointers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Shorthaired Pointers 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
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Entropion
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
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
German Shorthaired Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Highly trainable
- Versatile athlete
- Great family dog
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Requires consistent training
- May be too energetic for some
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Old English Sheepdog and German Shorthaired Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.