Old English Sheepdog vs 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
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.
Pointer Overview
Pointers exhibit a noble and athletic build with a distinctive stance when tracking prey. Their muscular bodies feature a deep chest, clean-cut head, and alert expression. The short coat comes in liver, lemon, black, or orange, often with white markings. Known for their graceful movement and intense focus while working, these dogs demonstrate remarkable agility and endurance in the field.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Old English Sheepdogs are less energetic than Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pointers.
- Trainability: Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Old English Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Old English Sheepdog and Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-17 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Loyal, Hardworking, Even-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | 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.
Pointer Temperament
The Pointer is characterized by being loyal, hardworking, even-tempered, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Old English Sheepdog and 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
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
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.
Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
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 medium coat coat, 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
Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Heart Issues
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
Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Athletic and agile
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Not suited for apartment living
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Old English Sheepdog and Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.