Old English Sheepdog vs Pumi
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
Pumi
Herding 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.
Pumi Overview
Pumi dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and expressive face with semi-erect ears, creating their signature whimsical appearance. Medium-sized with a square build, they move with agile grace and purpose. Their alert, intelligent expression reflects their keen herding heritage, while their muscular build enables swift, efficient movement. The breed's spiral-curled coat forms corkscrews over their athletic frame.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Old English Sheepdogs are less energetic than Pumis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Pumis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pumis.
- Trainability: Old English Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Old English Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pumis adapt better to apartment living, while Old English Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Old English Sheepdog and Pumi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 22-29 lbs 10-13 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pumi Temperament
The Pumi is characterized by being energetic, lively, ready to work, 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 Pumi, 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
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Pumi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Pumi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Pumi
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.
Pumi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pumis 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, Pumis 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
Pumi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
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
Pumi
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Adaptable
- Low-shedding coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Requires mental stimulation
- Strong herding drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Old English Sheepdog and Pumi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.