Old English Sheepdog vs Sealyham Terrier
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
Sealyham Terrier
Terrier 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.
Sealyham Terrier Overview
Sealyham Terriers showcase a distinctive white coat and muscular build, standing 10.5 inches at the shoulder. Their powerful jaws and strong neck reflect their hunting heritage, while their long, broad head features dark eyes and folded ears. These sturdy terriers combine an alert, outgoing personality with a charming sense of humor, making them both capable workers and delightful companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Old English Sheepdogs are less energetic than Sealyham Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to Sealyham Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Sealyham Terriers.
- Trainability: Sealyham Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Sealyham Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 11-11 inches 27-27 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 23-24 lbs 10-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Alert, Outgoing, Sense Of Humor |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Sealyham Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Sealyham Terrier Temperament
The Sealyham Terrier is characterized by being alert, outgoing, sense of humor, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Sealyham Terrier, 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
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Sealyham Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Sealyham Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Sealyham Terriers 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, Sealyham Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Old English Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Thyroid Issues
Sealyham Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Lens Luxation
- Hip Issues
- Allergies
- Deafness
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
Sealyham Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Alert watchdog
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Requires experienced handling
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Old English Sheepdog and Sealyham Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.