Old English Sheepdog vs Tosa
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
Tosa
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Tosa Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Tosa combines impressive physical strength with a dignified bearing. Standing tall with a muscular build, broad head, and deep chest, these dogs showcase a short, dense coat in various solid colors. Their calm demeanor masks incredible strength, while their patient and vigilant nature makes them exceptional guardians. Distinguished by their noble expression and balanced proportions, Tosas move with surprising grace despite their substantial size.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Old English Sheepdogs are more energetic than Tosas, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to Tosas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Tosas.
- Trainability: Tosas may be slightly easier to train due to their Tosa's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Old English Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Tosas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Old English Sheepdog and Tosa, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 100-200 lbs 45-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Tosa Temperament
The Tosa is characterized by being fearless, patient, vigilant, 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 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 Tosa, 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
Tosa
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Tosa
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.
Tosa Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tosas 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, Tosas 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
Tosa Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Joint 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
Tosa
Pros
- Loyal guardian
- Patient temperament
- Calm demeanor
- Low barking tendency
Cons
- Requires experienced owner
- Size management challenges
- High food costs
- Not suited for small spaces
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Old English Sheepdog and Tosa, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.