Scottish Deerhound vs Old English Sheepdog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
Old English Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Scottish Deerhounds are less energetic than Old English Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to Old English Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Old English Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Old English Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Scottish Deerhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Scottish Deerhound and Old English Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, polite, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Old English Sheepdog Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is characterized by being adaptable, gentle, smart, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Scottish Deerhound and Old English Sheepdog, 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Old English Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Old English Sheepdogs 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, Old English Sheepdogs 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
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Old English Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Scottish Deerhound and Old English Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.