Comparison: Briard and Old English Sheepdog

Briard and Old English Sheepdog are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Briard
Photo: Dardeche at Dutch Wikipedia, Public domain, source
Old English Sheepdog
Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
BriardOld English Sheepdog
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originFranceUnited Kingdom
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers56–68 cm56–61 cm
Weight30–40 kg27–45 kg
Life span10–12 years10–12 years
Recognition features
  • Long dry, coarse coat falling over the eyes
  • Beard and eyebrows, sturdy frame
  • Double hind dewclaws
  • Massive shaggy grey-blue and white coat covering the eyes
  • Square, stocky build and a rolling gait
  • Short or absent tail (no longer docked in many countries)
CoatLong, dry, slightly wavy and coarse coat.Profuse, harsh shaggy coat with a waterproof undercoat.
PurposeAn ancient French herding and guarding dog from Brie; protected flocks from wolves and served as a military carrier.An English drover's dog that moved cattle to market; the docked tail once identified a working dog exempt from tax.

Breed page: Briard · Breed page: Old English Sheepdog

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.