Comparison: Newfoundland and Old English Sheepdog

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

Newfoundland
Photo: ChrisS3435, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Old English Sheepdog
Photo: AKS.9955, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
NewfoundlandOld English Sheepdog
FCI group2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originCanadaUnited Kingdom
CategoryGiantLarge
Height at withers63–71 cm56–61 cm
Weight45–70 kg27–45 kg
Life span8–10 years10–12 years
Recognition features
  • Large, massive dog with a dense water-resistant coat
  • Most often black, also brown or black-and-white (Landseer)
  • Broad head and gentle expression
  • 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)
CoatDouble, oily, water-resistant coat; black, brown or white-and-black.Profuse, harsh shaggy coat with a waterproof undercoat.
PurposeA working dog of Newfoundland fishermen that hauled nets and rescued drowning people; it has webbed feet.An English drover's dog that moved cattle to market; the docked tail once identified a working dog exempt from tax.

Breed page: Newfoundland · 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.