What is the difference between a Old English Sheepdog and a Vizsla?

The Old English Sheepdog is 60–100 lbs, 21–24 in sized while the Vizsla is 44–60 lbs, 21–24 in sized. They differ in size (60–100 lbs, 21–24 in vs 44–60 lbs, 21–24 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Old English Sheepdog or Vizsla?

Old English Sheepdog is generally good with kids. Vizsla is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Old English Sheepdog or Vizsla?

The Old English Sheepdog has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Vizsla has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Old English Sheepdog vs Vizsla — Breed Comparison

About the Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog — sometimes called the "Bobtail" — was developed in the early 19th century in England's western counties as a drover's dog for moving cattle and sheep to market. These large, athletic dogs stand 21 inches and up, typically weighing 60 to 100 pounds, with a distinctive rolling, bear-like gait. Their profuse, shaggy double coat in blue, gray, blue merle, or grizzle — always with white markings — is one of the most recognizable in the dog world.

Temperament & Personality

Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, adaptable, and blessed with a wonderful clownish sense of humor that makes them natural entertainers. They are devoted to their families, excellent with children — often herding them gently — and generally friendly toward other pets. Their intelligence and eagerness to engage make them responsive to training, though they do have an independent streak typical of herding breeds.

Pros

Gentle, playful nature makes them outstanding family companions
Adaptable to various living situations when exercise needs are met
Natural herding instinct provides built-in watchfulness over children
Social and friendly demeanor with both people and other animals

Cons

Extremely high grooming demands — coat requires thorough brushing 3 to 4 times weekly minimum
Prone to hip dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, and exercise-induced collapse
Heavy shedding and tendency to track dirt, leaves, and moisture indoors
Can develop separation anxiety and become destructive when left alone

Charmed by the shaggy, lovable Bobtail? Browse Old English Sheepdog adoption listings on Puplister now.

About the Vizsla

The Vizsla is Hungary's national dog, with origins tracing back over 1,000 years to the Magyar tribes who settled the Carpathian Basin and needed a versatile pointer-retriever for the plains. These lean, athletic dogs stand 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh 44 to 60 pounds, with a distinctively sleek, muscular build and an elegant, ground-covering gait. Their short, smooth coat comes exclusively in various shades of golden rust — from sandy gold to deep russet — with no undercoat, giving them a clean, low-maintenance appearance.

Temperament & Personality

Vizslas are affectionate, energetic, and extraordinarily people-oriented — often called "Velcro dogs" because they want to be in constant physical contact with their owners. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and possess a sensitivity that makes them responsive to their family's moods. Vizslas form such intense bonds that they can suffer severe separation anxiety if left alone regularly — they truly need to be included in daily family life.

Pros

Exceptionally affectionate and forms deep, devoted bonds with family
Versatile athlete — excels in hunting, agility, dock diving, and tracking
Low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odor
Gentle, sensitive nature makes them excellent therapy dogs

Cons

Severe separation anxiety — cannot tolerate being left alone for long periods
Extremely high exercise needs — requires 1 to 2 hours of vigorous activity daily
Prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and lymphosarcoma
Thin coat and low body fat make them uncomfortable in cold weather

If you want a devoted, athletic companion who'll never leave your side, find your Vizsla on Puplister.

Old English Sheepdog vs Vizsla