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

The Old English Sheepdog is 60–100 lbs, 21–24 in sized while the Whippet is 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in sized. They differ in size (60–100 lbs, 21–24 in vs 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.

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

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

Which breed lives longer, Old English Sheepdog or Whippet?

The Old English Sheepdog has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Whippet has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Old English Sheepdog vs Whippet — 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 Whippet

The Whippet was developed in Victorian England by coal miners and mill workers who bred small Greyhounds with terriers to create an affordable racing and rabbit-coursing dog — earning the nickname "the poor man's racehorse." These elegant sighthounds stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with a streamlined, aerodynamic build capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually any color or pattern and lies close to the body, accentuating their graceful, muscular contours.

Temperament & Personality

Whippets are gentle, quiet, and remarkably calm indoors — often spending hours draped elegantly across furniture in poses that would make a greyhound proud. They are affectionate and sensitive with their families, good with children (though their slender build makes them vulnerable to rough play), and generally friendly with other dogs. Despite their sprinting ability, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy at home and are often described as the ideal apartment dog for owners who enjoy outdoor exercise.

Pros

Extremely calm and quiet indoors — one of the most unobtrusive housemates
Short, low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odor
Gentle, affectionate nature — rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs
Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years

Cons

Intense prey drive — will chase and potentially catch small animals including cats
Thin skin and low body fat make them sensitive to cold and prone to scrapes
Cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas — once they run, they cannot hear you
Susceptible to anesthesia sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias

Whippets are the perfect blend of couch companion and outdoor athlete — find one looking for a home on Puplister.

Old English Sheepdog vs Whippet