Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Old English Sheepdog |  Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in the west of England in the early nineteenth century to drive cattle and sheep to market. The docked tail that once marked it as a working drover's dog earned it the nickname Bobtail. | France and Belgium |
| Group | Pastoral | Toy |
| Size | Large | Small |
| Coat | Long, dense, shaggy double coat in grey, grizzle, blue or blue merle with white | Dense, curly, white coat with a soft undercoat |
| Weight | 27 to 45 kg | 3 to 6 kg |
| Height | 53 to 61 cm | 23 to 30 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 yrs | 12 to 15 yrs |
| Exercise need | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Affection | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Grooming needs | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Barking | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Trainability | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Prey drive | 4/10 | 2/10 |
| Copes alone | 4/10 | 2/10 |
| Drool | 6/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 6/10 | 2/10 |
| Flat fit | 3/10 | 8/10 |
| Running cost | €265 / month | €81 / month |
Old English Sheepdog verdict
The shaggy clown with a bear-like roll and a herder's heart.
Get one if
- · Families with children old enough to enjoy a large, boisterous, affectionate dog
- · Owners who genuinely enjoy grooming or will budget for a professional groomer every six to eight weeks
- · Households with a garden and time for a proper daily walk whatever the weather
Think again if
- · Anyone wanting a low-maintenance coat; mats form fast and clipping out a felted coat is miserable for dog and owner
- · Flats or small homes without easy outdoor access
- · Households out at work all day with no dog care arrangement
Bichon Frise verdict
A cheerful, curly coated companion bred purely to be good company, and happiest never left alone for long.
Get one if
- · Owners who can offer consistent daily company rather than long stretches alone
- · People happy to commit to frequent brushing and regular professional grooming
- · Families with children who can play gently with a small dog
Think again if
- · Owners who are regularly out of the house for long working days
- · Anyone hoping grooming will be occasional rather than a weekly commitment
- · People relying on the breed being fully allergy proof without testing their own reaction first