Golden Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
VS
Old English Sheepdog
A shaggy, bear-like herding dog with a distinctive shuffling gait and a booming bark. Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, playful clowns that adore children and family life.
Quick Answer
Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train. Choose Old English Sheepdog if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Golden Retriever
Attribute
Old English Sheepdog
large
Size
large
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Weight
27–45 kg (60–99 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
53–61 cm (21–24 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Energy
4/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
5/5
Shedding
5/5
Better4/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$800–$2,500
Price
$1,200–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Golden Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Golden Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420 ✓
Old English Sheepdog
Avg. Purchase$2,100
Annual Food$840
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$500
Annual Total$1,940
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever and $1,200–$3,000 for a Old English Sheepdog. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Golden Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog: Training and Intelligence
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
Golden Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Trainability
Better5/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Golden Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Family and Social Compatibility: Golden Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Golden Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Golden Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog: Size and Coat
Old English Sheepdog is the larger breed; Golden Retriever is more compact.
Golden Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Weight (kg)
25–34
vs27–45
Height (cm)
51–61
vs53–61
The Golden Retriever stands 51–61 cm (20–24 in) and weighs 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs), while the Old English Sheepdog measures 53–61 cm (21–24 in) and 27–45 kg (60–99 lbs). The Old English Sheepdog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Which Sheds More — Golden Retriever or Old English Sheepdog? Grooming Compared
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Golden Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Shedding
5/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better4/5
vs5/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (5/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Budget for a good robot vacuum.
Golden Retriever and Old English Sheepdog Temperament: What to Expect
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Golden Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs4/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Golden Retriever is typically friendly, intelligent and devoted, making them well suited for families, first-time owners, active lifestyles and houses with yards.
Golden Retriever vs Old English Sheepdog: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Golden Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Energy Level
4/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (4/5) and similar energy levels (Golden Retriever: 4/5, Old English Sheepdog: 4/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Which Is Healthier — Golden Retriever or Old English Sheepdog? Health Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Golden Retriever
Old English Sheepdog
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs10–12
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Golden Retriever lives roughly 10–12 years while the Old English Sheepdog averages 10–12 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Summary and Final Take: Golden Retriever or Old English Sheepdog?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Golden Retriever if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Golden Retriever and Old English Sheepdog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Golden Retriever by roughly $500/year.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Golden Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Golden Retrievers cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Old English Sheepdog if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Old English Sheepdogs tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Golden Retriever and Old English Sheepdog have high energy needs (4/5 and 4/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Golden Retriever or Old English Sheepdog?
The Golden Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Old English Sheepdog at 5/5. The Golden Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Golden Retriever or Old English Sheepdog easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Old English Sheepdog's 3/5. The Golden Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Golden Retriever or Old English Sheepdog?
A Golden Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,500 while a Old English Sheepdog costs $1,200–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $1,940 for the Old English Sheepdog. The Old English Sheepdog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Golden Retrievers or Old English Sheepdogs live longer?
The Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years on average, while the Old English Sheepdog lives 10–12 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Golden Retriever or Old English Sheepdog live in an apartment?
The Golden Retriever is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Old English Sheepdog (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.