BriardVSOld English Sheepdog

The Briard is known for being loyal, protective, intelligent, while the Old English Sheepdog is typically described as adaptable, gentle, playful. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Old English Sheepdog tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Briard's 4/5. Expect the Old English Sheepdog to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

The Briard is a large breed standing 56–69 cm (22–27 in) tall and weighing 27–41 kg (60–90 lbs). In comparison, the Old English Sheepdog is a large breed at 53–61 cm (21–24 in) and 27–45 kg (60–99 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Briard has a long coat available in black, gray, tawny, while the Old English Sheepdog sports a long coat in gray and white, blue and white, grizzle and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Briard has high energy (4/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Old English Sheepdog has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

The Old English Sheepdog sheds more than the Briard — 5/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Old English Sheepdog.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 5/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $400 for the Briard and $500 for the Old English Sheepdog. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Briard has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the Old English Sheepdog lives 10–12 years. The Briard tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Briard include hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, congenital stationary night blindness. The Old English Sheepdog is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Briard and $600 for the Old English Sheepdog. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Briard is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Old English Sheepdog scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Briard ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Briard outranks the Old English Sheepdog with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The Briard tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in working intelligence. They both excel when given structured tasks and thrive in obedience, agility, or service work.

The Briard's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 3/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Old English Sheepdog edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Briard's 4/5. The Old English Sheepdog's adaptable temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Old English Sheepdog tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Briard (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Old English Sheepdog is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Old English Sheepdog is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Briard tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Old English Sheepdog's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Briard ranges from $1,500–$3,000, while a Old English Sheepdog typically costs $1,200–$3,000. The Briard has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,680 for the Briard and $1,940 for the Old English Sheepdog. The Old English Sheepdog costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $65 for the Briard and $70 for the Old English Sheepdog. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.