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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Old English Sheepdog or bearded collie?

12 replies

Feathered · 18/10/2013 10:28

Hello!
We've narrowed our (obsessive) search down to these two breeds. I would love some advice/words of wisdom about either of these breeds . . . and if you could choose one which would you go for?
We're looking at getting a puppy some time next year.
Thank you!

OP posts:
Pagwatch · 18/10/2013 10:32

Oh how funny. I have had three dogs, one of which was a beardie and one of my dogs now is an old English.

They are both gorgeous. Ours are gentle, well behaved and lovely.
I would probably say an old English. The grooming is more of a deal but penisDog is stunning and a truly gentle soul.

Pagwatch · 18/10/2013 10:33

I would get another old English in a heartbeat.

Original poster
Feathered · 18/10/2013 10:37

Thanks pagwatch. I think you advised me on here before. WE can't get a dog until after we move so I have had plenty of time to have a think about it.

I like the idea of having a gentle soul around. Are beardies a bit more lively? I wondered if the bearded Collie coat might be a bit easier to cope with . . . and aren't they a bit smaller?

OP posts:
Original poster
Feathered · 18/10/2013 10:39

I have stalkerishly looked at your profile and can see you're in the Southeast. Can I ask whether you got your old english locally?

OP posts:
Pagwatch · 18/10/2013 10:46

Yes, beardies are smaller and their coat is more manageable.
Neither dog were more lively than the other - once past the batty adolescent stage.

I think we got him in Hampshire from memory. I would have to find the papers and check. We found a breeder through the kennel club and the dogs were well cared for in a lovely home. My only regret was I didn't know enough back then to ensure she didn't dock his tail. Poor PenisDog should have a tail.

mintchocchick · 18/10/2013 13:51

Hi feathered we've "chatted" before about oes!

The most surprising thing for us of having our oes puppy is the number of people, mainly older generation, who come and chat to us about the breed. People say 'oh I haven't seen one of those for years' or 'isn't that an oes? Not many of those about anymore' and seem genuinely delighted to say hello to one again.

We go on the bus a lot as school run is 2 mile round trip so he's too young to do it all on foot at the moment, and every time I get on the bus with him, someone will move seats, lean down, stroke him and have a little chat about the breed etc. it is lovely and I'm meeting lots of local people.

I'm sure all puppies have a similar effect but I'm finding the breed issue to be a lovely way of connecting with a different generation.

Someone (male predicatably!) said to my 13 yr old son that the puppy would be a fabulous girl magnet and they'd be flocking round him - not too far from the truth on the 1 occasion I took the puppy to DS1s school for a sports event!

bassetfeet · 18/10/2013 17:18

Aw my first dog as an adult was an Old English . Fabulous dog and gentle .Easy to manage with young children . I walked miles with her on leash with the pram ........she just padded beside us. Smile.
Mind grooming was full time work . But so worth it. She was docked as was the idea at the time and her bum wagging was a sight to behold .
Gorgeous dogs and full of personality .
So pleased for you .

daftyburd · 18/10/2013 17:54

OES but I am biased due to getting one when I was 12 years old. Even now 19 years after his death I get misty eyed thinking about him.
Our village must be an exception as there are 3 of them living here. To be fair 2 are owned by the same family. Last year I met them and the male OES sat on my feet while I was chatting with the owner. It brought back memories as my OES would always plonk himself down on your feet. Never needed slippers for 14 years!

Original poster
Feathered · 18/10/2013 18:08

Wow - that has completely decided it!
I'm going to start emailing the kennel club list. Mintchocchick - I'd have to do a fairly demanding school run too . . . including getting on a train. Do you think that would be okay?

OP posts:
bassetfeet · 18/10/2013 18:38

Daftyurd I remember the doggy rug on your feet Grin. One of my favourite memories is her playing in the snow and coming home to have her massive paws defrosted from snowballs attached to her fur .
Plunged into a bowl of warm water and that shaggy face beaming .

Aquelven · 20/10/2013 17:40

And don't forget the dirty bottoms! Confused

I've had five OES & my friend has Beardies. The Beardie coat is much easier to groom & they are a bit smaller. We both show so grooming is important.
I don't know which I'd choose now, if I had to pick, they both have their pros & cons. Luckily it isn't a choice I have to make as I now have a different breed,one at the top of the At Risk Native British Breeds list.

ggirl · 20/10/2013 17:45

awww I'd have a beardie , miss ours so much

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