Clydesdale vs Shire
Clydesdale or Shire? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Clydesdale | Shire | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Lanarkshire, Scotland | England |
| Size | 16–18 hands · 1,800–2,000 lb | 16–18+ hands · 1,800–2,400 lb |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years | 20–25 years |
| Coat | Bay, white face, feather | Black, bay, grey; feather |
| Temperament | Gentle, willing, calm | Gentle, patient, docile |
| Best fit | Driving, pleasure riding | Driving, pleasure, showing |
| Energy | ●●●●● Steady, lively action | ●●●●● Steady and quiet |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Willing and kind | ●●●●● Patient and kind |
| Upkeep | ●●●●● Feather care, big feet | ●●●●● Feather care, huge feet |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Gentle, but huge | ●●●●● Gentle, but huge |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | $3,500 median (29 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (2 of 5 each).
- Trainability: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Upkeep: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (4 of 5 each).
The Clydesdale
A Scottish draft horse from Lanarkshire, bred to haul coal and farm loads, known for its high-stepping action and white feathered legs. Clydesdales are gentle and willing, but their feather and size bring real care demands.
Heavy feather hides mites and skin disease and is linked to chronic progressive lymphedema. Size means oversized stalls, trailers and tack.
The Shire
An English draft horse and one of the tallest breeds in the world, once used for farm work and brewery drays. Shires are gentle and patient, but their size and feathered legs make them costly to house and care for.
Shires need oversized everything, from stalls to trailers. Heavy feather brings mites and chronic progressive lymphedema risk.
Questions
Is a Clydesdale or a Shire better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 4 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Clydesdale: Gentle, but huge. Shire: Gentle, but huge.
What is the main difference between a Clydesdale and a Shire?
Heavy feather hides mites and skin disease and is linked to chronic progressive lymphedema. Size means oversized stalls, trailers and tack. By contrast, shires need oversized everything, from stalls to trailers. Heavy feather brings mites and chronic progressive lymphedema risk.