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Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd" Compare Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd German Shepherd
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank172
Reviews721
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd? Is an Australian Shepherd taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Feathered Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd? Do Australian Shepherd dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd? Can an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Australian Shepherd dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
6-9 puppies, average 7 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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Reviews

  • Diane

    Nov 26, 2019, 8:34:20 AM:

    Very helpful

  • Kaitlyn

    Feb 25, 2020, 7:29:43 PM:

    this site was very usefull for my project