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Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Little Blue Dog or Farm Collie?

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd" Compare Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or English Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd English Shepherd
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States England flagEngland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank17298
Reviews71
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Farm Collie
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Australian Shepherd and an English Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Australian Shepherd and an English Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 45-60 pounds (21-28 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 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: 52.5 pounds (24.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or English Shepherd? Is an Australian Shepherd taller than an English Shepherd?
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) 18-23 inches (46-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) 20.5 inches (52 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Australian Shepherd and an English Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or English Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The English Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
English Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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English Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
English Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The English Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Average: English Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Australian Shepherd or an English 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 recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home.

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
English Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or English 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.
English Shepherd dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of English Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Australian Shepherd or an English 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.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The English Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Australian Shepherd and an English 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.
English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The English Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs English 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
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Australian Shepherd or an English 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.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
White
Brown
Sable
Yellow
Brindle
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The English Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The English Shepherd drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The English Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Australian Shepherd and an English Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Feathered Fluffy
Silky
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or English Shepherd? Do Australian Shepherd dogs shed more than English Shepherd dogs?
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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English Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
English Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
English Shepherd dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or English Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
English Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or English Shepherd?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
English Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or English Shepherd? Can an Australian Shepherd and an English Shepherd be friends? Do Australian Shepherd dogs get along with English Shepherd dogs?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
English Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
English 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
English 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.
English Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

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

Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Australian Shepherd or an English Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

English Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Australian Shepherd or an English 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 English Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
6-9 puppies, average 7 5-8 puppies, average 6
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Australian Shepherd and English 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 English Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Australian Shepherd and English 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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Animal Research Foundation

Rate This Comparsion - Australian Shepherd vs English Shepherd

Reviews

  • Janis

    Feb 28, 2020, 8:29:03 PM:

    Terrible. I've owned two out of three breeds, and know a lot of different dogs from different lines in all three breeds. Very inaccurate depictions.

  • MJ

    Nov 26, 2023, 5:10:30 PM:

    I've had both an English shepherd and an Australian shepherd and I find these descriptions absolutely wrong. English shepherds are much more independent and bark more than an Australian shepherd.

  • MJ

    Nov 26, 2023, 5:11:46 PM:

    Australian shepherds are known for being "velcro" dogs which often result in separation anxiety, but only bark to play or alert about imminent possible threats.

  • MJ

    Nov 26, 2023, 5:14:28 PM:

    Long walks (1-2h), dog park time (1-2h) and stimulating games are necessary for both breeds but several walks would only be required if you're walking around the block once.

  • MJ

    Nov 26, 2023, 5:16:29 PM:

    All dog breeds are dog friendly as long as they've been well socialized young and haven't dealt with traumatic incidences. English shepherds don't drool at all, you're mistaking the breed with another, as even your picture for the breed looks wrong.

  • MJ

    Nov 26, 2023, 5:18:27 PM:

    Both breeds have a moderate prey drive as it derives from wanting to protect the flock and home from intruders. English shepherd also have a low tendency for health issues compared to other breeds as they aren't over bred like most AKC registered breeds.

  • MJ

    Nov 26, 2023, 5:19:08 PM:

    Please inform yourself better before informing others with falsehoods.