• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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

"Find similarities and differences between Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd" Compare Blue Heeler and German Shepherd. Which is better: Blue Heeler or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Blue Heeler German Shepherd
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank5182
Reviews221
User Ratings

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

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Blue Heeler and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
30-62 pounds (13-28 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?
46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Blue Heeler or German Shepherd? Is a Blue Heeler taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 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: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Blue Heeler and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$400-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Blue Heeler or German Shepherd?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Blue Heeler and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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: Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
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 Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Blue Heeler 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.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
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.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Blue Heeler or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, 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: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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 a Blue Heeler and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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: Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available 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

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler'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: a Blue Heeler 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.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Blue Heeler and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Blue Heeler 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 a Blue Heeler and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Dense Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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 Blue Heeler or German Shepherd? Do Blue Heeler dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Blue Heeler or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Blue Heeler or German Shepherd?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Blue Heeler or German Shepherd? Can a Blue Heeler and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Blue Heeler dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Blue Heeler 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
Blue Heeler 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?
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Blue Heeler 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: a Blue Heeler 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 Blue Heeler 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.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Blue Heeler and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
1-7 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Blue Heeler and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Blue Heeler 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.

Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Blue Heeler and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Blue Heeler and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Blue Heeler and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
No data available 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

Rate This Comparsion - Blue Heeler vs German Shepherd

Reviews

  • use;rjzhsfjhslkjfs

    Sep 24, 2023, 7:55:29 PM:

    kxdriht zouhgKDJgvK:SJGh;kzjhv;SKDJv wowowowowowohehehehehehehehwhen are you going tototototototototot

  • Big Chungus

    Nov 4, 2023, 5:53:05 PM:

    Based, I completely agree with that other review