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

"Find similarities and differences between English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd" Compare English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: English Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name English Shepherd Australian Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland United States flagUnited States
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank29817
Reviews17
User Ratings

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Medium Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an English Shepherd and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 45-60 pounds (21-28 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 52.5 pounds (24.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, English Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Is an English Shepherd taller than an Australian Shepherd?
18-23 inches (46-58 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
20.5 inches (52 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The English Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: English Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
It is not recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home.
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.

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
English Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: English Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
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 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 vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The English Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of English Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an English Shepherd and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd?
Frequent
The English Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The English Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an English Shepherd or an Australian 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 English Shepherd or an Australian 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 English Shepherd or an Australian 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 English Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

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

English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of English Shepherd and Australian 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 English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - English Shepherd vs Australian 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.