Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Decker Giant or Little Blue Dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd"
Compare Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd?
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| Name | Rat Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  United States | United States |
| Group | Hunting Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 97 | 17 |
| Reviews | 2 | 7 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier |
Little Blue Dog Aussie |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Rat Terrier and an Australian Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Small | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rat Terrier and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is heavier? | Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 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? | Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) | Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Is a Rat Terrier taller than an Australian Shepherd? | Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) | Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) | Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Rat Terrier and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed costs more? | $300-$500 | $600-$800 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. | Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare training requirements. | Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare alertness levels. | Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors. | Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Rat Terrier and an Australian Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ? |
Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive |
Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? | High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
| Social Needs
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison: | Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? | The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home. | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting? | Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. | Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare living space needs. | Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier 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 Australian Shepherd indoors. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels. | Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all 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: Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? | Rat Terrier 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. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies. | Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare average lifespans. |
14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. | 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. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Rat Terrier and an Australian Shepherd. Which breed is healthier? | The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | 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: Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? |
Average The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once 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: Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison: | Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems |
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 |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare activity levels. | Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. | Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? | Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep. | Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare obesity risks. | Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare daily food needs. | No data available | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd? Compare breed colors. |
Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor |
Black Red Blue Merle |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs. | Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. | Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts. | The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier 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 a Rat Terrier and an Australian Shepherd? Compare fur types. |
Dense Shiny | Feathered |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Do Rat Terrier dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs? | Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. | Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness. | Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? | Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Australian Shepherd? Can a Rat Terrier and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Rat Terrier dogs get along with Australian Shepherd dogs? | Rat Terrier 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: Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd? |
Yes Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier 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? | Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare service capabilities. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Rat Terrier 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: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities. | Yes This breed would make an excellent 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: a Rat Terrier or an Australian Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Rat Terrier 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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Rat Terrier 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. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd. Which has larger litters? | 5-7 puppies | 6-9 puppies, average 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier and Australian 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 United Kennel Club |
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 |
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