Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd

Compare the Australian Shepherd to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds.

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-14 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Origin Country
United States
Germany
Origin Year
1840 AD
1899 AD
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
None
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Energy Level
High to Very High
High
Exercise Required
High
High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
High
Dander
Medium
High
Drool
Low
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Average
Above Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Above Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
None
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Wavy
Straight
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Blue Merle
Blue Merle
Red
Red
Red Merle
Red Merle
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
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