The key difference between American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd is that Australian Shepherds are larger than American Shepherds.
The American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd, though often associated with Australia due to their names, are two distinct and highly versatile dog breeds that originate from the United States. These intelligent and energetic herding dogs share some common characteristics while also possessing unique traits that set them apart.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. American Shepherd
3. Australian Shepherd
4. Similarities – American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd
5. American Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd
7. Summary – American Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd
American Shepherd
The American Shepherd or miniature American Shepherd has a close connection to the Australian Shepherd and shares its roots in California in the 1960s. Both breeds came from a herding dog originally from the Pyrenees Mountains, which arrived in the U.S. via Australia. These dogs are friendly, playful, and good with people and other dogs. They’re also intelligent and highly trainable. These dogs are known for being smart and active, making them great for herding.
American Shepherds are small, with females standing around 13 to 17 inches tall and males at 14 to 18 inches, and they weigh between 20 to 40 pounds. Their fur is medium-length and can be blue, blue merle, red, or red merle, sometimes with white and tan marks.
Taking care of their coat is relatively easy. You just need to brush it regularly, at least once a week, to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. They might shed more in spring and fall, so during those times, you should brush them more often.
Miniature American Shepherds generally live for 12 to 13 years and are a healthy breed overall. However, they can have some hereditary health problems like eye issues, drug sensitivity due to a gene mutation, and hip dysplasia.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, despite its somewhat misleading name, actually has American origins. They’re known for being smart and hardworking. When it comes to their temperament, they can be a bit reserved with strangers, but they’re friendly and social once they get to know you. Australian Shepherds are active and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities are essential. They’re quick learners and are good at various dog sports and activities, but early socialization and positive training methods are important. These dogs are great at herding.
In terms of size, males are around 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller at 18 to 21 inches. They have a double coat that can be straight or wavy, and they come in different colors like black, blue merle, red, and red merle, often with white markings and copper points. Their coat needs regular brushing to avoid tangles and mats. These dogs live quite a long time, usually 12 to 15 years. In terms of health, they’re generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can have some genetic health issues like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. Regular vet check-ups and responsible breeding can help address these concerns and keep them in good shape.
What are the Similarities Between American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd
- Both breeds are highly intelligent.
- They are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners.
- American Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are energetic and require regular exercise.
- They excel in various dog sports and activities due to their agility and trainability.
- Both breeds are well-suited for herding and other working roles.
- Both breeds come in a variety of coat colors, including black, blue merle, red, and red merle, often with white markings and sometimes tan points.
- They have a moderate to long double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
- In general, they are healthy breeds but may be prone to certain hereditary health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems.
What is the Difference Between American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd?
The key difference between American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd is that Australian Shepherds are larger than American Shepherds. American Shepherds are small, with females standing around 13 to 17 inches tall and males at 14 to 18 inches, and they weigh between 20 to 40 pounds. Meanwhile, Australian Shepherd males are around 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller at 18 to 21 inches and weigh between 40-65 pounds.
When comparing their temperament, American Shepherds are usually more reserved and protective of their families, and they may not be as welcoming to strangers or other animals as Australian Shepherds.
Below is a summary of the difference between American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd
Are mini Australian Shepherds the same as American shepherds?
No, Mini Australian Shepherds are not the same as American Shepherds, although they share some similarities. Miniature American Shepherd is a distinct breed with its own characteristics.
Are Australian Shepherds strong?
Yes, Australian Shepherds are known for their strength and agility, which makes them excellent working and herding dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds American?
Australian Shepherds are not originally from Australia, despite their name. They are actually an American breed with roots in the United States.
Summary – American Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd
The difference between American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd is their size. American Shepherds are small, with females standing around 13 to 17 inches tall and males at 14 to 18 inches, and they weigh between 20 to 40 pounds. Meanwhile, Australian Shepherd males are around 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller at 18 to 21 inches and weigh between 40-65 pounds.
Reference:
1. “Australian Shepherd.” Dogtime.
2. “Miniature American Shepherd: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care.” The Spruce Pets.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Red bicolour Australian Shepherd” By monica king – Flickr (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Miniature American Shepherd red merle” By Jugabe3b – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia