Breed comparison
Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd Dog: Which breed should you choose?
Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd Dog are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.
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Key takeaways
- Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd Dog are a similar size (19–34 kg).
- German Shepherd Dog costs less to buy: €600 – €1,500 compared with €700 – €1,800 for Australian Shepherd.
- Australian Shepherd costs less day to day: about €119 per month compared with €170 for German Shepherd Dog.
- Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (5/5).
- Australian Shepherd scores higher for “Families and children”: 5/5 compared with 4/5 for German Shepherd Dog.
- German Shepherd Dog scores higher for “Apartment living”: 2/5 compared with 1/5 for Australian Shepherd.
- For “First-time owners,” both breeds are tied (2/5).
- Australian Shepherd lives longer on average: 12–15 years compared with 10–13 years for German Shepherd Dog.
Our verdict
Choose Australian Shepherd if you’re looking for…
- Active households: it is well suited to people who are available to walk, play and work with it every day.
- Dog sports enthusiasts: its speed, concentration and desire to cooperate make it an excellent partner.
- Families often at home: it thrives better when it truly shares the daily life of its loved ones.
Choose German Shepherd Dog if you’re looking for…
- Active families: It is suitable for present, dynamic households ready to devote time to it every day.
- Committed owners: It thrives best with consistent, ongoing training that channels its sensitivity and abilities.
- Dog activity enthusiasts: It enjoys obedience, tracking, scent work and many dog sports.
- Utility or service projects: The breed is well suited to people looking for a versatile dog capable of working seriously.
Detailed comparison
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United States | Germany |
| FCI group | 1 | 1 |
| Build | Medium | Large |
| Height at the withers | 46–58 cm | 55–65 cm |
| Weight | 19–34 kg | 22–40 kg |
| Coat | Medium-long, straight to wavy | Short or long, double with dense undercoat |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 10–13 years |
| Average price | €700 – €1,800 | €600 – €1,500 |
| Monthly budget | ≈ €119 | ≈ €170 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Families and children | Excellent | Very good |
| Daily exercise needs | Very high | Very high |
| Apartment living | Limited | Fair |
| First-time owners | Fair | Fair |
| Other pets | Very good | Good |
| Tolerance of being alone | Fair | Fair |
| Guarding instinct | Good | Excellent |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
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